Getting started in the WordPress website does not have to be a traumatic task. It is true that this platform enjoys an exceptional reputation for its potential and ease of use. And it is a fully deserved reputation.
However, there are a few common mistakes that due to ignorance or the desire to create your page or blog as soon as possible, you commit more times than you should.
This article will list out common errors that are made frequently by WordPress users.
Errors that you should not commit when you start in WordPress
1.- Install WordPress in a directory within the root of your site called “WordPress”
When you download the installer from wordpress.org, all the files of the installation are inside a folder called WordPress. This means that, if you unzip the .zip file directly to the root of your website, it will be installed on www.tusitioweb.com/wordpress instead of www.tusitioweb.com, much more recommended.
In any case, this problem is eliminated if you hire a quality hosting and specialized in this platform.
2.- Not making use Google tools
Ignoring the analytics of a web page today is like living in a cave, far from civilization. It is the heart of a web page after the server that serves the web page to any part of the world. And there are free tools like Google Analytics that will allow you to analyze web traffic: Their behavior, where they come from, how long they stay and many other indispensable metrics to be able to optimize any web page and know what works and what does not.
There are other alternatives such as Clicky or Jetpack, but it is advisable to have Google Analytics installed. In fact, installing it is quick and easy, although you can always use the Google Analytics by Yoast or Simple Google Analytics plugin.
3.- Do not use permanent links
By default, WordPress URLs have a prefix? P = X (where X is the number of the entry). For example http://www.teddyholmes.com/?p=123 (123 would be from the entry).
These URLs can be changed to present more “understandable” information by search engines.
The personalization can be at the level of the URLs entries or pages, and you can show the day and the name (http://www.teddyholmes.com/2013/04/08/page-example), or if you do not publish so frequently, you can show the month and name (http://www.teddyholmes.com//2013/04/page-example/), there are more options, even customize completely with tags. The most advisable thing is to activate the option of the name of the post or page that you can then if you want to modify it by a friendlier link.
Here you can see the available options. To access, click on Settings> Permanent links.
4.- Not using original templates of proven quality
When installing WordPress, some themes are also installed that you can use without limitations. They are excellent templates but maybe you prefer to use others more to your liking. Beware of the issues that you download there. They will be free, but in the long run, they can be a source of problems. And do not even think about installing a “pirated” theme.
There are many topics of a very high level, totally configurable, well documented and constantly updated. Those themes from Elegant Themes are great, especially Divi. But you can find great templates in ThemeForest or Genesis Framework from StudioPress, among others.
5.- Publish incomplete entries
Some beginners usually launch their website before it is ready. For this reason, when a visitor clicks on a link, they find incomplete pages with messages such as “Coming Soon” or “Update” or simply an article that is not finished.
As a general rule, your site should never link to any page that is not complete. Doing so will generate doubts about the seriousness of your website.
Wait until your website is complete before launching it. Have you ever bought a car and have wanted to have it immediately? Do not you care that you get it without wheels but soon or should you wait? Well, that.
6.- Not keeping WordPress updated
It is important to keep WordPress updated, and any topic and add-on you are using. On the contrary, if you do not do it, the chances of your website being hacked and compromising the security of your site and your customers will increase.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to take precautions prior to an update of the WordPress platform, your theme or your plugins. Always create a backup before touching something or updating. I have a copy of my site installed locally on my computer and always update first from there to check that everything is perfect after an update.
7.- Refusing to update plugins and themes
The plugins that you are not using should be deactivated and uninstalled if you do not plan to use them again.
It is a common practice to install plugins and not to disable them if they are not needed. Both your plugins and your theme should always be updated.
8.- Not using a secure password
Guessing a user’s username and password is still the most common way of entering authorization for WordPress websites. The situation has improved a bit since WordPress stopped forcing WordPress users to use the username “admin” to log into their account. However, weak passwords are still the main way in which hackers access websites.
When it comes to establishing passwords, you must create a strong enough one. You need something that a hacker cannot easily guess. There are free online services that allow you to generate a strong password with one click. For example, Symantec Norton, among many other sites.
9.- Not making backup copies periodically
For new WordPress users, it is usually not important enough to regularly back up your website. This is an error in which they fall frequently until their website is hacked and they lose a lot of data.
Until it happens to you, you do not learn the importance of making backup copies, and it is also a very simple task to perform. There are a lot of free or paid solutions for this. It is also important that your hosting make daily copies of your website or at least with an acceptable regularity. Do not wait for it to happen, it is very easy to remedy.
About the Guest Author
Kenneth Evans is a Content Marketing Strategist for Top App Development Companies, a research platform for app development companies in USA, UK, India, UAE, Australia and around the world. He has been contributing to various blogging platforms and Forums.