In the United States, 22% of new web domains are run with WordPress.
It’s a simple platform that is easy to use but still allows users to create any website they desire. You are still creating a website, however, and there are things to consider.
Read for 10 WordPress tips to achieve a simple, yet effective website.
1. Compress Your Images
Images — especially large ones — can bog down your website. As that happens, the load time becomes longer, and visitors are more likely to click off.
There are plugins you can download, like Smush, that compress images as you upload them. This keeps the file sizes down and streamlines your website.
2. Mobile-Friendly Website
Almost 50% of the total web traffic comes from mobile users. Having a mobile-friendly website is essential, and is easy to accomplish on WordPress.
Be sure to use a mobile-friendly WordPress theme to ensure your site runs smoothly across all devices.
3. Invest in a Great Web host
Do plenty of research from the get-go, and be sure to not go with the cheapest web hosting company.
This may seem like the easiest option when first starting, but it can have serious impacts in the future if it causes your website to run slowly.
Using a page builder for your website can also affect its speed and overall design. Choosing the correct one can help you achieve the WordPress site of your dreams
4. SEO Plugin is Must-Have
The bigger your website, the more images in your library. Using a specific title system for your images, or describing them, makes it a lot easier to find them as your site’s library grows.
5. Utilize Gravatar
This stands for Globally Recognized Avatar. Gravatar is already integrated with WordPress, and setting your profile picture will make sure your photo is beside every interaction you make on your website.
6. Cherish Plugins, but Limit Their Use
While plugins are great to have on your website, you should limit the number you use. Having too many can bog your site down, and even put its security at risk.
7. Set Featured Images
If you create posts of any kind, make sure it has a featured image. This image pops up not only your website but on Google and any social media site you share it on.
It adds recognition to your posts, and images are more likely to be clicked on.
8. Create a Title System for Your Images
The bigger your website, the more images in your library. Using a specific title system for your images, or just describing them, makes it a lot easier to find them as your site’s library grows.
9. Modify Your Permalinks
Short for permanent links, these include the date once they’re saved, something not ideal for SEO. To change it, enter settings from your dashboard and select permalinks.
Using the Post Name setting here is the most effective for SEO. Also, learn why you need to change your WordPress login URL and what you can do to protect your site.
10. Update and Backup Your Website Regularly
Updates simply prevent things from getting bogged down. Regular backups keep you from losing precious data and helps if you ever want to switch WordPress themes, which can be a timely process in itself.
Use These WordPress Tips Wisely
While these WordPress tips are meant to help your website and not hinder it, it’s your decision to take advice or leave it. Designing a WordPress website should be fun, and you shouldn’t only concentrate on the technical side of things. Get creative, and remember to make it your own!