The latest update for one of the most popular WordPress plugins of all time has been released and Yoast SEO 8.0 brings with it some interesting new features designed for use with the upcoming Gutenberg page builder.
You’ll have heard a lot about Gutenberg, a new page builder that will be part of WordPress core with the next major update (WordPress 5.0), which is due for release in the final quarter of the year. However, you can give Gutenberg a try today to see how it may benefit your WordPress business site.
To get ready for the release of Gutenberg Yoast have added new features to their 8.0 release, including a change to the classic meta box.
Longtime users of Yoast will be used to the meta box being displayed below the post, however the new location will be the sidebar to fit in with the Gutenberg layout. Currently you may notice a duplicate meta box still located in its original position, but after WordPress 5.0 is released you’ll be able to choose which location you want to opt for.
The classic traffic light system has been updated with a colour-coded smiley face key to give you feedback on each element of SEO. Your usual criteria will still be displayed, though now you’ll find them under collapsible panels for neatness and space saving.
These seemingly small changes represent bigger things to come – as we get closer to the release of Gutenberg we expect to see more plugins adding or tweaking functionality to co-exist alongside and hopefully enhance the way Gutenberg is hoped to improve the WordPress experience for all users.
