Do you want to get your website ranked higher on Google without employing a full-time SEO specialist? Rank Math SEO plugin could be your answer. With more than 2 million active installations, Rank Math is one of the strongest WordPress SEO tools. But with both Free and Paid options, which do you pick—and how do you use it correctly?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:
What Rank Math is
How to install and configure it
Key features of the Free version
Advanced features in the Paid version
A Free vs Paid comparison
Final verdict: Which one is best for you?
What is Rank Math SEO?
Rank Math is a WordPress SEO plugin that ensures your content gets optimized for search engines such as Google. It provides tools like keyword optimization, rich snippets, schema markup, and in-depth SEO analysis—all accessible within your WordPress dashboard.
It’s also referred to as the “Swiss Army knife of SEO plugins” because of how all-in-one it is and how simple it is to use.
How to Install and Set Up Rank Math (Step-by-Step)
Regardless of whether you’re using the free or the paid version, the setup process is essentially the same:
Step 1: Install the Plugin
Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for “Rank Math SEO”.
Click Install Now, and then Activate.
Step 2: Launch the Setup Wizard
Once activated, you will get a notice to run the Rank Math Setup Wizard. It will assist you with:
Connecting your free Rank Math account
Setting up your site details
Set SEO settings (indexing, schema, sitemaps)
Step 3: Select Your Mode
Rank Math has three modes:
Easy – Simple SEO features for beginners.
Advanced – Complete control for SEO specialists.
Custom – Only for Pro users, perfect for agencies.
Rank Math SEO – Free Version Features
The free version of Rank Math is quite robust and contains the majority of the tools a beginner or intermediate user will need.
Top Free Features:
- Unlimited Focus Keywords (default 1, expandable through filter)
- Google Search Console Integration
- XML Sitemaps
- Schema Markup (Rich Snippets)
- Local SEO & Knowledge Graph
- SEO Analysis Tool (Score-based)
- WooCommerce SEO (Basic)
Perfect for: Bloggers, small business owners, and content creators seeking more visibility without costs.
Rank Math SEO Pro – Paid Version Features
The Pro version unleashes pro features for pros, agencies, and eCommerce sites.
Most Important Paid Features:
Monitor up to 500 Keywords
Pro Schema Generator (Custom schema builder)
Google Trends Connection
Image SEO Automation (Alt tags, title tags auto-insertion)
WooCommerce Advanced SEO
Client SEO Reports (agency & freelancer)
Custom Role Manager for team management
Rank Tracker + Analytics Dashboard
Pricing (2025):
Pro – $59/year (for personal sites)
Business – $199/year
Agency – $499/year
Recommended for: Professional SEOs, agencies, eCommerce stores, and digital marketers.
Rank Math Free vs Paid
| Feature | Free Version | Pro Version |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Keywords | 1 (default) | Multiple |
| Keyword Tracking | ❌ | ✅ Track up to 500 keywords |
| Google Trends Integration | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Schema Builder | ❌ | ✅ Custom schema types |
| Image SEO | Basic | Automated + Advanced |
| WooCommerce SEO | Basic | Advanced (product schema, etc.) |
| Client Reports | ❌ | ✅ White-label PDF reports |
| Support | Community Support | Premium Email Support |
Final Advise: Free vs Paid – Which One Should You Use?
Utilize the Free version if you’re new, have a blog, or own a small business website. It provides 95% of the fundamental SEO features—completely free.
Upgrade to Pro if you’re an SEO consultant, have an agency, or own eCommerce websites. The automation tools, keyword monitoring, and schema creator save countless hours of work and drive rankings.
SEO Tips for Using Rank Math Effectively
Always optimize your title and meta descriptions with target keywords.- Utilize the Content AI feature (paid version) for keyword suggestions.
- Submit your XML Sitemap to Google Search Console.
- Include Schema Markup to enhance CTR using rich results.
- Check rankings frequently using the Analytics Dashboard.
