---
name: software-review
description: Write comprehensive software/plugin/tool reviews with personal setup details, code snippets, and clear verdicts.
---

# Skill: Software Review

In-depth reviews for WordPress plugins, SaaS tools, hosting, themes, and software on gauravtiwari.org. This is the definitive review format based on actual published reviews.

## Specifications

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Default length | 3500+ words |
| Tone | Experienced practitioner who actually uses the product |
| Personal setup | Required (show real configuration) |
| Code snippets | Include when relevant (for technical products) |
| Verdict | Required with ACF Product Review block |
| Comparisons | vs 2-3 main alternatives |
| FAQs | Required (8-12) |

## Review Philosophy

This is a practitioner's review. You've used this product on real sites with real traffic. You have opinions backed by evidence.

**Include:**
- Your actual configuration/setup
- Specific settings you use (and why)
- Code customizations you've made
- Performance numbers from your sites
- Real problems you've encountered
- Who it's perfect for
- Who should avoid it

**Never:**
- List every feature from the marketing page
- Hedge on recommendations
- Avoid criticism to protect affiliate relationship
- Write like you've only read the documentation

## Article Structure

```markdown
[Strong opening - what it is, why it matters, preview verdict]

## What [Product] Actually Does

[2-3 paragraphs explaining core function in plain language]

## My Complete Setup on [Site Name]

[Show your actual configuration]

### Active Modules/Features

[What you have turned ON and why]

### Inactive Modules/Features

[What you've turned OFF and why - this shows expertise]

### Key Settings Configuration

[Walk through important settings with your choices]

## Key Features That Actually Matter

### [Feature 1]

[Why it matters, how you use it, specific benefits]

### [Feature 2]

[Continue pattern - focus on features you actually use]

[...]

## Code Snippets I Use to Power Up [Product]

[Only for technical products - actual code you use]

### [Customization 1]

```php
// Your actual code
```

[Explain what it does and why]

### [Customization 2]

[Continue pattern]

### Where to Add This Code

[functions.php, code snippets plugin, etc.]

## What [Product] Does Well

### [Strength 1]

[Specific benefit with evidence]

### [Strength 2]

[Continue pattern]

[...]

## What [Product] Doesn't Do Well

### [Limitation 1]

[Honest assessment with context]

### [Limitation 2]

[Continue pattern]

[...]

## Pricing

[Full breakdown with tables]

### Comparison of Pricing with Alternatives

[Pricing comparison table]

## [Product] vs Alternatives

### [Product] vs [Alternative 1]

[Direct comparison with clear recommendation]

### [Product] vs [Alternative 2]

[Continue pattern]

### [Product] vs [Alternative 3]

[Continue pattern]

## Who Should Use [Product]

### [User Type 1]

[Why it's perfect for them]

### [User Type 2]

[Continue pattern]

[...]

## Who Should NOT Use [Product]

### [User Type 1]

[Why it's a bad fit, what to use instead]

### [User Type 2]

[Continue pattern]

[...]

## How Did [Product] Fare with Me?

[Personal verdict section - 2-3 paragraphs of honest assessment]

## [Product] Review

[ACF Product Review Block - see block format below]

## Frequently Asked Questions

[ACF Accordion - 8-12 FAQs]

```

## Opening Template

Start strong. Preview your verdict immediately.

**Pattern:**
1. What it is (one sentence)
2. Why it exists / problem it solves
3. Your verdict preview (one clear statement)
4. Who it's for
5. One key limitation

**Example:**
> Rank Math is a WordPress SEO plugin that replaced Yoast as my go-to recommendation three years ago. It combines technical SEO, schema markup, and content optimization in one plugin that doesn't slow down your site.
>
> After using it on 15+ sites including this one, I can say it's the best SEO plugin for most WordPress users in 2026. The free version handles everything bloggers need. The Pro version is worth it only if you're running multiple sites or need advanced schema.
>
> Fair warning: the interface can overwhelm beginners. There's a learning curve.

## "My Complete Setup" Section

This is what separates a real review from a rewritten press release. Show your actual configuration.

**Example structure:**
```markdown
## My Complete Setup on gauravtiwari.org

I've used Rank Math on this site since 2021. Here's my exact configuration as of January 2026.

### Active Modules

| Module | Why I Use It |
|--------|--------------|
| SEO Analysis | Core functionality. Runs on every post |
| Sitemap | Built-in, no extra plugin needed |
| Schema | Local Business + Article schema on relevant pages |
| Redirections | Handles 301s without extra plugin |
| Analytics | Dashboard integration. Saves opening GA separately |
| Instant Indexing | Posts hit Google in minutes, not days |

### Inactive Modules

| Module | Why It's Off |
|--------|--------------|
| Link Counter | Minor feature, adds database queries |
| 404 Monitor | Using CloudFlare for this instead |
| SEO Analysis for Elementor | Not using Elementor |
| WooCommerce | Not running e-commerce on this site |

### General Settings Configuration

**Frontend SEO Score:** Disabled. No need to show scores publicly.

**Headline Analyzer:** Enabled. Useful during writing, not intrusive.

**Setup Mode:** Advanced. Basic mode hides too many options.
```

## Features Section

Don't list features. Explain WHY each feature matters and HOW you use it.

**Bad:**
> Rank Math includes keyword tracking, schema markup, and sitemap generation.

**Good:**
> **Schema Markup** - I use this on every recipe post. Rank Math automatically generates Recipe schema from the content, which shows star ratings and cook time in Google results. My recipe posts get 40% more clicks than non-schema competitors based on Search Console data.
>
> The interface lets you add schema without touching code. Select "Recipe" from the dropdown, fill in the fields, done. I tried doing this manually with JSON-LD before. Took 20 minutes per post. Now it's 2 minutes.

## Code Snippets Section

For technical products (plugins, themes, hosting), show actual code you use.

**Example:**
```markdown
## Code Snippets I Use to Power Up Rank Math

### Customizing Breadcrumbs

Rank Math's default breadcrumb format works, but I prefer a cleaner separator:

```php
add_filter( 'rank_math/frontend/breadcrumb/args', function( $args ) {
    $args['separator'] = ' › ';
    return $args;
});
```

### White-Labeling the Sitemap

I remove the Rank Math branding from my sitemap:

```php
add_filter( 'rank_math/sitemap/enable_stylesheet', '__return_false' );
```

### Where to Add This Code

Add these snippets to your theme's `functions.php` or use a code snippets plugin like WPCode. I prefer WPCode because updates won't overwrite my changes.
```

## Limitations Section

Be genuinely honest. This builds trust.

**Example:**
```markdown
## What Rank Math Doesn't Do Well

### Advanced Mode Complexity

The Advanced mode exposes every setting. Good for power users, overwhelming for beginners. I've seen clients accidentally break their SEO by toggling wrong options.

**My workaround:** I configure sites in Advanced mode, then switch to Basic mode for clients who manage their own content.

### Support Response Times

Free version: forum only, response in 1-3 days. Pro version: ticket system, response in 24-48 hours. Neither is instant.

**Context:** This is standard for WordPress plugins. Yoast is similar. If you need same-day support, consider an agency retainer.

### Content AI Limitations

The AI writing assistant is... fine. It's not ChatGPT or Claude quality. I use it for meta description suggestions and ignore the content recommendations. Don't buy Pro just for Content AI.
```

## Pricing Section

Include full breakdown with comparison.

**Example:**
```markdown
## Pricing

| Plan | Sites | Price/Year | Per Site Cost |
|------|-------|------------|---------------|
| Free | Unlimited | $0 | $0 |
| Pro | Unlimited Personal | $59 | Varies |
| Business | 100 Client Sites | $199 | $1.99 |
| Agency | 500 Client Sites | $499 | $0.99 |

**What I Use:** Business plan. Covers all my client sites at under $2 each.

**Free vs Pro:** Honestly, Free handles 90% of what bloggers need. Pro adds: Multiple focus keywords, Advanced schema types, Google Trends integration, Email reports. Worth it at $59/year if you run multiple sites.

### Comparison of Pricing with Other SEO Plugins

| Plugin | Free | Pro (1 site) | Unlimited |
|--------|------|--------------|-----------|
| Rank Math | Yes | $59/yr | $199/yr |
| Yoast | Yes | $99/yr | $499/yr |
| All in One SEO | Yes | $49.60/yr | $299.60/yr |
| SEOPress | Yes | $49/yr | $128/yr |

Rank Math's unlimited personal plan at $59 is the best value for solo site owners.
```

## Comparison Section

Direct, opinionated comparisons.

**Example:**
```markdown
### Rank Math vs Yoast

**Why I switched:** Yoast started feeling bloated. Every update added upsells. The free version kept losing features to Premium.

**Rank Math wins on:**
- More features in free version
- Built-in schema (Yoast charges extra)
- Cleaner interface
- Lower resource usage

**Yoast wins on:**
- Longer track record
- More tutorials online
- Slightly better beginner onboarding

**My recommendation:** Rank Math for new sites. If you're on Yoast and it's working, no urgent need to switch. The migration is painless though. Took me 10 minutes per site.
```

## "Who Should Use" Sections

Be specific about user types.

**Example:**
```markdown
## Who Should Use Rank Math

### Content Creators and Bloggers

The content analysis and readability scores help during writing. Focus keyword tracking across multiple keywords (Pro) is useful for pillar content strategy.

### WordPress Agencies

The Business plan at $199/year covers 100 client sites. That's insane value. White-label options in Pro let you remove Rank Math branding.

## Who Should NOT Use Rank Math

### Complete Beginners

The interface assumes you know basic SEO concepts. If "meta description" means nothing to you, start with Yoast's beginner-friendly approach, then graduate to Rank Math.

### Large E-commerce Sites

For 10,000+ products, I'd consider specialized solutions like Yoast WooCommerce SEO or dedicated technical SEO. Rank Math handles small to medium catalogs fine.
```

## Verdict Section

Personal, definitive, clear.

**Example:**
```markdown
## How Did Rank Math Fare with Me?

Rank Math has been my default SEO plugin since 2021. Five years of updates, zero major issues. It runs on every site I manage.

The free version is the best free SEO plugin available. Period. If you're starting a blog and don't want to pay for SEO tools, Rank Math Free gives you everything you need for the first year.

The Pro version makes sense at $59/year if you: manage multiple sites, need advanced schema, or want the Analytics integration. I'd skip it for a single hobby blog.

My only reservation is the learning curve. The Advanced mode can overwhelm beginners. Start with Basic mode, learn the concepts, then upgrade when you're ready.

**Bottom line:** Install Rank Math. You can always switch later, but you probably won't want to.
```

## ACF Product Review Block

Place after the verdict text. Use the product-review-block format.

**Example:**
```html
<!-- wp:acf/product-review {"name":"acf/product-review","data":{"field_pr_product_name":"Rank Math SEO","field_pr_show_title":"1","field_pr_product_image_url":"https://example.com/rank-math-logo.png","field_pr_overall_rating":"4.8","field_pr_summary":"Rank Math is the best WordPress SEO plugin for most users in 2026. The free version handles everything bloggers need. Pro is worth it for agencies and multi-site owners. The learning curve is real but manageable.","field_pr_features":{"row-0":{"field_pr_feature_name":"Features","field_pr_feature_rating":"5"},"row-1":{"field_pr_feature_name":"Ease of Use","field_pr_feature_rating":"4"},"row-2":{"field_pr_feature_name":"Performance","field_pr_feature_rating":"5"},"row-3":{"field_pr_feature_name":"Value for Money","field_pr_feature_rating":"5"},"row-4":{"field_pr_feature_name":"Support","field_pr_feature_rating":"4"}},"field_pr_pros":{"row-0":{"field_pr_pro_text":"Most generous free version of any SEO plugin"},"row-1":{"field_pr_pro_text":"Built-in schema markup without extra plugins"},"row-2":{"field_pr_pro_text":"Excellent performance with minimal resource usage"},"row-3":{"field_pr_pro_text":"Regular updates with new features"},"row-4":{"field_pr_pro_text":"One-click migration from Yoast and other plugins"}},"field_pr_cons":{"row-0":{"field_pr_con_text":"Learning curve for beginners in Advanced mode"},"row-1":{"field_pr_con_text":"Content AI quality is mediocre"},"row-2":{"field_pr_con_text":"Support response times could be faster"}},"field_pr_offer_url":"https://gauravtiwari.org/go/rank-math/","field_pr_offer_cta_text":"Try Rank Math Free","field_pr_link_rel":"nofollow sponsored","field_pr_link_target":"_blank","field_pr_offer_price_currency":"USD","field_pr_offer_price":"0","field_pr_payment_term":"/year","field_pr_price_valid_until":"2026-12-31","field_pr_enable_json_ld":"1","field_pr_author_name":"Gaurav Tiwari","field_pr_date_modified":"2026-01-15","field_pr_brand":"Rank Math","field_pr_availability":"InStock"}} /-->
```

## FAQ Section

8-12 questions covering:
1. Is [Product] worth the price?
2. Is there a free version/alternative?
3. How does [Product] compare to [Main Competitor]?
4. What's the refund policy?
5. How is the support quality?
6. Can I use [Product] with [Popular Plugin/Theme]?
7. Is [Product] good for beginners?
8. How do I migrate from [Competitor]?
9. Does [Product] slow down my site?
10. What's missing in the free version?

**Format:** Use ACF Accordion block with FAQ schema enabled.

## Inline Blocks to Use

Throughout the review, use these ACF blocks where appropriate:

### Pros/Cons Block (Mid-article summary)

```html
<!-- wp:acf/pros-cons {"name":"acf/pros-cons","data":{"pc_show_first":"positive","pc_pros_title":"What I Like","pc_pros_list":"<ul>\n<li>Generous free version</li>\n<li>Built-in schema markup</li>\n<li>Clean interface</li>\n</ul>","pc_cons_title":"What Could Be Better","pc_cons_list":"<ul>\n<li>Learning curve</li>\n<li>Support response times</li>\n</ul>"}} /-->
```

### CTA Block (After verdict)

```html
<!-- wp:acf/cta {"name":"acf/cta","data":{"acf_cta_heading":"Ready to Try Rank Math?","acf_cta_description":"<p>Join 2 million+ websites using the fastest-growing SEO plugin.</p>","acf_cta_button_text":"Get Rank Math Free","acf_cta_button_url":"https://gauravtiwari.org/go/rank-math/","acf_cta_button_style":"primary"}} /-->
```

### Compare Block (For pricing or feature comparison)

Use for side-by-side comparisons of plans or competitors.

## Conversational Texture

Apply the conversational texture guidelines from `voice-dna.md`. Reviews are long-form and should feel like you're talking someone through your experience, not presenting a report. Include ellipses (...), connectors (well, look, OK, honestly), casual asides, and rhetorical question pivots throughout. Target ~16-24 informal touches for a 3,500+ word review. See `./context/voice-dna.md` > "Conversational Texture" for the full reference and frequency guide.

## Voice Guidelines

### Authority Without Arrogance

> "I've tested every major SEO plugin. Rank Math is the one I use on my own sites."

Not:

> "Rank Math is objectively the best SEO plugin in existence."

### Specific Over Vague

> "Schema markup took my recipe posts from 2% CTR to 3.4% CTR in search results."

Not:

> "Schema markup significantly improves click-through rates."

### Honest About Limitations

> "The Content AI feature is not worth buying Pro for. It's basic. I use Claude for content writing instead."

Not:

> "The Content AI feature could use some improvements."

## Affiliate Disclosure

If using affiliate link:
```markdown
*Disclosure: Some links in this review are affiliate links. I recommend Rank Math because I use it, not because of commission. The free version is genuinely excellent.*
```

## Output Checklist

- [ ] Strong opening with verdict preview
- [ ] "My Complete Setup" with actual configuration
- [ ] Active AND inactive features explained
- [ ] Key features with usage examples
- [ ] Code snippets (for technical products)
- [ ] Honest limitations section
- [ ] Full pricing breakdown with comparison table
- [ ] 2-3 competitor comparisons
- [ ] Who should use (specific user types)
- [ ] Who should NOT use (with alternatives)
- [ ] Personal verdict section
- [ ] ACF Product Review block
- [ ] 8-12 FAQs in ACF Accordion
- [ ] 3500+ words
- [ ] No banned phrases
- [ ] Specific numbers throughout
- [ ] Affiliate disclosure if applicable
