There are numerous guidelines to follow when you create and use WordPress. Many are common sense items and some require that you be aware of them. You are allowed to do many things, but there are some things that are not permitted.

LIMIT YOUR PLUGINS

Plugins are like mini-programs that add more functionality to your blog and help you add uniqueness and must-haves to your site with little or no effort.

Keep in mind that installing too many plugins can slow down your site and make it vulnerable to attacks.

You must limit your plugins and only install the most important and necessary ones.

Install the ones that will help with your search engine rankings, add extra security to your blog, and ones that will benefit both your website and users.

You should read user reviews, both the good and bad, and check ratings.

Also, check the number of active installations before installing your plugins to ensure you choose the best plugins that will not give you headaches down the line.

ADD TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Install and activate the Two Factor plugin to add an extra layer of security and keep hackers out of your site.

After activating your plugin go to 'Users' and then 'Your profile.'

Customize your settings and set your preferences. Enable multiple options for better security.

MANAGE COMMENTS

Allow users to leave comments on your posts to boost engagement and get them to interact better with your content.

Manage comments and control which ones appear on posts to avoid having inappropriate comments on your pages. Go to 'Settings' and then 'Discussions' to set your preferences.

You must be in complete control over what you allow and do not allow as far as comments go.

USE ALT TEXT

Add alternative text to all of your images to make it easy for search engines to understand your images and ensure people with disabilities understand the purpose of the image.

Make sure every image has a title and description. Write short and clear descriptions to improve the user experience.

Title tags and alt text are great for SEO and ensure your content appears on searches.

Simply go to 'Media' then 'Library.' Select the image you want to use and add a title and alt text.

ADD FEATURED IMAGES

Featured images appear as thumbnail images on your posts and are a great way to command attention and boost engagement.

Go to 'Posts' then 'Add new post' or click on your existing posts and navigate to 'Add featured image' on your right.

Upload the image you want and save the changes. Choose an image that goes well with your content and one that makes it easy for users to understand what the post is about.

DISPLAY RELATED POSTS

One of the most effective ways to keep readers on your blog and keep them engaged with your content is by displaying related posts after each post and suggesting related articles.

This is the most effective way to create interest and get users to click on your articles.

ADD SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTONS

Social media buttons make it easy for users to share your posts with their friends and are a great way to increase blog traffic.

HIDE WP-CONTENT

Hide directory browsing to deny users access to your themes and plugins or ensure site visitors don't see which theme or plugins you are using on your website.

This is standard security practice and a great way to ensure attackers don't exploit your site or hack into it using the displayed information.

So, hide wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-uploads.

Edit your .htaccess file via your website's root directory.

Add Options -Indexes at the bottom of your .htaccess file and save changes.

ADD YOUR GRAVATAR IMAGE

Set up your Gravatar to make it easy for people to identify you and give your blog a professional touch.

Go to 'Media' then 'Add new image.' Choose the image you want to use as your gravatar image and add it to your WordPress library.

Go to your profile and navigate to your profile picture. Click on 'Gravatar.' You will be redirected to the Gravatar website.

Upload your image and set it as your gravatar image.

KEEP YOUR SITE UPDATED

Keep your site updated and always make sure it's running on the latest WordPress version.

Constantly check for updates.

Keep your theme and plugins up-to-date to improve website security and protect your blog from vulnerabilities.

Turn on auto-updates for your themes and plugins or update them manually by selecting the plugin and clicking on 'Update.'

The great thing about WordPress is that it notifies you when your theme or plugins are outdated and there are new updates available.

WordPress.com has a vast audience spread across many cultures, countries, and backgrounds with varying values.

The Dos and Don'ts of WordPress.

NO Illegal content and conduct.

Intellectual property infringement.

If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is to always ask the rights holder for permission before republishing their content.

NO Sexually explicit material.

Discussing gambling on your site isn’t a problem. However, operating an online gambling service is.

Computer Technology and Software

Do not upload or link to malware, spyware, adware, or other malicious or destructive code.

Impersonation.

Do not claim to be a person or organization you are not

Directly threatening material.

Do not post threats of violence. Do not post a genuine call for violence or death against any person or group of persons.

Posting private information.

Do not share someone’s personal information without their consent.

Advertising.

Advertising is not permitted to WordPress.com.

Your site should not host files that will only be used on other sites.

Spam or machine-generated content.

Avoid sending unwanted or unsolicited promotions or emails about your site, even if it is not on WordPress.com.