[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.]
Today’s common WordPress mistakes focuses on comments.
“Comments?,” you ask. “I don’t even plan on having a blog! Why do I need to worry about comments!?!”
Well, well…if that’s the case, you defiantly need to read this…
Common WordPress Mistakes
1. Fail to Moderate Comments
Here’s what you need to figure out:
Do you have an active blog?
If you’re going to have an active blog (and it’s important for it to be active as outlined here), than you need to make sure you keep your comments moderated.
Comment moderation also includes deleting spam! Not only can this block good comments from getting through, it can also be taxing on your database. Remember, all that spam, although not published, is being stored in your database. ChurchMag deletes its spam at least once a day—12,000+ posts will attract a good deal of spambots, even with the most aggressive measures—but even less trafficked blogs will pick-up its fair share of spam (I clean my church’s about once a week).
Putting this kind of maintenance off is never a good idea.
If you don’t have a blog on your WordPress website, save yourself the trouble and disable (UNCHECK) the commenting system altogether:
If you want to have a blog, but don’t want to allow comments, you’ll want to make sure this is unchecked as well.
2. Not Installing a Spam Filter
For those of you allowing comments on your WordPress site, make sure you’ve got a spam filter!
Believe it or not, I’ve seen WordPress installs without a spam filter plugin installed. #DontBeThatGuy
Having a spam filter present is so vitally important, that many 1-click WordPress installs include the Akismet plugin by default. When you set it up, you’ll be required to sign-up for an account—but don’t worry—it’s free. 🙂
If Akismet isn’t cutting it for you, there are some other alternatives (including more extreme measures) that you can also consider. My recommendation is to start with Akismet first and work your way up from there as needed. The important thing is that you have a spam filter plugin installed!
Do you have any tips, tricks or mistakes you would like to add to this series?
Tell us in the comments below!
[…] [Part 9] Fail to Moderate Comments & Not Installing a Spam Filter […]