Blogging Help – Page 3 – Hugh's Views & News

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WordPress Themes: Something Exciting Is Happening

Published on Apr 21, 2025Apr 21, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts43 Comments

Have you ever found yourself lost in the rabbit hole of themes while setting up your WordPress blog? Are you an existing blogger who needs to change an outdated, unsupported theme? Many bloggers embark on this journey—one filled with excitement, anxiety, and the quest for the perfect layout.

As I look back on my blogging evolution, I can’t help but recall the days of choosing that first simple theme, a decision that would shape my entire online presence. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an adventure that would change with every new theme and update!

How did it all begin?

The first theme I chose was straightforward. It featured a space to add a profile picture and little else. It targeted first-time bloggers who sought a simple layout and a quick start. It got me off to a great start.

As the years progressed, I became more confident in changing the theme of my blog. I wanted a side widget bar to add information, such as a follow button, links to my social media accounts, and a box with links to previous posts.

That first theme change took me a whole weekend to complete. It wasn’t particularly complicated, but it required much work to ensure everything was as I wanted. After all, my followers had increased, and more people were visiting my blog, and I didn’t want anyone to think I was stuck in 2014 or going backwards in the blogging world.

Other theme changes occurred; each time, I found it easier and took less time to change themes. Then it came to a grinding halt.

Full-Site editing themes

Fast-forward a few years, and I considered changing my blog’s theme from the Classic theme I had been using to a new Full-Site-Editing (Block) theme. However, it seemed too complicated, and I was reading posts from other bloggers detailing the difficult transition they had gone through and a list of problems they faced. It reminded me of stories I’d read when some bloggers switched from WordPress.com to self-hosting their blogs.

Today, I’m still using a supported WordPress Classic theme (Toujours), and even though I have thought long and hard about switching to a Block theme, I haven’t jumped ship.

Future themes are here, but there’s a catch!

Last week, WordPress announced that anyone using WordPress could build a blog theme using AI for free. All you have to do is give AI some information about the type of layout you are looking for, and it’ll build the theme and do all the work for you.

Not only was I excited by this news, but it got me thinking about all those bloggers experiencing problems with their blogs because the theme they use is outdated and no longer supported by WordPress. These bloggers could let AI build a theme for their blog and eliminate all the problems they’re experiencing once and for all.

But what about those who won’t use AI? Would they rather continue using outdated, unsupported themes than allow AI to help them?

Using an outdated, unsupported theme can lead to several issues. Here are a few.

1. Security vulnerabilities: Without updates, the theme may become prone to security risks that could compromise your blog.
2. Compatibility issues: As plugins and WordPress itself update, an outdated theme may not function correctly with newer versions, causing layout glitches, functional problems such as not being able to leave comments and issues with WordPress believing you are not logged in.
3. Lack of support: You won’t have access to official support for troubleshooting any issues or queries that arise with the theme. WordPress will advise you to change to a supported theme.
4. Performance issues: Unsupported themes may not be optimised for speed and performance, leading to slower load times.
5. Missed features: Regular updates often include new features and improvements; sticking with an unsupported theme means missing out on these enhancements, which could benefit your blog’s features and user experience.

We’re not quite there yet!

Unfortunately, after a few messages exchanged between a member of WordPress staff and me, I discovered that this new service of AI creating a theme for your blog is only available to those who want to start afresh with a brand new blog. The AI software can not change themes for an existing blog. However, WordPress is working on this, and it will become available sometime in the future.

An image showing a message conversation about the AI theme building. — Would you allow AI to help you change the theme of your blog?

Given that I’m not confident about changing my blog’s theme from my current theme to a full-site-editing theme, I’m looking forward to AI doing the work for me. I just hope it’s something I’ll be able to do sooner rather than later.

7 Common Blogging Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Successful Blog

Published on Apr 10, 2025Apr 10, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts27 Comments

We’re all human, so we all make mistakes. When it comes to blogging, whether bloggers are just starting out or have been writing for a while, some make more mistakes than others.

But what are those mistakes? And do some bloggers not make any mistakes at all?

1. Not Defining a Target Audience

One of the most critical mistakes of bloggers is not clearly understanding their target audience. Writing for everyone often leads to writing for no one.

Solution:

Take some time to define your ideal reader. Consider their demographics, interests, and problems they want to solve. Tailoring your content to a specific audience will make your blog more focused and engaging. For example, I target most of my posts at other bloggers by giving blogging tips and helping to solve problems users are experiencing with WordPress.

2. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Best Practices

SEO might seem daunting, but ignoring it can severely limit your blog’s visibility. Many bloggers neglect to use relevant keywords or proper formatting that can help their posts rank better in search results.

Solution:

Invest some time in mastering the essentials of SEO. Consider creating blog post titles with keywords that appeal to visitors and make them want to read your posts.

If you’re not interested in attracting more traffic or followers to your blog, you can disregard SEO.

3. Inconsistent Posting Schedule

Consistency is key in the blogging world. Many new bloggers either post too sporadically or overwhelm their readers with too much content at once. I’m guilty of this mistake, having cut back on how often I publish posts.

Solution:

Develop a realistic posting schedule that you can maintain. Whether it’s once a week or biweekly, staying consistent helps build an audience that knows when to expect new content. Some will not publish any posts for many weeks or months and then suddenly publish many posts within a short time as if they are in a race. Space the publication of posts out to give readers time to read and engage before publishing your next post.

4. Failing to Promote Content

Creating great content is only half the battle; the other half is getting that content in front of readers. Many bloggers publish their posts and assume readers will find them, which rarely happens unless you have a loyal audience who reads all your posts.

Solution:

Share your blog posts across various social media platforms, engage in relevant online communities, and consider using email marketing to reach your audience directly. Never believe that an audience will find you.

5. Not Engaging with Their Audience

Some bloggers overlook the importance of conversing with their readers through blog comments, social media, or emails. Never ignore your audience.

Solution:

Make it a priority to respond to comments and questions, ask for feedback, and create a community around your blog. Engaging with your audience not only builds loyalty but also provides you with valuable insights into what they want to see.

6. Neglecting the Visual Aspect

A blog’s visual appeal can significantly impact reader retention in the internet age. A blog that looks outdated or cluttered can deter visitors.

Solution:

Invest a little time learning about basic design principles, using user-friendly blogging tools and updating your blog’s theme. Choose clean layouts, appealing colour schemes, and high-quality images to enhance your blog’s aesthetic.

You don’t need to spend tens of thousands on re-branding, but if your website still looks stuck in 2015, it’s worth updating. People judge quickly. A blog’s look and design play an enormous role in how professional (or trustworthy) it looks.

7. Writing Without a Clear Purpose

Blogs that lack direction can confuse readers and fail to deliver value. Having a clear purpose behind each post is essential.

Solution:

Before writing, outline what you want to achieve with your content. Are you aiming to inform, entertain, or persuade? Staying focused on your purpose will guide your writing and make it more effective.

Conclusion

Recognising these common mistakes is the first step toward becoming a successful blogger. By defining your audience, optimising for SEO, maintaining consistency, actively promoting your content, engaging with readers, improving your blog’s design, and writing with a clear purpose, you can significantly improve your blogging experience and expand your reach.

Keep these tips in mind as you continue your blogging journey. Good luck!

Do you have any blogging mistakes you’d like to share? If you’ve faced challenges or learned valuable lessons throughout your blogging journey, I would love to hear about them! Please leave the details in the comments section and join the discussion. By sharing your insights, you can help others avoid similar pitfalls and foster a supportive community of bloggers eager to enhance their craft. Let’s learn from each other and make our blogging experiences even more rewarding!

The featured image and title of this blog post were generated using the WordPress AI blocks.

I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Any non-engaging comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

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Harnessing AI in Blogging: Benefits, Challenges, and Personal Insights

Published on Mar 27, 2025Mar 27, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts61 Comments

In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a progressively popular tool across various domains, including blogging.

WordPress integrated AI into its platform a few years ago, joining numerous other sites that now offer AI as an option.

I have witnessed many bloggers who are afraid of what AI can do, but I have also seen many bloggers embrace AI and utilise it for the benefits it can offer.

However, like any tool, there are pros and cons to consider.

What are your thoughts about using AI to blog?

This post examines the advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI into your blogging process.

Pros of Using AI in Blogging

1. Improved Efficiency

AI tools can streamline the writing process. From generating topic ideas to creating content drafts, AI can save bloggers considerable time, allowing them to focus on refining their unique voice and style.

This may prove beneficial to bloggers who publish daily, but those bloggers who publish less often may not see any benefit.

2. Enhanced Creativity

AI can assist in brainstorming and generating creative content ideas. With access to vast databases and algorithms that identify trends, AI can offer fresh perspectives and innovative suggestions.

However, some consider this to be plagiarism, a term that specifically refers to taking another person’s work—words, ideas, and so forth—and presenting it as one’s own without proper attribution.

Did you know that WordPress users can choose to stop their blog’s content from being shared with a WordPress-licensed network of content and research partners, including those that train AI models? To achieve this, navigate to your blog’s dashboard, select Settings—Reading, and tick the box next to ‘Prevent third-party sharing...’.

An image highlighting the box to tick on a WordPress dashboard to prevent AI tools from scraping your site. — Tick this box to stop AI from using your blog content.

3. SEO Optimization

Numerous AI-based tools can analyse keywords and optimise content for search engines. They offer insights into the types of content that rank well, assisting bloggers in enhancing their visibility and reach.

I utilise AI to generate titles for blog posts when I struggle to think of a captivating title that will entice readers to read and engage further. Consequently, I have observed a significant increase in engagement and visitors to my blog.

4. Data-Driven Decisions

AI can analyse reader behaviour and feedback to inform content strategy. By understanding what resonates with the audience, bloggers can create more targeted and engaging content.

However, your WordPress statistics can also provide this information by analysing the stats of posts that receive higher engagement. Typically, you’ll observe a correlation between those posts that engage readers more and those that attract less engagement.

5. Consistency

AI can assist in maintaining a consistent posting schedule by automating aspects of the content creation process. This guarantees that the blog stays active and engaging for readers.

It is widely known that blogs which publish on a schedule tend to retain readers; however, it is unwise to publish content merely for the sake of it. There is nothing wrong with occasionally missing the publication of a blog post or taking a break from blogging. Nevertheless, if you choose to take the latter route, ensure that you inform your readers.

Cons of Using AI in Blogging

1. Lack of Personal Touch

AI-generated content often lacks the emotional depth and personal touch that human writers naturally provide. Readers tend to connect more readily with personal stories and unique experiences that AI is unable to replicate.

If you let AI compose all your posts, you’ll soon notice a decline in visitors and engagement.

2. Quality Control

While AI can generate content rapidly, the quality does not always meet high standards. Bloggers must review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their voice and is factually accurate. Remember, it is your blog, not that of AI. Your voice matters.

3. Dependence on Technology

Over-reliance on AI can hinder writing skills. Bloggers may grow overly dependent on tools, stifling creative development and originality. This is particularly evident in the fiction world, where I have observed AI produce stories that lack emotion or feeling, thus making them dull and unappealing.

My advice is that if you use AI, mix it with your written content.

4. Ethical Concerns

The use of AI raises ethical questions, such as plagiarism (which I discussed earlier) and authenticity. Bloggers must ensure that their use of AI does not compromise their integrity or mislead their audience. Always check (and check again) what AI produces.

5. Costs

Although some AI tools are free, many come with a cost. For bloggers on a tight budget, investing in AI technology might not be practical. However, this won’t affect those who choose not to use AI.

Do I use AI in blogging?

Yes, I utilise AI to assist with spelling and grammar corrections. I have also used AI to verify if I have omitted anything essential from a post, as well as for generating titles for blog posts.

The featured images I use in my blog posts (including this one) are primarily created using the WordPress AI image tool. However, I have found that the tool is not always particularly effective at generating images, especially when more than a few words are included. More work is needed to improve it.

Conclusion

Utilising AI in blogging offers both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While it can enhance efficiency, creativity, and data-driven decisions, it is crucial to maintain a balance and preserve the unique voice that attracts readers. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, bloggers can make informed choices about incorporating AI into their writing process.

If you wish to utilise AI, do so with your own writing rather than generating posts entirely composed by AI.

Finally, we must never forget that we all have a choice regarding AI. We can either use it or leave it be. What we must never do is persuade other users to use it or not. It’s a personal decision. Never criticise those who choose to use AI if you are against any use of AI in writing. Likewise, don’t criticise anyone who refuses to use AI if you use it.

11 Tips to Craft Irresistible Blog Post Titles That Attract New Visitors

Published on Mar 10, 2025Mar 10, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts74 Comments

What do you consider the most crucial factor in attracting new visitors to your blog or website?

Many may immediately say, ‘content.’

However, content is not always king.

An essential element that nearly every visitor encounters first before deciding to read a blog post in depth exists.

Crafting Compelling Titles for Your Blog Posts

Why Great Blog Post Titles Are Essential…

“On average, 5x as many people read the title as read the body copy. When you’ve written your headline, you’ve spent eighty cents out of your dollar.”
— David Ogilvy

Indeed, the secret lies in your blog post titles. Craft captivating titles, and you will witness a surge in new visitors eager to read your posts and explore your website.

I don’t know about you, but some blog post titles can make me sleepy, especially when they have been used repeatedly.

Blog Post Titles: The Equivalent of Book and Movie Titles

I consider blog post titles akin to the titles of books or movies. If a title captures my interest, I am likely to begin reading the book or watch the film.

Titles are as significant as the content itself, yet many bloggers give their blog post titles little, if any, thought. Master both, and you’re on the path to success.

If your blog post title isn’t engaging, how many potential new and existing visitors will scroll past it without a second thought?

I often find myself doing the same. If a title fails to grab my attention, I quickly move on.

Think about this: how many visitors to your blog are likely to do the same?

Tip: When creating titles for your blog posts, consider what title would motivate you to click on the ‘read more’ link.

Strategies to Make Your Blog Post Titles More Enticing

Certain words in blog post titles can attract readers’ interest in learning more. Here are a few examples:

How
How to
When
Have
Have you
Don’t
Did
Do you
This
This is
Who
Why
What
Where

Additional Techniques to Enhance Your Blog Post Titles

Incorporate Numbers

Numbers can greatly affect the effectiveness of your titles. Think about these two examples:

My thoughts on Ways to Get People to Read Your Blog Posts.

7 Blogging Tips That Will Boost Your Post Engagement And Get Visitors Reading Your Blog.

According to Janice Wald of MostlyBlogging.com, odd numbers generally perform better than even numbers in titles, with prime numbers yielding even greater results.

Odd numbers tend to attract more attention as they seem less predictable compared to even numbers.

Tip: Opt for numerals instead of spelling them out when using numbers. Digits tend to stand out more in headlines and require less space.

Utilise Hashtags

Hashtags can enhance your blog post titles, aiding both SEO and drawing in visitors seeking specific topics.

Explore trending hashtags around your post’s publication time. Bluesky and X are great resources for identifying these trends, but always ensure your hashtags are relevant to your content.

Warning: Excessive hashtags can lead to search engines flagging your post as spam. To maintain a professional appearance, limit yourself to no more than three hashtags in your blog post title.

Incorporate Bluesky and X Usernames

If you mention someone in your blog post with a Bluesky or X account, including their handle in the title can be beneficial. When your post is shared, the individual mentioned receives a notification and may expand your reach by resharing it.

For example, when writing a book review, in the blog post title, include the Bluesky or X handle of the author.

Optimise Word Count

Research from CoSchedule.Com suggests that blog post titles around 55 characters long typically earn the highest click-through rates. Titles within six to ten words also tend to yield better engagement.

To establish a foundation for creating your blog post titles, consider these templates:

How To ____
How To Find ____
How To Completely Change ____
How To Create ____
How To Use ____
How To Get Rid Of ____
How I Made ____
How To Save ____
How To Help ____
How To Develop ____
What To Do With ____
Here’s How To ____
Where To Find ____
What No One Tells You About ____
(#) Questions You Should Ask Before ____
(#) Secrets To ____
(#) Signs You Might ____
(#) Rules For ____
(#) Facts About ____
(#) Ideas For/To ____
(#) Essential Steps For/To ____
(#) Foolproof Tips For ____
(#) Handy Tips For ____
(#) Tricks For ____
(#) Key Benefits For ____
(#) Reasons You ____
(#) Wrong Ways To ____
(#) Most Popular ____
(#) Tips For ____
(#) ____ Mistakes You Won’t Make Again
(#) Things I’ve Learned This Month
Why My Weekend Was Amazing
You’ll Never Believe What Happened Last Week
Why This Is The Only Chocolate Chip Recipe You Need
Meet ____ ____ Who Reveals Their Writing Secrets
Why I’m Recommending These (#) TV Shows to Fans of ____
Book Review: (#) Reasons I’m Giving ____ by ____ ____ (insert Bluesky or X username) 5 Stars

(Remember to insert a number in place of (#).)

I’ve used many of these title ideas and seen excellent results. My titles frequently include words that draw readers in.

Warning: Always remember to add a title to your blog post. Any title is better than having none. WordPress replaces empty titles with a five-digit number, which does not encourage visitors to click the ‘read more’ link.

AI – can it help with blog post titles?

Yes, it can.

Did you know that WordPress has an AI block? Just ask it to suggest a title for your post, and see the result.

Not sure how to use AI on WordPress? Check out this excellent post from Fedora, who blogs at Fedora Pancakes – ‘A Guide to WordPress.com’s AI Assistant.‘

Conclusion

Blog post titles are the first impression for visitors; make them as compelling as possible.
Titles are as important as the content of your posts.
Consider what would encourage you to click ‘read more’ when crafting a title.
A poorly chosen title could mean missing out on countless new readers, likes, and comments.
Ensure every post has a title; it doesn’t have to be perfect—just better than a default number.
Use engaging words like How, What, Why, and Where to entice clicks.
Odd numbers usually outperform even numbers in titles, making them more appealing.
Use numerals for numbers in titles for better visibility.
Keep hashtags limited to three to avoid looking spammy.
Mentioning Bluesky and X usernames can help boost your post’s visibility on social media.
Use AI to help generate blog post titles.

How do you generate titles for your blog posts? Are there any extra strategies you would like to share or questions about title creation? Join the conversation in the comments!

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How to Fix Commenting Issues on WordPress Email Notifications: A Simple Solution

Published on Feb 20, 2025Mar 5, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts58 Comments

If you receive email notifications from WordPress about new blog posts, you might face difficulties leaving comments on certain blogs.

When I attempt to leave a comment, I receive an error message.

Image of an error message that appears when trying to leave a comment on WordPress. — The error message.

This issue only impacts comments made when opening posts from email, not those via the WordPress Reader or the bell icon in the notification centre of my blog.

The issue still exists at the time of this post. However, I have found that comments go through when replying to the You can also reply to this email to leave a comment message (see the image below).

Image highlighting the 'You can also reply to this email to leave a comment' link on a new post notification from WordPress. — Leave your comment via the ‘You can also reply to this email to leave a comment’ link.

You’ll see that it’s like replying to an email rather than leaving a comment on the post, so press the reply button to the email, draft your comment and click the send button. When you check the post, you’ll see your comment unless it’s waiting for approval by the blogger for which you’re leaving the comment.

I recently came across this message. I’m unsure how long it’s been appearing in WordPress emails, whether WordPress has temporarily added it to email notifications to address the issue, or whether it’s a permanent fix. Next time I talk with WordPress, I’ll ask them and update this post.

The important thing is that this method of leaving comments works, so there’s no longer a need to remember to copy comments before submitting them.

Update: See the below response from a staff member at WordPress to me.

An image of a comment from a member of staff at WordPress about the problem involving not be able to leave comments via the WordPress new blog post notification email. — WordPress is working on the problem that is causing some comments to fail.

I inquired with WordPress about whether the text ‘You can also reply to this email to leave a comment at the bottom of their notifications is a recent addition. They confirmed that this specific wording is new; however, the ability to leave comments by replying to emails has been available for a long time.

Update 2

WordPress has now resolved this problem. I’m no longer seeing the error message.

However, if you still get the ‘Sorry, this comment could not be posted’ message when leaving comments, please contact WordPress.

Is this commenting problem affecting you? Please feel free to ask any questions by leaving a comment.

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Why Every Blogger Needs an Engaging ‘About’ Page: Key Elements and Tips

Published on Feb 11, 2025Feb 11, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts52 Comments

It never ceases to amaze me how many bloggers do not have a page on their blog where they can introduce themselves to their audience.

Sometimes, their ‘About’ page is blank or hasn’t been updated for years.

Given that a blog’s ‘About’ page is one of the most visited areas, it’s no wonder that all bloggers should have one and ensure it is regularly updated.

I’ve previously written about the importance of an ‘About’ page. This new post is an important reminder.

What is an ‘About’ Page?

An ‘About’ page is one of the most critical components of your blog.

It serves as an introduction to your readers, offering insights into who you are, what your blog is about, and why you started it.

It also helps you connect with your audience, establish credibility, and set the tone for your content.

Here is why it’s important and what to include in it.

Why the ‘About’ Page Matters

Personal Connection: Readers love to know the person behind the blog. An engaging ‘About’ page humanises your content, making it relatable and fostering community.
Establishing Credibility: Sharing your background, expertise, and experiences can enhance your credibility. It shows that you know your niche or what you write about, which can attract more readers and followers.
Setting Expectations: It informs visitors about the blog’s purpose, the type of content they can expect, and how often you post. This clarity can help keep readers coming back.
Encouraging Interaction: An inviting ‘About’ page can motivate readers to engage with you through comments, emails, or social media. It opens the door for dialogue and connection.

Have you seen my ‘About ‘page? Take a look and let me know what you think.

What to Include on Your ‘About’ Page

Your Story: Share your personal journey. Explain why you started the blog and what motivates you to write. This could include anecdotes that resonate with your audience.
What’s Your Name?: While you do not need to give your full name, it’s essential to include and tell visitors a name by which you want to be known. Not only does this make you come over as approachable, but it also gives the impression that you are friendly. Use a pseudonym if you do not want to provide your real name.
Your Expertise: Highlight your knowledge or experience in your niche or what you write about or publish. This may include your education, career background, or significant achievements related to your blog’s topic.
Blog Mission Statement: Clearly state the purpose of your blog. What topics do you cover? What value do you aim to provide to your readers? A concise mission statement can help readers understand your blog’s focus.
Target Audience: Briefly mention who your blog is created for. Understanding who will benefit from your content can help new visitors feel more connected and engaged.
Call to Action: Encourage readers to explore your blog further. This could be a suggestion to read your latest posts, subscribe to your newsletter, or follow you on social media.
Professional Photo: Including a personal photo can make your page more inviting and relatable. Choose a high-quality image that reflects your personality.
Contact Information: Allowing readers to contact you through a ‘contact’ page, email, or social media links can facilitate interaction and community building. However, never give your telephone number, address, or personal email details.

Conclusion

Your ‘About’ page is not merely a formality but a crucial point of engagement for your blog.

Sharing your story, expertise, and mission creates a welcoming atmosphere for readers and cultivates a loyal community. Crafting a compelling and authentic ‘About’ page can significantly enhance your blog’s impact and strengthen your connection with your audience.

Don’t forget to keep your ‘About’ page updated. I update mine at least once every six months.

Don’t hesitate. Write and publish your ‘About’ page now.

Do you have an ‘About’ page on your blog? What information does it include, and when was the last update you made? Any questions? Leave them in the comments section.

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Boost Your WordPress Blog’s Reach: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a BlueSky Sharing Button

Published on Feb 3, 2025Feb 3, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts56 Comments

In my recent post, Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms, I shared my experiences with the social media platform BlueSky, which I am excited to embrace as a new user!

Since BlueSky is new and (at the time of this post) has over 30 million users, it’s an exciting opportunity for WordPress bloggers to enhance their posts by adding a BlueSky sharing button at the end of their posts!

Let me empower your blog by showing you how to connect it to BlueSky. Many blogs have yet to embrace this fantastic feature (and it’s not only BlueSky that you can connect to your blog).

How To Add A BlueSky Sharing Button

On the dashboard of your blog, go to Tools – Marketing.

On the Marketing and Integrations page, click on the Sharing Buttons icon.

An image highlighting the Sharing Buttons icon on the dashboard of a WordPress blog. — click the Sharing Buttons icon.

Click on the Edit sharing buttons icon.

An image highlighting the Edit Sharing Buttons icon on the dashboard of a WordPress blog. — Click the Edit Sharing Buttons icon.

In the Edit visible buttons box, click on the BlueSky sharing button. If you do not already have it as a sharing button, it will be ghosted out.

Image highlighting the BlueSky sharing button on WordPress. — Select the BlueSky sharing button.

Click the Save Changes button.

The BlueSky sharing button will now appear on your blog posts.

Image highlighting the BlueSky sharing button on a blog post on WordPress. — Visitors can now share your posts with BlueSky.

Click the Reorder button to rearrange the order of the sharing buttons on your blog posts. To do so, click on one of them and drag the button to where you want it to sit.

Click the Save Changes button.

How To Connect Your BlueSky Account To Your WordPress Blog

On the dashboard on your blog, go to Tools – Marketing.

On the Marketing and Integrations page, click on the Connections icon.

Image highlighting the Connections button on the dashboard of a WordPress blog. — Click the Connections icon.

In the Share posts with Jetpack social box, look for BlueSky and click the connect button.

Image highlighting the BlueSky connect button in the connections area of a WordPress blog. — Click the BlueSky connect button.

Add your BlueSky Handle and BlueSky app password in the boxes and click the Connect account button.

Image showing where to add your BlueSky account details when connecting your WordPress blog to BlueSky. — Add your BlueSky details.

You’ll be asked to confirm your BlueSky account by clicking another Connect button.

Image showing the connect confirmation button when connecting a BlueSky account to a WordPress blog. — Confirm your BlueSky account.

Your BlueSky account is now connected to your WordPress blog. WordPress will share your posts directly with your BlueSky account whenever you publish a new post.

Remember to connect other social media accounts to your WordPress blog by following the same instructions.

Are you on BlueSky? I’d love to connect! Please share your BlueSky details in the comments so I can follow you. If you have questions about BlueSky, adding a sharing button, or linking your BlueSky account to your blog, feel free to drop them in the comments section—I’m here to help!

To follow me on BlueSky, click my BlueSky User name – hughsviewsandnews.com

Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

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Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

Published on Jan 13, 2025Jan 29, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts126 Comments

Social media is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can connect us with thousands of individuals and bring visitors to our blogs, resulting in new followers and connections.

However, social media is a ravenous beast. Before you realise it, it’ll consume all your time while scattering you far and wide without delivering results. It’ll take everything from you and give little back.

One of the first pieces of advice I received from another blogger was to join as many social media platforms as possible to attract visitors. It turned out to be one of the worst pieces of advice I followed, as it wasn’t long before I found myself spending too much time on numerous platforms.

I realised that spreading myself too thinly on social media was not the solution, so I reduced the number of accounts I managed. This freed up significant time, allowing me to engage more on those platforms. Before long, I noticed increased visitors coming to my blog from various social media sites. Social media was finally paying me back for the time I was investing in it.

Since starting my blog in 2014, I’ve tried most social media platforms. Today, I will discuss five of them and explain why they have worked or not for me.

BlueSky 🦋

Profile Name: @hughsviewsandnews.com

I joined BlueSky in November 2024. It’s one of the new kids on the block. When this post was written, it had gone past the 27 million milestone of the number of users. That number is rising fast.

Not only have I found BlueSky a friendly place to engage with other users, but it’s simple to use, running a similar platform to X. Like any social media platform, the more you engage with other BlueSky users, the better the results.

I’ll write more about BlueSky in an upcoming post, but early indications are that it’s a rising social media platform that all authors, writers and bloggers should seriously consider joining.

I’ve also found a lot of photographers on BlueSky. If you have a photography blog or host a photography challenge, ensure you join BlueSky.

Don’t forget to add the BlueSky sharing button to the sharing buttons on your blog posts so visitors can share your posts to BlueSky.

Flipboard

Profile Name: Hugh W Roberts

I joined Flipboard in 2019. It has brought incredible amounts of traffic to my blog and has an excellent customer service team that reaches out whenever problems occur.

Users add information to magazines, so, as in blogging, setting up categories is essential. My most popular magazines are Blogging Tips, Entertaining (short) Stories You’ll Enjoy, LGBTQI, and Writing Tips.

Mastodon

Profile Name: @HughWRoberts

Mastodon is a big part of the Fediverse, which WordPress promotes heavily. The Fediverse is a global, open social network of independent servers that communicate with each other using a common protocol.

Users create posts in much the same way as on X and BlueSky. Posts appear on the timelines of those who follow the person who created and published the post, but other users can also see them.

I’ve had a steady flow of traffic from Mastodon to my blog, although out of the three social media accounts I use, it’s the one I use the least.

X/Twitter

After 14 years, I deleted my X account on December 31st, 2024, for reasons I won’t go into. This means that I will no longer share my blog posts or other bloggers’ posts on X.

Given that I had over nine thousand followers on X, I hope those who followed me there will now follow me on BlueSky. Some already have, but given that this post is my first mention of joining BlueSky, many will not know I am now active there.

Join me on BlueSky at @hughwroberts05.bsky.social

Instagram

I recently gave Instagram another chance. I did my best to boost engagement, but I struggled significantly. While some people interacted with my posts, it was difficult to stand out amidst all the self-promotion on the platform.

There is nothing wrong with self-promoting your own books and blogs, but I find it too overwhelming when it’s every post. I only saw a little of others promoting the posts of others.

Maybe I was following the wrong accounts?

Instagram wasn’t for me. I deleted my account in December 2024.

Avoid following the accounts of those who only promote their own work and who give nothing back to others.

Other Social Media Platforms

There are many other social media platforms that I have not mentioned, and other bloggers, writers, and authors use them successfully. But how?

I would love to know which social media platforms you use and which ones have been the most successful. In the comments section, feel free to share which platforms you use and your username so that anyone reading the comments can follow and connect with you.

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7 Essential, Easy Ways to Help You Blog Through December

Published on Dec 2, 2024Nov 26, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts95 Comments

This is my annual post about blogging in December, and it’s also my eleventh December in the blogging world. As I’ve discovered previously, December in the blogging world differs from any other time of the year. Why? Read on for more details.

I see a familiar path. As December arrives and the days tick by, the blogging world grows quieter.

I’ve already had the pleasure of witnessing bloggers saying farewell to their blogs and followers for Christmas, joyfully extending warm wishes to their readers for a Merry Christmas while eagerly expressing their intention to return promptly in the New Year. Some have published their final posts of 2024, while others have happily shared their anticipated dates for a well-earned blogging break.

And who can blame them? Blogging is enjoyable, but all bloggers need a break from the blogging world.

However, just because the blogging world gets quiet, it doesn’t mean you have to stop blogging. Instead, it’s the perfect time of year to focus on the behind-the-scenes blogging tasks you may have meant to do throughout the year but never quite got around to.

Embrace this opportunity to make progress on all that behind-the-scenes work and watch your efforts flourish in the New Year.

1. Fix broken links.

It can be daunting if you’ve never checked for and fixed broken links on your blog, but don’t be put off doing it.

I use the free version of Brokenlink.com to check and fix broken links on my blog.

Fixing broken links helps improve your blog’s SEO score and reduces spam.

Your readers will also be happier once those broken links are fixed because they won’t be taken to pages and posts that no longer exist. No more ‘404-page not found’ errors!

Top Tip: Don’t try to tackle your list of broken links in one go. Do a few each day. Before you know it, you’ll have smashed it.

2. Update your ‘About’ page.

Every blogger should definitely have an ‘About’ page on their blog! Why? Well, not only do most readers enjoy getting to know the person behind the blog before deciding to follow, but it also happens to be one of the most visited sections of any blog. Therefore, it’s a win-win situation for bloggers and their readers alike!

It’s just as essential to keep your ‘About’ page updated. When did you last update the ‘About’ page of your blog? I updated mine a few days ago.

Not sure what to put on the ‘About’ page? ‘How to Write the Perfect About Me Page For Your WordPress Blog‘ by blogger and writer James Lane has excellent recommendations.

Top Tip: Tell visitors when you last updated your ‘About’ page by inserting the month and year you updated it. For example, mine reads, Meet Hugh – updated November 2024.

3. Do some blog housekeeping.

December is perfect for performing behind-the-scene blog housekeeping.

From sorting out the tags and categories on your blog to updating the menu bar, maintaining your blog is vital to keeping it fit and healthy for the New Year.

Blogs where little or no housekeeping is performed lose more followers and readers than well-maintained blogs. Why would anyone want to follow a poorly maintained blog or website full of broken links? They can also appear spammy and unsafe to visit.

Prepare your blog for the New Year by performing some housekeeping during December.

Top Tip: Blog housekeeping may seem daunting, but doing a little each day will significantly improve your blog.

4. Explore the WordPress Editor.

Are you still terrified of the WordPress (Block) Editor? As the number of bloggers using the WordPress Editor continues to skyrocket, now is the perfect time to explore the WordPress Editor and join all those already using it.

The WordPress editor isn’t complex to use; it’s just different!

WordPress has excellent tutorials on how the editor works and how to use it. Check out Using the WordPress Editor: Video Tutorials and more.

Remember that you can use the Classic editor via the ‘Classic’ Block. Soon, this may be the only option available to gain access to the Classic editor, so start using it today rather than panicking when the old Classic editor is removed.

Top Tip: Create a free WordPress blog to test the WordPress editor. That is what I’ve done, and it has helped me greatly.

5. Declutter the blogs you follow.

Following too many blogs is not good for your mental health. It can cause some bloggers stress and guilt from being overwhelmed by too many posts they feel obliged to read and comment on. Why follow a blog if you feel compelled to read and leave uninspiring comments?

Take control of your time rather than lose it on blogs you are not interested in.

Check which blogs you are following by clicking on the ‘spectacle (glasses)’ icon at the top of your blog. Click on ‘Manage’ (next to ‘Subscriptions’). You will be presented with a list of blogs you are following. Go through them and unfollow the blogs you are no longer interested in.

Image of a list of blogs being followed on WordPress — Look after your mental health by unsubscribing from blogs that no longer interest you.

Top Tip: Set yourself a limit on how many blogs you follow. When this limit is reached, do not follow any more blogs unless you unsubscribe from some first.

6. Choose a new theme for your blog.

December is the perfect time to change the theme of your blog.

If the WordPress theme you are using has been retired, you are likely (or soon will be) having problems with your blog. This can result in being unable to leave comments on other blogs and not being able to draft and publish posts without encountering issues.

Once WordPress retires a theme, it removes support for it. Don’t waste your time trying to find workarounds. I have witnessed many bloggers give up blogging because they are trying to work around problems with their retired themes.

To choose a new theme, go to your blog’s dashboard and click Appearance—Themes. You’ll be presented with a selection of current themes. As soon as you find one you like, select it.

Many of the themes on offer are Full Site Editing themes. However, Classic themes are also available that still come with full support from WordPress.

The current theme I’m using is Toujours. It’s a Classic theme and is still fully supported by WordPress.

Top Tip: To find fully supported Classic themes, type ‘Classic’ in the search box of the themes page and click on ‘Classic theme.’ A complete list of Classic themes will appear.

7. Delete old blog posts.

Did you know that keeping old, out-of-date posts can damage the health of your blog? These outdated posts are often the source of many broken links and errors that attract spammers.

Not convinced? My post, ‘Are Your Old Blog Posts Damaging Your Blog? How To Stop It From Happening,’ gives full details.

Top Tip: Deleting old blog posts will also free up storage space in your media library (if they contain images or photos). However, you must manually delete photos and images from your media library to free up space.

Conclusion:

Although all the above tips can be performed at any time of the year, make the most of December by undertaking these tasks.

Remember, doing a little daily goes a long way, rather than doing nothing to look after your blog.

December is often a busy time outside blogging, with holidays and festivities. Taking a break from blogging allows you to recharge, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. It enables you to step away from the computer and focus on spending quality time with family and friends, as well as doing other fun things.

For those who do not celebrate Christmas, taking a break from blogging while other bloggers do the same will help improve their well-being. Whenever I have returned from a blogging break, I have come back refreshed and full of new ideas for blog posts.

While taking a blogging break in December is a personal choice, finding a balance that suits your needs and goals is essential. Whether you decide to take a break or continue blogging, ensure to prioritise your well-being and enjoy the holiday season.

Am I planning a blogging break?

Yes, I’m taking a blogging break in December. This year, I’ll recycle some Christmas-themed posts and publish a Wordless Wednesday post on December 4th, 11th, and 18th. I also have a book promotion post planned, which may happen in the new year.

My monthly round-up post will go live on December 31st.

I won’t be reading and commenting on blog posts during the Christmas period. However, I will respond to comments left on my blog posts.

What will you be doing with your blog during December? Are you planning a blogging break, or will you continue to blog?

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Want More Blogging Success? What Happens When You Find It.

Published on Nov 12, 2024Nov 12, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts97 Comments

This is post number one hundred and four this year. It was meant to be my one-hundredth post, but life got in the way (I’m not going to bore you with the details), and my Wordless Wednesday post from a few weeks ago earned the honour of being post number 100.

When you think about it, one hundred and four posts in ten mouths seem like an awful lot. Am I overwhelming readers with too many posts, or do you want more? I’m averaging nine monthly posts, which appears to have become a good balance.

If you asked me, ‘Am I publishing too many posts?’ I’d respond, ‘Do what feels best for you.’ However, we should never forget our audience, so there’s no harm in reaching out and asking. Without you (my audience) reading these posts and engaging with me, this blog would be like arriving on a barren planet. And nobody wants that.

I’d be interested to know how many posts you have published in 2024 and if you’re happy with that number. Let me know in the comments.

Let’s discuss other blogging topics

Did you see my recent post about whole blog posts being shown in emails? No? It’s titled ‘WordPress: Excerpts Are Working Again!‘ It’s worth reading if you only want an excerpt of your posts to show in email notifications and want visitors to visit your blog to read them. Reading posts by visiting a blog is a much better experience than reading them by email, especially since some blocks do not appear in emails, making posts look odd and broken.

There are many reasons to encourage visitors to visit your blog, one of which is that they are more likely to engage with you if they are on your blog (rather than reading from an email). Furthermore, visitors can explore your blog, catch up on posts they have not read, and check any links. This brings me nicely to the subject of engagement.

Are you engaging or comment spamming?

As regular visitors to my blog know, I am passionate about engagement in the blogging world. Recently, I came across an alarming article stating that engagement has decreased to an all-time low in blogging. How sad is that? However, when you look at some blogs with low engagement or, conversely, blogs with numerous non-engaging comments, it is evident that this is happening.

Here’s an example. I recently discovered a writing challenge blog and wanted to get involved. But when I checked out some of the comments left, I knew that participating would not be worthwhile. With lots of non-engaging comments such as ‘Nice one’ and ‘great attempt” being left on stories, nobody wanted to engage with one another. It was a barren planet. I left with a heavy heart.

When I publish a post, it’s the engagement I crave. So when I publish a short story or piece of flash fiction, I look for feedback beyond being told it was a great story. Engaging feedback is critical for all of us to improve our writing.

Do you agree? Do engaging comments help to improve your writing?

Take action if you want engagement

This may seem like a shock-horror move, but I’m now marking comments such as ‘nice’ and ‘beautiful post’ as spam. Leaving short comments all over the blogging world is like leaving spam everywhere. We all know how spam can cause frustration and diminish the enjoyment of blogging.

One main reason readers do not leave engaging comments is a lack of time. However, many who offer that excuse leave non-engaging comments everywhere. They spend the time they could have used to leave an engaging comment, posting numerous non-engaging comments everywhere. The flash fiction challenge I mentioned earlier seems to confirm this.

Some bloggers believe that nobody will leave comments on their blogs if they don’t comment, so they leave short, non-engaging comments everywhere. Honestly, that’s a crazy thought.

Before I finish discussing engagement, I want to reassure everyone that they should not feel obliged to leave comments on any of my posts. I won’t be upset if you don’t comment, but I will mark comments as spam if they are those pesky, non-engagement comments I mentioned. One engaging comment every once in a while is worth a thousand non-engaging comments.

I don’t know about you, but it makes all the difference if somebody wants to engage with me and does so in a way that proves they’ve read the post and are interested. Do you agree?

Please preview your posts before publishing them!

Did you know you can preview your posts before publishing them? It seems that some bloggers do not know they can do this. From seeing upside-down images to posts with a terrible and hard-to-read layout, there is no excuse for anyone not to preview their posts before publishing them. It’s so simple to do.

Before publishing a post, click the little ‘laptop computer’ symbol at the top right of the page on which you are drafting the post. You will be able to see a preview of your post as it will look on a desktop computer, tablet, and mobile phone. Plus, and this is fantastic news, WordPress has now moved the ‘preview email’ option to the same menu for how your post will look in an email.

Image showing the preview post and email option on WordPress. — Always preview your posts and WordPress notification emails before publishing them.

Thank you for making that option more accessible to find, WordPress.

There is no excuse for sloppiness in ensuring your posts and WordPress notification emails are at their best for your audience.

Finally, how are your blogging stats performing?

I’m delighted that my blogging statistics have rocketed this year. I’ve surpassed last year’s total number of visitors and views to my blog. But to make things even better, 2024 is on track to be my best year ever (in the ten years I’ve blogged) in terms of viewing statistics and engagement. I believe this disproves those who tell you that you must publish posts every day for your blog to be successful. You don’t need to force yourself to blog every day.

A blog’s success depends not on how often it publishes posts but on the quality of those posts.

Thank you to everyone who visits my blog, reads my posts, and engages with me. Without you, Hugh’s Views and News would never have reignited my passion for writing and engaging with others.

How are your blogging stats this year? Tell me in the comments section.

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