51 Most Common WordPress Questions Answered

Last updated on June 6th, 2020 at 06:00 am

I realize that working with WordPress can be confusing.

When I first started using this powerful platform, it made my head spin.

I had tons of questions and very little answers.

​In this post, I am going to answer 51 of the most common WordPress questions my clients ask me when they get started with WordPress.

Not only that, but I also scoured some Facebook groups to find some WordPress questions people were having issues with.

Most of these new questions will be geared towards beginners.Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new about WordPress?If you do, let me know.

I have over 8 years of experience working with WordPress.

If you haven’t started blogging yet, here is my tutorial on how to start a blog on SiteGround. As a “thank you” for purchasing through my link, I’ll send you a copy of my book – The Jumpstart WordPress Guide – for free.

Today, I am very comfortable using this platform to build my blog business.If you need help getting started with WordPress, be sure to check out my limited WordPress services page.

I can now find my way around WordPress pretty quickly now.

However, it wasn’t always that way.

My first blog took me over 8 hours to setup.My first experience with WordPress was a nightmare.

I don’t think I even looked inside the WordPress files for at least the first 3 years of working with it.

Today, I feel comfortable enough to offer my WordPress services on this blog.

I am NOT saying that I know everything, I am continuously learning and lover working with it.

​In this blog post, I would answer 51 of the most common WordPress questions.

I can’t promise that I found all the questions being asked.

However, I am sure that I cover a lot of the popular questions asked about WordPress.

Who knows, this post may just answer a question you’ve been having issues with.

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and let’s power through these questions that beginners like you may be struggling with.

51 Most Common WordPress Questions Answered

#1 Should I Get Started On A Self-Hosted Blog?

Answer:

If you’re serious about building a business, you absolutely should get started on a self-hosted blog.I would never recommend starting with a free platform unless you had absolutely no choice.

You don’t have to pay a fortune for hosting.In fact, I use and recommend SiteGround for beginners.

They have affordable plans that you can use while building your blog.

Starting with a self-hosted blog will save you from having to migrate your WordPress site from a free platform.​

#2 What’s The Best Hosting Account to Start With?

Answer:

As a new blogger, you don’t have a lot of money.The last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on hosting your WordPress blog.

There are tons of hosting services available for bloggers.Personally, I host my blog with SiteGround.

I have worked withWP Enginefor my clients’ sites and I can say that they are extremely good.The downside is that they are a little on the expensive side.

#3 What’s The Difference Between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org?

Answer:

WordPress.com is the free WordPress platform and is foundhere. You can set up a site in a matter of minutes, without having to install WordPress.

Just register your domain and you’ll be ready to start.

The downside is that you won’t have total control of your site.(Plus many people say that you can’t use affiliate links to make money with this platform.)

WordPress.org will require more techie knowledge, however, there are tons of tutorials online that will help you get started.You will find several tutorials right on this blog.

This method gives you more control over your design and code.It easy for you to customize and setup your unique look and feel for your blog.

#4 Which Hosting Account Should I Use For My Blog?

Answer:

Just because everyone is recommending hosting accounts such as Blue Host, Hostgator and other EIG companies, I don’t recommend using them.

In fact, here’s a fulllistof EIG hosting companies you should avoid.

Perform your due diligence and host your blog with a company that is reliable has a ton of great reviews. I use and recommend SiteGround for my blog. While I can’t say it will be the right hosting platform for you. I’ve been extremely happy with their service.

I use and recommend SiteGround for my blog.

While I can’t say it will be the right hosting platform for you. I’ve been extremely happy with their service.

#5 Which Theme Should I Use For My Blog?

Answer:

There are so many different themes beginners can choose from, such as Divi, Beaver Builder and the Genesis Framework and these are a just a few.

There are literally thousands of free WordPress themes in the WordPress repository.

Making the right decision can make your head spin.

I’ve written a great article that will walk you through step-by-step on how to choose a WordPress theme.

In the end, the decision will be yours. Find a theme that is closest to what you want your blog to look like.

#6 How Do I Install A WordPress Theme?

Answer:

Log into your WordPress dashboard and go to. Appearance >> Themes >> Add New >> Upload Theme Browse your computer files and upload your theme.

If you’re searching for a free theme, you just go to Appearance >> Themes >> Add New

This will bring up all the free available themes in the theme repository.

I’ve written a complete step-by-step tutorial that walks you through on 3 different ways to install a WordPress theme.

#7 What Are WordPress Plugins?

Answer:

Plugins allow you to extend the functionality of your WordPress blog. Here’s a quick explanation of what they are.

#8 Which Plugins Should I Use For My Blog?

Answer:

Don’t overload your new blog with tons and tons of plugins. I recommend installing the very basic plugins when you get started.

As your blog starts to grow and you need more functionality, you can add more.​

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#9 How Do I Install Plugins?

Answer:

Once you’ve performed your due diligence and decided which plugins you want to use on your blog, it’s time to install them. Go to Plugins >> Add New >> Upload Plugins

Read this complete guide to using WordPress plugins that will answer all your questions.

You’ll be able to follow along and get your plugins installed in a matter of minutes.

#10 How Do I Install WordPress?

Answer:

Most hosting companies will install your first WordPress installation free of charge.

I suggest doing it yourself. This will help you become more familiar working with WordPress.

Don’t be intimated by installing WordPress.

Remember, it took me over 8 hours to setup my first blog when I first got started.​

Today, there are several tutorials on YouTube and online that will help you get WordPress setup. You can watch my video below.

#11 How Can I Install Google Analytics in WordPress?

Answer:

WordPress makes it easy to install Google Analytics, especially, if you’re using the Genesis Framework.

I’ve written a step-by-step tutorial that walks you through onhow to setup Google Analytics. This method will walk you through on setting it up using the Genesis Framework.

You’ll also learn about a free plugin that makes it extremely easy.

You won’t have to worry about adding code in the head section of your WordPress blog.

#12 Which Theme Do You Use And Recommend?

Answer:

I use and recommend the Genesis Framework, because of it’s stability and built in SEO.

It does require some technical knowledge, but the forums are filled with people who are ready to help.

Not to mention, I’ve written some fantasticbeginner friendly Genesis tutorialsthat will help you get started with the basics.

The Genesis Framework is a premium theme, however, I truly believe you’ll love it.

If you’re looking for a drag and drop builder, I recommend Divi or Beaver Builder.I’ve used both on client sites and they love them.

If I was going to choose a page builder, I’d go with Beaver.Only because it’s a shorter learning curve.

#13 Which Contact Form Plugin Should I Use?

Answer:

There are literally tons of plugins you can use from the plugin repository.

I use theGravity Formsplugin on my blog.This plugin allows me to create sophisticated forms such as the one I use for my WordPress Services page.

If you’re wanting to create a simple contact form, I highly recommend the Contact 7 plugin.At the time of this writing, it has over 100,000 downloads.

#14 What’s The Best Way To Promote My Old Blog Posts?

Answer:

If you spend hours writing your blog posts like I do, then the last thing you want is your blog posts to fade away in your archives.I usethis pluginto help me promote my old blog posts.

Once you set up the plugin, your old posts will continue to be promoted on social media without you lifting a finger.

This makes it easy for you to focus on other necessary blogging tasks to help you grow your blog.

#15 What’s The Best Way To Backup My WordPress Blog?

Answer:

Automatic blog backups are extremely important for anyone who is running WordPress blog.

I use both the Updraft Plus and the Backup Buddy on clients sites.

In fact, I’ve written a step-by-step tutorial on how to setup an automatic backup, or you can watch the video below.

You never want to rely on your hosting provider to create your backups. Take matters into your own hands, this will help you sleep better at night.

#16 What’s The Difference Between A Framework and A WordPress Theme?

Answer:

WordPress Frameworks, Parent Themes, Child themes, and themes. It can be extremely confusing to a new WordPress user.

There are several different Frameworks available on the market today.

The only one that I have experience with is the Genesis Framework, so I can’t comment on any of the others.

A Framework is nothing more but a basic albeit well-coded parent theme. The only difference between a framework and a normal theme is that the Framework will require a child theme to add custom styling.

All the changes you make to your child theme won’t be lost when you upgrade the Framework.

The Genesis Framework is coded extremely well and follows all the coding standards.

If you’re the type of person who needs to know the all the technical jargon of what a framework is, watch this.

​If you purchase a regular theme from Themeforest or somewhere else online. You’ll most likely have to create a child theme.

Otherwise, all the changes you make will be lost when the developer updates the theme.

#17 How To Migrate WordPress To Another Hosting Account?

Answer:

One of the biggest reasons so many bloggers stay with a hosting account even if they’re not happy is they are scared to move their blog.

Migrating a WordPress site to a new hosting account is not as complicated as you may think.

If you’re unhappy with your current hosting account, you might want to consider moving your blog to a more reliable company.

I’ve written a step-by-step tutorial on moving WordPress from one host to another.

You don’t have to say with your current hosting account if you’re NOT happy.

#18 How Do I Learn My Way Around The WordPress Dashboard?

Answer:

The WordPress dashboard is where you’re taken to whenever you log into your blog. It can be extremely confusing if you’ve never used WordPress before.

I’ve written as a tutorial that will teach you the basics of learning how to navigate the WordPress dashboard.

#19 How Many Blog Posts Should I Write Before I Go Live With My Blog?

Answer:

This is one of the most common WordPress questions I see in Facebook Groups. Whether you’re just learning how to write your first blog post or have already written one.

The truth is that as soon as you get your first blog post written go ahead and hit publish.

No one except your close family and friends will see your blog. Unless of course you already have a huge following.

It takes a lot of work to start driving traffic to your blog. You’re going to need a lot of unique content to start building a loyal readership on your blog.

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#20 How Do I Make My WordPress Blog Pinterest Friendly?

Answer:

Pinterest is where it’s at for new bloggers. If you haven’t started using it, there are a couple things you need to do to get your blog ready.

I’ll have to create a tutorial soon, but for now…

Here’s apostthat will walk you through on getting your WordPress blog ready for Pinterest.

#21 What Social Sharing Plugin Do You Recommend?

Answer:

I use and recommend the Social Warfare plugin. I’ve written a complete step-by-step setup on the Social Warfare plugin.

The tutorial will show you how to setup and customize the social icons, so they match your blog colors. Here’s another Social Warfare tutorial.

I currently use the paid version. However, you can download the free version and test it out to see if you like it. I’ve created a video below that will show you how to set up the free version of the plugin.

If you’re looking for something free, you may want to consider the SumoMe plugin. Many people use it and love it.

#22 How Do I Update The WordPress Core?

Answer:

If you’re a new blogger then chances are you may have to update to the latest WordPress update sooner or later.

While some hosting companies will take care of your updates, I personally think it’s important for you to know how to do it.

I’ve written a complete step-by-step tutorial that walks you through on how to update the WordPress core.

#23 How Do I Shedule a post in wordpress?

Answer:

If you’re like me, you love writing your content 3-4 months in advance. This means that you’ll have to learn how to schedule your blog posts.

It’s extremely easy to do and the great thing is that you can schedule your content months in advance.

I haven’t written a tutorial on this, but Tiffany over at Beautiful Dawn Designs has written one that you’ll love and you read it here.

#24 What Do I Do If I Experience Issues Updating WordPress?

Answer:

If you’re doing your own updates, at one point you may experience some issues. Nothing is scarier than hitting the update WordPress button and not knowing what you’re doing.

The great thing is that you can always downgrade to your previous version if something bad does happen, watch this video to see how.

Keeping your blog updated is necessary, that’s why I always recommend testing out the update on localhost before you hit update on your live blog.

#25 How Do I Log Into WordPress

Answer:

Once you’ve got your blog setup and you’re ready to start writing your content.

You first need to log in.

I’ve written a tutorial that will show you how to login to WordPress.

#26 How Do i reset my password if i can’t access my email?

Answer:

You might not know that it’s possible to log into your WordPress blog, and change your password if you can’t get into the dashboard.

Here’s a great tutorial that will show you how to reset your WordPress password using PHPmyAdmin.

#27 What Plugin Should I Use To Collect Emails?

Answer:

You don’t necessarily have to use a plugin to collect emails.

Most auto-responder services like Mailchimp, GetResponse and ConvertKit and etc… will provide you with HTML forms you can easily paste into WordPress.

You will have to know a little bit about how to use HTML.

I use this plugin to help me grow my email list. It allows you to create opt-in forms pretty much anywhere you want on your blog.

The best part is you don’t have to mess with code.

#28 Should I Add A Slider To My WordPress Blog?

Answer:

I am NOT a huge fan of using sliders on my WordPress blog. Many of my clients use them and love them.

I thought I would do a little research to find out what some other experts say. Read this post and decide whether or not if adding a slider to your blog is actually worth it.

Of course, in the end, it’s your blog.

You’ll have to decide whether or not you want to add a slider or not. If you decide to then, here’s a great plugin I use for my client’s websites.

#29 How Do I Speed Up My WordPress Blog?

Answer:

There are a few things that you can do to speed up your WordPress blog.

The first thing is to install a cache plugin likeW3 Total Cache. I’ve used this plugin on some of my client’s sites and it seems to work well.

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you may want to consider optimizing your database.

Over time a WordPress database becomes bloated and needs to be cleaned out.

​This alone could improve your blog speed.If you’re still having issues with a slow loading site, you may want to consider usingCloudFlare.

Last but not least, make sure that you’re using a reliable hosting account.

I use and recommend SiteGround for new bloggers.

Plus I was able to get free CloudFlare service on their GrowBig plan.

Before you sign up, ask them if the plan you’re considering offers free CloudFlare service.

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#30 How Do I Create My WordPress Navigational Menu?

Answer:

Your navigational bar is what people will use to find your epic content. Here’s the ultimate guide to WordPress menus.

Don’t stress too bad about making it perfect when you first start.

As you continue writing more content and your blog continues growing, you’ll make changes to your navigation bar.

I’ve already changed the layout of my menu 3 times on my blog. You won’t get it perfect the first time, but then you don’t really have too.

#31 How Do I Migrate From Blogger To WordPress?

Answer:

I’ve personally never had a blog on the Blogger platform. So I did the due diligence and went out and found a tutorial that I believe is easy for you to follow.

This tutorial is very visual with tons of pictures to get you off of the Blogger platform onto your own self-hosted WordPress blog.

I plan on creating my own tutorial on this later on for my own blog. So stay tuned for my tutorial!

#32 How Do I Migrate From WordPress.com to A Self-Hosted WordPress Blog?

Answer:

DIY tutorial coming soon!

In the meantime, here’s a great tutorial that Harsh from ShoutMeLoud wrote a

fantastic tutorial that will help you get moved over.

#33 Why Should I Use The Genesis Framework?

Answer:

I currently use and recommend the Genesis Framework for new bloggers.

As a new blogger, it’s important to find a theme that is supported with future upgrades.Once you invest in the framework, you get upgrades for life.

Out-of-the-box Genesis comes with powerful SEO options, which will make it easier to optimize your blog.

I personally love all the advanced custom widgets.Check out my blog post on​exploring the WordPress text widget on Genesis​to find out more about the widgets.

#34 How Can I Monetize My WordPress Blog?

Answer:

There’s a ton of different ways to monetize your WordPress blog.

You can offer WordPress services like I do. If you don’t have the skills to offer WordPress services, you could do affiliate marketing, work with sponsored ads, set up Google Adsense.

This is such an open-ended question because every niche is different.

What works for my audience may not work for yours. You’re going to have to test out different monetization methods to see what works for your blog.

You should never be afraid to monetize your blog.

I’ve written a blog post on “Should Monetizing My Blog Scare The Crap Out Of Me?” It’s a real eye-opener if you’ve been putting off making money with your blog.

#35 How Long Does It Take To Make Money With A Blog?

Answer:

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer for this question. Every blogger will go through their own learning curves.

Most successful bloggers took years to see any success with their blogs.

As long as you keep working hard towards your goals, there’s no reason why you can’t make money from your blog.

The important thing to remember is the more people you help, the more money you’ll make.

#36 How Do I Change The Time Zone On WordPress?

Answer:

Changing the time zone on WordPress is very easy, here’s a step-by-step tutorial that walks you the process.

Having the correct time zone is extremely important.

If you’re like me, you love writing your blog posts in advance.

I’ve written my blog posts 3-5 months in advance. This allows me to focus on promotion without having to worry about writing a blog post the day it’s going to be published.

Having the right time zone will ensure that your posts are getting published on the day and time you want them published.

#37 What’s The Best Affiliate Link Cloaking Plugin?

Answer:

There are several plugins that you can use to cloak your links. One of the most popular that I see people using is Pretty Links.

I personally use Thirsty Affiliates for this blog.

When I first started the blog, I was cloaking my links with Yourls URL Shortner. It’s free and easy to use.

#38 How Do I Clean Up My Database?

Answer:

If you’re a new blogger, chances are you’re doing a lot of the technical things yourself. Most of us don’t have the money to outsource small tasks.

As your blog starts to grow, you’ll need to clean up the database once in a while.

I’ve written a tutorial and created a video that will show you how to clean up your WordPress database.

#39 How Can I Make Money With WordPress?

Answer:

If you ask any blogger, they will tell you that their goal is to earn money from their blog.

True, that shouldn’t be your main focus.

However, if you’re providing value and helping people, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t earn money with your WordPress blog.

Here’s a great article that will help you find a method that works for you.

#40 Permalinks What Are They and How Do I Use Them?

Answer:

Before you publish your first post, you need to make sure that you set your permalinks the way that you want.

You have the option to set up your permalinks the way that you want.

Here’s how mine look:

mydomain.com/keyword-rich-permalink

You’ll see the keywords or long tail keywords that I am trying to rank for at the end of my domain.

Here’s a great tutorial that will go into further explanation of working with permalinks.

#41 How do i install the Genesis framework?

Answer:

If you’ve never used the Genesis Framework before, you might be a little confused.Here’s afree beginners guidethat will help you find your way around the Framework. 

Most people want to know do they need a child theme?  

Genesis can be a little confusing, especially if you’re new to WordPress.I’ve written some great​beginner tutorials for Genesis users​.

Don’t forget to watch the video below as I show you how to install Genesis on WordPress.

#42 Should i be concerned with wordpress security?

Answer:

If you’re using WordPress, you will have to focus on security. The great thing is if you take some important precautionary measures, you should be fine.

Unfortunately, we never know if we are going to be the target. This is why it’s important to always make sure that you have a backup of your blog.

This way if something does happen you will be able to revert back to your previous version before you got hacked.

Here are some great WordPress security tips you can take to sleep better at night.

#43 How do i control spam on my wordpress blog?

Answer:

Unfortunately, WordPress is known to get a ton of spam comments. As your blog continues to grow, the more spam you’ll get.

I currently use the Akismet plugin to help me control my spam issues.

The plugin doesn’t catch everything, but it’s pretty good. Until I find something better, I will continue using it.  Here’s a screenshot of how much spam it’s blocked.

I’ve written a tutorial that will help you set it up properly.​

#44 What should i do after installing wordpress?

Answer:

WordPress is confusing, especially, if you’ve never used it.

When I first started using it, I had no clue what to do.

I’ve written a post on 35 things to do after installing WordPress.

You don’t have to do all 35 things on the list at once.

However, if you work on them slowly one by one, you’ll be amazed at how your blog will flourish.

#45 how much does it cost to start a self-hosted wordpress blog?

Answer:

None of us wants to spend a lot of money on our blogs.

That’s why so many people start their blogs on the free platforms. The great thing is that it can cost as little or as much as you want to start a self-hosted blog.

At the bare minimum, you’ll need a domain and hosting.

I’ve written a blog post that will show you some of the costs of having a self-hosted blog. The great thing is that you don’t need any of the expenses right out of the gate.

#46 What wordpress maintenance tasks do i need to do?

Answer:

We all hear that we should outsource as much as we can.However, the truth is that most new bloggers don’t have the funds to start outsourcing on a regular basis.

This means that keeping your WordPress blog working properly is going to take some work. 

The great thing is that you don’t have to do everything on a daily basis.

Here’s some importantWordPress maintenance tasksyou should do on a regular basis.Once you’re ready to start outsourcing, consider usingWP Fix It.

They are affordable and can handle pretty much any task.I hired them to move my site from HTTP to HTTPS and they did a great job. 

#47 Which page Builders Do You REcommend for Beginners?

Answer:

I know that Genesis is not for everyone. Especially, when there are thousands of other WordPress themes available on the market.

Page Builders are huge and they actually helped me build my WordPress freelance business.

I know that there are several available on the market. However, my personal experience is with Divi and Beaver Builder.

Both builders are easy to use and come with great support. If you’re scared of messing with Genesis, then I would recommend either of those page builders.

#48 how do I choose the right wordpress theme?

Answer:

Beginners tend to get bogged down with which WordPress theme should I use for my blog?

The truth is that you shouldn’t spend too much time trying to find the right theme. 

Instead, you need to start focusing on building your blog. This is going to require writing awesome content, building networks and learning as much as you.

Chances are you’ll end up changing themes once your blog starts growing. I’ve already changed my theme once. 

Here’s a great post that will help you learn how to choose the right WordPress theme

. Remember, you’re the only one who will know which theme is right for you.

#49 how to set up a gravatar and do i need one?

Answer:

If you’re trying to grow a WordPress blog into a business, you need to take the time to set up a gravatar.

In my opinion, nothing looks worse than commenting on other people’s blogs and not having an image of your face.

People want to see the person behind the blog. Stop hiding and learn how to set up a WordPress Gravatar.

Trust me, I know that putting yourself out there is scary. 

#50 how to seo wordpress?

Answer:

We all want to rank in Google. While I personally don’t focus 100% on SEO.

I do take the time to make sure that my posts are optimized properly.

I also use this tool to help me find the low hanging keywords that I can possibly rank for. This plugin helps me ensure that my blogs are optimized properly.

If you’re completely new to WordPress, I suggest that you start with the beginners guide to SEO to help you get started.

#51 whats the best way to start driving traffic to my WordPress blog?

Answer:

By now you know that traffic is not my expertise. Growing this blog is a huge experiment and learning curve.

I have learned a lot from this traffic eBook. To this day, I tend to follow a lot of the strategies mentioned in this book.

Final Take Away

WordPress can be intimidating for new bloggers.There are so many questions that you can have when you’re first getting started.

The great thing is that you don’t have to know everything.If you’re still unsure of how to use it, don’t forget you can hire me to help you get started.

As long as you know the basics of working with WordPress, you’ll be fine.Don’t let your fear of getting started stop you.

What you don’t know, you can always learn as you continue growing your blog.

Hand Picked Articles For You​

• 6 Crucial Blog Configurations
• How to Choose A WordPress Theme

I’ve covered tons of the most common WordPress questions I’ve seen in Facebook Groups and have received from my clients.

You may have some that I didn’t cover.

If so then be sure to ask them, and I’ll help you out best as I can.

Don’t let your “analysis paralysis” hold you back from starting your blog.

It’s NEVER too late to start working towards your dreams.

Have you started a WordPress blog?

Do you feel that I covered most of the common beginner questions?

Let me know what your WordPress experience was when you first started.I always love hearing people’s stories of how they got started with WordPress.

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