The WordPress platform has become one of the most popular ways to create and launch websites fast. In fact, an estimated 29% of all websites are built on top of WordPress.
It’s easy to see why: it’s cost-effective, SEO-friendly, readily customisable and comes with a range of useful plugins for almost any feature you could want.
The flexibility and ease-of-use that comes with using WordPress as your CMS enables even non-technical users to build beautiful websites in no time at all.
However, just because something is simple doesn’t mean it can’t also be frustrating. Many new bloggers make avoidable mistakes when they first get started with their blog on WordPress.
If you’re launching a new site soon, we have some helpful advice so you don’t make the same rookie errors again.
Choosing the wrong WordPress theme
One of the first decisions you’ll make as a blogger is choosing a WordPress theme. Many people who are new to blogging make the mistake of choosing the first theme they come across.
This, however, is a common mistake that can have a significant impact on your blog’s success.
First of all, different themes have different user experiences, so it’s important to pick one that your target audience will be comfortable navigating.
Your choice of theme can have an impact on your reader retention, so it’s important to choose wisely.
The wrong choice can also make it difficult for search engines to crawl your site and for your readers to share your content.
Publishing too frequently
WordPress makes it easy to publish content at any time. However, publishing content too frequently can have a negative impact on your blog’s SEO and can even drive readers away.
It’s important to remember that Google’s algorithm rewards high-quality content over sheer volume.
In fact, publishing one or two high-quality posts per week is enough to satisfy your readers and keep your site’s search engine rankings high.
If you’re publishing content too frequently, it can actually lower your site’s authority.
Failing to track your metrics
WordPress has a built-in statistics feature that makes it easy to track your site’s metrics. It also makes it easy to track your content’s performance.
This is important because metrics allow you to identify what’s working and what isn’t. Analytics also make it easy to see what type of readers are visiting your site so you can better tailor your content to your audience.
Analytics are important for any blogger, but they’re especially important for new bloggers because they help you identify what’s working and what isn’t.
Incorporating ad-tracking software
Many bloggers use ad tracking software to identify which ads are generating revenue and which aren’t.
However, this software can be a mistake when used on a WordPress website because it can slow down your site.
It can also make it more difficult for your readers to navigate your content.
Ad tracking software works by placing a piece of code on every page of your site. If you want to use ad tracking software on your WordPress site, it’s best to host your site on a server that supports it.
Not paying attention to audience feedback
All successful bloggers listen to their readers. This is especially true for new bloggers who are still building their audience.
It’s important to pay attention to your readers’ feedback and create content that appeals to your target audience.
If you ignore your readers and create content that doesn’t appeal to them, you risk driving them away and failing to build a loyal following.
Wrapping up
WordPress is the world’s most popular blogging platform for a reason. It makes it easy to create a beautiful website from scratch and launch it as a blog in no time at all.
However, many new bloggers make common mistakes that impact their site’s success.
Choosing the wrong theme, publishing too frequently, failing to track your metrics, and ignoring audience feedback are all mistakes that are easy to avoid.