Hubspot Guide: How to Add Keywords to WordPress
Using a Hubspot-inspired process to add keywords to WordPress helps you build search-friendly content that attracts the right visitors, not just more traffic.
This step-by-step tutorial shows you exactly where and how to place keywords in WordPress posts and pages, following proven on-page SEO practices.
Why Follow a Hubspot-Style Keyword Strategy
A structured approach to keyword placement, similar to what Hubspot teaches, keeps your content readable while signaling relevance to search engines.
The key idea is simple: choose one main focus keyphrase for each page and use it consistently in a few strategic locations instead of forcing it everywhere.
- Better clarity for search engines
- Higher chance to rank for a specific topic
- Improved user experience and engagement
Step 1: Research a Focus Keyword Before You Publish
Before opening the WordPress editor, research a primary keyword that matches what your audience actually searches for.
Look for a phrase that has search volume but is still specific enough to compete for, similar to how content planners at Hubspot align topics with user intent.
- Use keyword tools (free or paid)
- Check the search results page to see what already ranks
- Confirm the intent: informational, transactional, or navigational
When you select a keyword, keep it natural and easy to include in sentences, headings, and the URL.
Step 2: Add Keywords to the WordPress Title
The page title is one of the most important places for your main keyword. It appears in search results and tells readers what to expect.
Hubspot-Inspired Tips for SEO Titles
- Place the main keyword as close to the beginning as possible
- Keep the title clear, specific, and benefit-driven
- Stay within about 50–60 characters when possible
In WordPress, you typically set the title in the main post or page title field. If you use an SEO plugin, you can also customize the SEO title tag separately for more control.
Step 3: Optimize the Slug (URL) With Keywords
The slug is the part of the URL that comes after your domain. Search-focused platforms such as Hubspot often recommend short, descriptive, keyword-rich URLs.
How to Edit the Slug in WordPress
- Open your post or page in the WordPress editor.
- Locate the Permalink or URL section.
- Edit the slug so it includes your main keyword.
- Remove stop words like “and,” “for,” or “the” when possible.
For example, instead of a long default URL with numbers, use a clean structure like /keyword-guide/ that clearly reflects the main topic.
Step 4: Write an SEO-Friendly Meta Description
The meta description is the short snippet that appears under the title in search results, and it can heavily influence click-through rate.
Hubspot-Style Meta Description Best Practices
- Include the main keyword once, naturally
- Describe the main benefit or outcome of the page
- Stay within about 140–160 characters
- Use active language and a subtle call to action
In WordPress, an SEO plugin lets you add a custom meta description for each post or page. If you do not set one, search engines may pull random text from your content, which is usually less compelling.
Step 5: Place Keywords in Headings and Subheadings
Search engines use headings to understand the structure of your content. Readers also scan headings to decide whether to continue reading.
Using Hubspot Principles in WordPress Headings
- Use only one
<h1>per page (usually your main title) - Organize sections with
<h2>for main topics - Use
<h3>for sub-points or steps - Include the keyword or close variations in some, but not every, heading
Balance readability and optimization. If a heading sounds forced with the exact keyword, use a natural variation instead.
Step 6: Add Keywords Naturally in the Body Content
The main content area is where you show depth and authority on your topic. A Hubspot-style article focuses on solving a problem completely while using the keyword at a natural pace.
On-Page Content Placement Tips
- Include the main keyword in the first 100–150 words
- Sprinkle it a few more times throughout the article
- Use related phrases and synonyms to avoid repetition
- Write in short paragraphs and use bullet points for clarity
Avoid repeating the same phrase every sentence. Search engines now understand context, so varied language is a positive signal.
Step 7: Add Internal and External Links
High-quality content does not exist in isolation. Smart internal and external linking helps both users and search engines discover more relevant information.
Internal Linking for Stronger Site Structure
Link to other relevant content on your site whenever it genuinely supports the reader. For example, you can learn more about advanced optimization services from this SEO consulting resource.
External Links to Authoritative Sources
When you reference a specific process, guide, or framework, link to trustworthy sources. To see a detailed example of how to handle keyword placement guidance, review the original tutorial at this Hubspot keyword guide for WordPress.
These links help users dig deeper and give search engines more context about your topic.
Step 8: Use an SEO Plugin to Check Your Work
WordPress SEO plugins analyze your page and highlight where you have used your keyword and where you may have missed important locations.
Typical checks include:
- Presence of the keyword in the title
- Keyword in the slug and meta description
- Keyword usage in headings and body text
- Content length and readability analysis
Use these tools as a checklist, but always prioritize natural language and helpful information over strict scores.
Step 9: Review, Publish, and Update Regularly
Before publishing, read your post from start to finish. Make sure the keyword appears naturally and that the article flows logically.
- Check grammar and clarity.
- Confirm headings describe each section accurately.
- Verify that internal and external links work.
- Preview how the title and meta description will look in search results.
After publishing, monitor performance. Over time, update the article with better examples, fresher data, and refined keyword usage to maintain or improve rankings.
Bringing a Hubspot Mindset to WordPress SEO
By combining a thoughtful keyword strategy with clear structure, targeted headings, and strong internal and external links, you can turn each WordPress page into a focused resource that search engines understand and users trust.
Follow these steps consistently and refine them based on performance data, and your WordPress site can grow with the same disciplined, user-first mindset seen in Hubspot-style content strategies.
Need Help With Hubspot?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Hubspot , work with ConsultEvo, a team who has a decade of Hubspot experience.
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