5 Common Mistakes WordPress Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them

WordPress can be very exciting to start with, especially because it allows you to build almost any kind of website. However, as with any tool that is so versatile, WordPress does have its drawbacks, and one of the main is that when using it for the first time, users can make mistakes that are not immediately evident but will cause problems in the future. If you are aware of these issues, you can save yourself from getting frustrated and create a beautiful and powerful WordPress site.

Well, what are the 5 mistakes that WordPress beginners make most and how do you avoid them? Let’s dive in!

1. Improper Plugin Usage

Plugins are the magic that makes WordPress so versatile. There are thousands of free and premium plugins, and a newbie can make a mistake of installing many or some that are coded poorly. This can cause a number of problems that can include slow running of the site and even open up the site to security risks.

Key Issues

Site Speed: Each plugin brings additional code, and having too many can slow down your website, which will affect the overall performance and SEO.
Compatibility Problems: Not all plugins are compatible, and using old or conflicting plugins can lead to problems, including crashing your site.
Security Risks: Plugins that are not well coded or those that have not been updated for a long time can be manipulated by hackers to compromise on your site.

Solution

Choose Wisely: Always ensure that you use plugins that have good reviews and those that are frequently updated. It is advisable to choose plugins that are widely used, positively rated, and backed up by a responsive team.
Less is More: Limit the number of plugins you use. It is even better if you can locate a plugin that will perform these functions efficiently at the same time.
Regular Audits: Once in a while, review the plugins you have installed. Inactivate and delete those that are not relevant to the organization’s operations.

2. Ignoring Backups

Most novices do not pay much attention to backups, assuming that something wrong would not happen to their site. This is a huge mistake. One bad update or a hack and all your efforts go down the drain.

Key Issues

Loss of Data: If you do not have a backup system in place, you may lose all of your work and user data that has been created in the last few months or years
Time-Consuming Recovery: You can spend a lot of time and energy to restore your site from scratch if you do not have backups and perhaps you will never be able to recover all lost data.

Solution

Automated Backup Plugins: Backup must be done through reliable backup plugins such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to enable automation. Program them to run daily or weekly, depending on the frequency at which you update your website.
Off-Site Storage: Make your backups to be stored in another place like Google Drive or Dropbox so that you can access them in case your hosting provider collapses.

3. Poorly Optimized Themes

Choosing a theme is one of the most exciting parts of building a WordPress site. However, many beginners choose themes solely based on their appearance without considering how well they are coded or optimized.

Key Issues

Slow Load Times: Some themes are packed with unnecessary features and heavy scripts that can slow down your website.
Lack of Customization: Themes that are not well supported or documented can make it difficult to customize your site in the future.
SEO Issues: Poorly coded themes can negatively affect your site’s SEO, reducing your chances of ranking well on Google.

Solution

Look beyond Aesthetics: Choose themes from trusted developers and check reviews. Make sure the theme is optimized for SEO and speed.
Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your theme is mobile-friendly. This is crucial for providing a good user experience and performing well in search engine rankings.
Testing Tools: Use tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights to check the performance of a theme before you commit to using it.

4. Neglecting Website Security

Many beginners assume that their website won’t be targeted by hackers, but WordPress is such a popular platform that even small sites are at risk. Not securing your WordPress website can lead to data breaches, loss of content, and reputational damage.

Key Issues

Brute Force Attacks: Hackers may use brute force attacks to try and guess your login credentials.
Vulnerable Plugins and Themes: As mentioned earlier, outdated plugins and themes are often the weakest link in website security.
Malware Infections: Without adequate protection, your site could become infected with malware, which can compromise data and infect visitors.

Solution

Use Security Plugins: Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor and protect your site.
Change Default Settings: Don’t use ‘admin’ as your username, and always create a strong password. You can use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Keep Everything Updated: Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to the latest versions to patch vulnerabilities.

5. Forgetting About Custom Business Application Development

Many WordPress beginners focus solely on content and forget that their site may require custom features or applications to stand out from the competition. Custom business application development can transform a basic website into a powerful tool that addresses specific needs, automates processes, and enhances the user experience.

Key Issues

Limited Functionality: Sticking only to existing plugins may limit the features you can offer, reducing your ability to fully serve your target audience.
Scalability Challenges: As your business grows, your website should grow too. Relying only on basic plugins might not support the scalability you need.
Generic User Experience: Without customization, your website might look and feel like countless others, making it harder to build a loyal customer base.

Solution

Work with a Developer: If you have specific needs, consider working with a developer to build custom features that cater to your audience. Custom solutions can provide a seamless experience and enhance the overall quality of your website.
Start Small: If you are unsure about custom features, start small and gradually add more sophisticated tools as your budget allows and your needs grow.
Integrate Thoughtfully: Combine custom features with existing plugins thoughtfully to make sure everything works well together and doesn’t compromise performance.

To Wrap Things Up…

WordPress is a powerful platform, but it’s easy for beginners to make mistakes that can hinder their success. Avoiding these five common errors—improper plugin usage, ignoring backups, poorly optimized themes, neglecting security, and forgetting about custom business application development—will help you build a faster, more secure, and better-performing website.

The goal of WordPress is to empower users, not overwhelm them. By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices, you’ll be well on your way to building a website that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well, offering an amazing experience for your visitors.