[This is part of the Common WordPress Mistakes series to help bloggers, churches, ministries and nonprofits avoid common mistakes when creating a new website using the WordPress CMS.]
Here we go!
In part one, we covered two important things to understand when moving into the world of WordPress: Understand the difference between dot-org and dot-com and understanding web hosting pricing.
If you are a beginner—building your first church website or starting a new blog—these are mistakes that can save you a lot of headaches. If you’re a veteran, we would love your feedback on these!
Now, here are more common WordPress mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
Common WordPress Mistakes
Although this is related to yesterdays point of understanding web hosting pricing, I think this point should also be kept in mind when you’re first starting out:
1. Don’t Overbuy
It can be tempting for some to purchase the deluxe package. Don’t forget that many web hosting sign-ups are designed for upselling. They want to upgrade and add all kinds of things you don’t need for WordPress hosting. This is one reason why I started with a straight forward company like Media Temple several years, ago. They had a simple tier system and were focused on delivering quality services, not upselling me at every corner (at the time, they also hosted The 8BIT Network, now ChurchMag, so I knew they were solid).
Remember, while some services allow you to upgrade without migrating, a higher priced solution like Media Temple can handle growth and even additional websites without any problem. Understanding and knowing your future plans is a good idea, as leaving room for growth is different than overbuying.
Finally, do the math. If you’re server provides website backups, you don’t have to purchase a 3rd party solution. On the same hand, using a 3rd party backup solution is a good idea. Either way, make sure you’re accurately calculating your server costs.
2. No Backup?
This is the first place that most people try to save money.
Don’t.
Before you even begin to build your new WordPress website, GET A BACKUP SOLUTION AND USE IT!!!
You’re not only protecting a financial investment (if you’ve paid for design), but time! Church, ministry, youth group, personal blog—get some back up people!!!
Have I made myself clear?
I take backup so seriously, ChurchMag has both a WP Engine provided backup and a real-time VaultPress backup (Did you just leave a blog comment? VaultPress just backed it up).
That being said, if you’re site has 12,000 blog posts or just 12 pages, find a backup solution that fits your needs and use it!
{STEPS OFF SOAPBOX}
Here are some other WordPress mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Eric J says
This comment has been backed up!
Also to add to the discussion try to think long term about decisions you make I’ve made some rash decisions in permalinks and now we could take a seo hit if we try to change them!
Eric Dye says
Love this! Thanks Eric. (Also, LOL! This reply has been backed up!)
Michael John Beil says
All of these are so necessary.
Eric Dye says
True story.