The Genesis framework already includes SEO settings by default.
There’s no doubt that Yoast’s SEO plugin is the most comprehensive all in one solution for WordPress SEO.
But, do Genesis users need to install a SEO plugin on top of what Genesis already includes?
You may need to ask yourself this question based on your own needs and what other plugins you have installed which effect SEO.
Duplicate Tags
Plugins like Jetpack now include some of the meta tags WordPress SEO already includes which can duplicate certain tags potentially causing SEO problems for some.
It really depends on which plugins you have active at the same time. This is the reason i suggest new Genesis users as well as existing users who also use Yoast’s WordPress plugin consider their position.
That’s a consideration only you can make however i would like to show you how easy it is to convert your SEO settings from Yoast’s plugin to the built in Genesis SEO settings.
SEO Data Transporter
This plugin has been created and developed by the founder of StudioPress, Brian Gardner and Nathan Rice who is the lead Developer for Genesis.
You can also read more about how to change themes without losing your SEO settings.
Settings
After installing the SEO data transporter plugin, you’ll find the settings under Tools.
You can analyze which settings will be transported before converting.
If you’re happy with the result, then Convert and the job is completed.
You can see the SEO elements which will be included before you convert.
Deleting Plugins
Once you’ve converted your SEO settings, you can then delete both plugins.
Great post Brad except that when I installed Genesis and used their SEO (3 sites) all 3 are now giving duplicate title tags! Any suggestions? I’ve just moved one over to Yoast to see if this fixes it! I also followed the settings for Genesis SEO but to no avail. My site rank has dropped also.
Google Webmaster tools tells my they have indexed 2,168 URL’s however i have only posted 1274 articles and less than 100 pages.
I also have 2 Duplicate title tags.
What does your GWMT page for HTML Improvements for Duplicate title tags show you?
I would post the question on the official Google Webmaster forums.
I am tired of applying the seo settings in my genesis theme, I use Yoast initially, but after I change the theme with the genesis, I lost all the seo, how long should I wait until my genesis seo indexed by google?
All the SEO settings may still be in the database which you can check by re-installing the plugin.
If they are, you can use the SEO Data Transporter plugin when changing SEO plugins to avoid losing your data.
Hi Brad, I have been having numerous issues with duplicate meta descriptions and duplicate title tags along with a Geo location error with Yoasts local seo plugin. I have tried and tried to resolve myself and tried contacting Yoast. I only use Genesis and am wondering a few things.
I have had really good success with building my small local websites for San Diego and my new website that I am trying to brand for our company is This website has been nothing but problems. I can get a five page sites to rank on first page of Google without any effort. With this site being the biggest and using all my knowledge, I can’t get past page 5 or 6 for most search terms.
Using Yoast SEO, Yoast local plugin and Yoast video plugin, all with no results. At this time I am so desperate to correct, would you have any advise for a apprentice wed developer? Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.
Yes. Focus your content on your readers needs, challenges, frustrations and goals. And forget Writing for the search engines.
You are the best buddy. This worked perfectly. Now I think I just have to install a new sitemap plugin. Thanks Brad
Thanks Larry. I used a separate sitemap for images, videos and mobile. You may not need a sitemap plugin for mobile if you’re theme is fully responsive. P.S Don’t forget, you are always welcome to write a guest post and share your tips and tricks relating to WordPress and web design. Cheers