WordPress Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Creating a stunning website with great content takes time and effort.
However, before you hit that launch button, it’s essential to be aware of some common WordPress mistakes that could hold you back.
Here are ten mistakes often made by WordPress users and how to fix or avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Hosting Provider
The first step in creating your website is selecting a reliable hosting company. Your hosting service affects performance and security.
Here are three options to consider:
SiteGround: This service is user-friendly and great for beginners. It offers 24/7 support.
Cloudways: This option gives you more control over your server but requires a bit of technical knowledge.
Hostinger: A budget-friendly choice. it has various hosting plans suited for different needs.
Always do your own research to find the hosting that best meets your needs.
2. Ignoring Backups
Never underestimate the importance of backing up your website.
Many hosting companies offer backup solutions, but they can fail. Use a dedicated backup plugin.
This tool allows you to schedule backups and store them in secure locations like Google Drive or Dropbox.
3. Overlooking Security
Website security can’t be an afterthought.
At a minimum, install a security plugin like iThemes Security. It helps safeguard your site against threats.
The initial setup is straightforward due to the included wizard that guides you through necessary configurations.
4. Choosing the Wrong Theme
Your choice of theme influences how your site looks and functions. Here are three well-rated themes to consider:
Bloxy: A fast-loading theme compatible with popular page builders. It has a solid free version.
Astra: Over 2.3 million websites use this theme for its versatility and speed. The free version is feature-rich.
GeneratePress: With nearly 5 million downloads, this lightweight theme offers a reliable foundation for your site.
Choose a theme that suits your needs without overwhelming features.
5. Installing Too Many Plugins
While plugins can add functionality, too many can slow down your site.
Aim for a minimal setup that includes only essential plugins like security, SEO, and backup tools.
Regularly review and remove any plugins you no longer use.
6. Keeping Default Admin Username
Using “admin” as your username is a security risk. If your site has this username, create a new user with a unique name and administrator rights, then delete the default admin account.
mall change can significantly enhance your site’s security.
7. Not Changing Permalink Structures
A clear permalink structure makes your URLs easy to read and understand.
Change it to “Post Name” in the settings to improve user experience and SEO. Do this before publishing content to avoid future link issues.
8. Forgetting “No Index”
When setting up your site, you might want to prevent search engines from indexing it until it’s ready.
Ensure that “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” is unchecked when you launch.
You want your content to be discoverable!
9. Neglecting SEO
Optimizing your website for search engines is vital. Install an SEO plugin like SEO Press.
This plugin allows you to add meta descriptions, titles, and keywords easily, making it simpler for search engines to find your content.
10. Ignoring Image Optimization
Large images can slow down your site. Use plugins like ShortPixel or WP Compress to optimize images during upload.
This helps maintain quick load times across devices, enhancing user experience.
Conclusion
By addressing these common WordPress mistakes, you can smooth the path to launching your website.
Take the time to choose the right hosting, secure your site, and optimize your content for search engines.
With these steps, your WordPress website will be ready for success.
If there are more areas you’d like to see covered, share your thoughts in the comments below!