Table of Contents
- Why this combo wins (and keeps winning)
- The 90-minute setup (copy this checklist)
- Part 1 — Connect WordPress (20–30 min)
- Part 2 — Seed your content engine (35–40 min)
- Part 3 — Turn on the smart extras (10–15 min)
- Part 4 — Publishing cadence (10–15 min)
- Your first 10 posts (plug-and-play)
- The “answer-first” format that AI (and readers) love
- Minimal editorial process (15 minutes per post)
- Conversion boosters you’ll want to bake in
- Safe-linking guardrails (so you don’t worry later)
- Troubleshooting (when something’s off)
- Bonus levers (optional, but smart)
- FAQs
- Sources & further reading
Why this combo wins (and keeps winning)
- Velocity without burnout. Daily (or near-daily) posts, structured for AI search and humans.
- Direct-to-WordPress. No copy-paste. No formatting headaches.
- Your voice, systemized. You set the rules. Outrank follows them.
- Compounding SEO. Smart internal links. On-brand images. Topic clusters that reinforce each other.
The 90-minute setup (copy this checklist)
Part 1 — Connect WordPress (20–30 min)
- Open Outrank → Integrations → WordPress.
- Authorize the connection to your site.
- Set a default author, category, and publishing state (publish or send for review).
- Pick your default featured image behavior (auto-image or manual).
Tip: Start with “Send for review.” After a week, switch to “Publish” if you like the output.
Part 2 — Seed your content engine (35–40 min)
- Create 3 topic clusters tied to revenue. Example:
- AI results & visibility
- Local SEO for [your service]
- Comparisons & buyer guides
- For each cluster, add seed keywords (5–10 each) and angles only you can offer: pricing ranges, mini case notes, before/after results.
- Drop in a brand voice note (tone, banned phrases, target length).
- Add internal link targets (your cornerstone pages) so drafts point readers to the right next step.
Part 3 — Turn on the smart extras (10–15 min)
- Branded images: enable auto-generated, on-brand visuals so every post has a clean hero and featured image.
- Internal linking: let Outrank propose or add contextual links between related posts and hubs.
- Multi-language (optional): if you sell globally, generate and publish in the languages that matter.
- Backlink Exchange (optional): opt in only if you want contextual links from the network. Keep anchors natural; stay within Google’s link rules.
Part 4 — Publishing cadence (10–15 min)
Cadence | Best for | Suggested settings |
Daily | New sites or aggressive markets | 1 post/weekday, review on weekends |
3×/week | Solo operators with limited time | M/W/F publish, Tue/Thu refresh older posts |
2×/week | Local or niche sites | Tue/Thu publish, light edits same day |
Weekly | Established sites needing stability | Monday publish, Friday refresh |
Your first 10 posts (plug-and-play)
- What is [problem]? 3-sentence answer box + 5-step quick start.
- [Problem] vs [Alternative]: verdict up top + 5-row table.
- Best tools for [task]: criteria table + 3–5 picks.
- How to do [task] on a $0 budget: constraints + stack.
- Templates pack: link to a Notion/Sheet; add usage tips.
- Local page (city A): neighborhoods, landmarks, seasonal quirks, short client story.
- Mistakes to avoid: 7 common errors + fixes.
- Metrics that matter: GA4 + GSC basics; what “good” looks like.
- FAQ roundup: 7 questions, 60–80 words each.
- Case snippet: before/after, 2 screenshots, 1 metric you moved.
The “answer-first” format that AI (and readers) love
- Lead with the answer. 2–4 sentences, tight and specific.
- Follow with a 5–7 step checklist. Make action stupid-simple.
- Add a compact table. Clear comparisons win attention and quotes.
- Drop one real example. Screenshot. Number. Short story.
- Finish with 3–5 follow-ups. Anticipate the next question.
Query Type | What to show | Why it helps |
How-to | Short, numbered steps | Skimmable. Easy to quote. |
Best tools | Criteria + top picks | Reduces choice overload. |
X vs Y | Side-by-side specs + verdict | Clarifies trade-offs fast. |
Local service | Areas served + quirks | Signals real-world relevance. |
Minimal editorial process (15 minutes per post)
- Skim the draft.
- Add one unique detail (data point, screenshot, specific story).
- Check the answer box and table. Tighten anything fuzzy.
- Link to one hub page and one “next step” page.
- Approve and publish.
Conversion boosters you’ll want to bake in
- Titles that say the thing. No teasers. Name the problem and the win.
- Lead with a quick win. First 100 words should help, not hype.
- Button micro-copy. “Get the checklist” beats “Read more.”
- Inline CTAs, not just banners. Add one after the first checklist.
- Bridge content. From “what is” to “how to” to “buy” in a click.
Safe-linking guardrails (so you don’t worry later)
- Context first. Link because it helps the reader.
- Natural anchors. Avoid repetitive, keyword-stuffed phrases.
- Qualify paid/affiliate links. If it’s sponsored, mark it.
- Avoid thin, scaled pages. Keep examples and tables in every post.
- Refresh routinely. After any major Google update, tighten anything that feels generic.
Troubleshooting (when something’s off)
- Nothing publishes? Recheck the WordPress connection and permissions. Set a default category/author.
- Formatting looks weird? Use a simple default post template in WordPress; let Outrank fill the block.
- Drafts feel “samey”? Add one screenshot or number from your process to each post.
- Low click-through from AI results? Sharpen the answer box. Mirror the exact query language in your H2.
- Indexing delays? Strengthen internal links to key pages. Make sure your hub pages are easy to reach.
Bonus levers (optional, but smart)
- Backlink Exchange: Opt in for contextual links from relevant posts in the network. Keep quality high and anchors human.
- Directory submissions (350+): Plant easy citations for early trust.
- Multi-language: If you sell cross-border, publish in the languages that move the needle.
FAQs
Sources & further reading
- Outrank — Integrations (WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, Notion, Wix). Outrank
- Outrank — 350+ Directory Submission Service. Outrank
- Outrank Blog — Best AI SEO Tools (Backlink Exchange, automation, internal linking). Outrank
- Google Search Central — AI features and your website (AI Overviews/AI Mode for site owners). Google for Developers
- Google Search Central — Generative AI content guidance. Google for Developers
- Google Search Central — Spam policies & March 2024 updates. Google for Developers
- Google Search Central — Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content. Google for Developers