In Yoast SEO, adding multiple keywords means setting the focus term, then using Premium’s related keyphrases and synonyms for extra targets.
You’re here to target more than one search term on a single WordPress page without making the copy clunky. The path is simple: pick one main phrase, then add supporting terms where the plugin can check them. You’ll see clear feedback in the metabox or sidebar while you write, and you won’t need to cram repeats to flip lights.
Adding More Than One Keyword In Yoast: What Works
Start with one focus term that matches the page promise. Then widen coverage with extra terms in the related keyphrase fields. The free plugin gives you one focus input. The paid version adds inputs for related terms and synonyms, and it evaluates those as you go. That keeps wording natural while still hitting the queries you care about.
Free Vs. Premium At A Glance
The table below shows the parts that matter when you want a single URL to cover several close terms.
| Capability | Yoast Free | Yoast Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Set One Main Focus Term | Yes | Yes |
| Add Extra Related Terms | Place them in copy | Built-in “Add related keyphrase” fields |
| Synonyms & Word Forms Check | No | Yes |
| Separate Scores For Each Term | No | Yes |
| Semrush Term Suggestions | Limited prompt | Integrated picker inside editor |
Set Your Main Focus Term First
Open the post or page in the WordPress editor. Scroll to the Yoast panel or open the Yoast sidebar. In the Focus keyphrase field, enter the main term that sums up the topic. The plugin scans your title, meta description, URL, intro, and subheads against that term and shows color checks. If the intro check is off, place the main term once in the first paragraph and recheck. Keep the title and meta readable; don’t stuff repeats.
Pick A Single URL For A Single Main Term
Don’t send many pages after the same primary phrase. Choose one hero page for it. Nearby ideas can live on their own pages and link in both directions. That reduces self-competition and makes anchors cleaner.
Add Extra Terms With Related Keyphrases
Ready to cover more terms on the same page? Use the related keyphrase inputs. In the Yoast box, click “Add related keyphrase” and enter a secondary term. You’ll get a separate score with checks for placement in body text and headings. Repeat for a few close variants, not a laundry list. Keep the copy smooth; skip anything that feels shoehorned.
If you want ideas without leaving the editor, click “Get related keyphrases” to open the Semrush panel, connect an account, and pull suggestions. Pick variants that match your content and intent, not random high-volume phrases. The official docs walk through related terms and the Semrush picker here: related keyphrases and Semrush related keyphrases.
Use Synonyms To Keep Copy Natural
With the paid plugin, you can add synonyms for each term. The analysis recognizes natural wording and word forms, so you don’t repeat a phrase line after line. Enter synonyms in the field below a related term. Use words real readers say, not padded lists.
Step-By-Step: Add Multiple Terms The Right Way
Before You Start
- Define one page goal: what action or answer should a reader get?
- Choose one focus term that matches that goal.
- List two to four supporting terms that fit the same intent.
- Draft headings that promise value without cramming phrases.
Steps In The Editor
- Open the post or page in WordPress.
- Enter your main term in the Focus keyphrase field.
- Write the intro with the main term once. Keep the rest smooth.
- Click “Add related keyphrase” and enter a secondary term.
- (Premium) Add synonyms for that secondary term.
- Repeat for up to a few terms that truly fit.
- Check the analysis lights. Fix items that help clarity and flow.
- Craft a meta title and description that earn a tap on mobile.
Placement Tips That Keep You Safe
Put the main term in the title, intro, and one subhead. Place added terms in body copy where they fit. Mix in synonyms to avoid robotic phrasing. If a check asks for exact wording that harms readability, skip it. The goal is a page a person enjoys, not a scoreboard.
When Free Is Enough, When Premium Saves Time
Small sites can do well with one focus term and natural variations in the copy. Place extra terms by hand, then watch Search Console queries and refine over time. Larger teams benefit from the extra inputs, synonym checks, and suggestions built into the paid version. That setup catches gaps early and keeps writers inside the editor instead of bouncing between tools.
Smart Limits For Extra Terms
A handful of secondary terms is plenty. Two to four is a clean range for most posts. If you spot a strong phrase that doesn’t sit cleanly on this page, build a new URL for it and link both ways. Readers get the exact answer they came for, and your site structure stays tidy.
Linking And Structure That Help Multi-Term Pages
Internal links add context and guide users to depth. Link from this page to one deeper guide and one related checklist page. Keep anchors short and descriptive. Use headings that match what follows. Short paragraphs and scannable lists help people read on phones and leave room for in-content ad slots without hurting the experience.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Repeating the same phrase in every line.
- Chasing tool suggestions that don’t fit the page promise.
- Writing to fill checks instead of writing for people.
- Publishing many URLs that all chase the same main term.
Example Workflow For A Blog Post
Picture a how-to guide. The main term mirrors the search a reader types. Secondary terms are close variants or long-tails that match the same task. Add one or two as related keyphrases, then fold their wording into the copy, one subhead, and an image alt tag. Link once to a deeper explainer and once to a compact checklist. Publish, then watch new queries in Search Console and build a spin-off page if one of those merits its own URL.
Content Strategy: Picking Terms That Belong Together
Group terms by intent. If two phrases imply different needs, they belong on different pages. A page about setup fits with terms like “install,” “configuration,” and “enable.” A page about fixes fits with terms like “error,” “not working,” and “reset.” Keep each page focused, then interlink them in both directions for context.
How Many Terms Per Page?
Think in ranges, not quotas. A home page or a broad hub can handle more variety. A how-to or product page usually works best with a single main term and two to four close variants. If your text starts to bend around the terms, you’ve crossed the line—split the topic and link the parts.
Where Each Term Should Appear
- Main term: title, intro, one subhead, meta fields, and naturally in body.
- Secondary terms: body text and one subhead where they fit.
- Synonyms: body text and captions to keep reading smooth.
Formatting And Layout Tips For Scan Reading
Use H2/H3/H4 in order. Keep paragraphs to two or three sentences. Break long steps into bullets or numbers. Keep table widths tidy on mobile. Add descriptive alt text to images. These small touches help readers finish the page and make ad placements friendlier without crowding the content.
Checklist: Multi-Term Setup On One Page
Run this quick list before you hit publish.
| Field | Purpose | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Keyphrase | Main term that matches intent | Use once in intro and title |
| Related Keyphrase #1 | Close variant to widen reach | Place in one subhead and body |
| Related Keyphrase #2 | Long-tail that fits the same need | Add where it reads clean |
| Synonyms | Natural wording support | Enter the words people say |
| Meta Title | SERP line that earns the tap | Keep it readable on mobile |
| Meta Description | Copy that sets the expectation | Front-load the benefit |
Troubleshooting: When Scores Don’t Turn Green
Intro Or Subheading Checks Fail
Reread the first paragraph. If the main term isn’t there, add it once. If a subheading check nags, place the right term in one H2 or H3 that fits. Don’t wedge words into every heading.
Density Or Distribution Warnings
These are guides, not laws. If the page reads clean and solves the task, a warning that asks for one more mention can be ignored. Keep writing for people first.
No Good Suggestions From The Tool
If the Semrush panel looks thin, scan Search Console for real queries from your own site. Build your related list from those and prune anything that pulls the page off course.
Quick Template You Can Reuse
Copy this mini workflow into your content brief. It keeps writers aligned and speeds up publishing:
Brief
- Goal: reader action or decision.
- Main term: one clear phrase.
- Secondary terms: two to four close variants.
- Primary internal link: deeper guide.
- Secondary internal link: checklist or tools page.
During Draft
- Title includes the main term once.
- Intro includes the main term once.
- One subhead includes a close variant.
- Body uses natural wording and synonyms.
Pre-Publish
- Enter related keyphrases in the fields.
- Scan the analysis lights; fix items that help clarity.
- Write a meta description that matches the page.
- Add internal links with clear anchors.
Where To Go Next
Once the page is live, track impressions and clicks for the main term and added variants. If a new query takes off and deserves its own URL, build it and link both ways. Keep the reader’s task front and center; the plugin checks will follow.