Tag: Blogging Tools

An image of a man using AI on a laptop computer.

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

Published on 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.

Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.

If you want a guide on AI on WordPress, check out this excellent article from Fedora, ‘A Guide To WordPress.Com’s AI Assistant.’

This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?

Are you hopping on the AI train in your blogging adventure? If so, what tools are you using, and what benefits has AI brought you and your blog? Does the use of AI in the blogging world concern you? Are you against using AI in Blogging? If so, what are your reasons? We want to hear your thoughts if you’re for or against AI. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!

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

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

Published on 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

  1. Personal Connection: Readers love to know the person behind the blog. An engaging ‘About’ page humanises your content, making it relatable and fostering community.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Professional Photo: Including a personal photo can make your page more inviting and relatable. Choose a high-quality image that reflects your personality.
  8. 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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Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

Published on 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.

Image of a tree with social media branches.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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 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.

Image of a desktop computer and camera with Christmas decoration and festive lights..
Are you planning a blogging break in December?

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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The image shows a laptop computer with 100 across the screen and streamers and balloons surrounding the laptop.

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

Published on 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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WordPress: Excerpts Are Working Again!

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts33 Comments

Earlier this week, in my post, ‘Is This WordPress Problem Affecting You? It’s Been Reported.’ I outlined a problem where excerpts no longer appeared in WordPress’s new post email notifications.

Is This WordPress Problem Affecting You? It’s Been Reported

I’m delighted to say that the problem has now been fixed. Unfortunately, users will need to change the ‘For each new post email, include‘ setting back to ‘Excerpt,’ as the fix has caused the setting to default back to ‘Full text.’

Do the following now if you want your new post email notifications to only show an excerpt.

  • On the dashboard of your blog, go to Settings – Newsletter.
  • Scroll down to the Emails sections of the Newsletter settings page, and change the ‘For each new post email, include‘ setting back to ‘Excerpt.’
  • Click the ‘Save Settings‘ button.
Image highlighting where to change the 'For each new post email, include..' setting to 'Excerpt,'
Change this setting to ‘Excerpt.’

Your new post notification emails will now only show an excerpt rather than the full post.

The ‘For each new post email, include‘ setting can also be found on your blog’s dashboard under Settings—Reading.

My thanks to Dave Martin at Automattic and WordPress for fixing this problem.

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Turn This Setting On To Stop Seeing Too Much Spam On Your WordPress Blog

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts51 Comments

Is your WordPress blog getting too much spam?

Do you want to free up the time it takes you to filter through spam looking for genuine comments?

Turn this setting on now.

Light blue image with the words 'Turn This Setting On To Stop Seeing Too Much Spam On Your WordPress Blog' in white text.
Does your blog get too much spam? Turn this setting on.
  • On your blog’s dashboard, go to Jetpack – Akismet Anti-spam.
Image highlighting Jetpack - Akismet Anti-spam on the dashboard of a WordPress blog
Click Jetpack – Akismet Anti-spam
  • On the page that opens, look for the Settings box. Under Spam Filtering, ensure ‘Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it’ is selected.
Image highlighting the 'Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it' setting on WordPress.
Ensure ‘Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it’ has been selected.
  • Click the ‘Save changes‘ button.

You’ll now see much less spam in your blog’s spam folder.

Obviously, you can continue to review all spam, but this can be very time-consuming if your blog gets a lot of spam.

On average, I now see less than 10 spam comments per week in my spam folder. It used to be hundreds. Turning this setting on has helped.

On the same page, you can also see how much good work the Akismet anti-spam software has done in capturing spam comments on your blog. Here’s a snapshot of my blog.

Image showing the stats of how much spam has been blocked on Hugh's Views And News.
How much spam has been blocked on your WordPress blog?

Akismet has caught over 308,000 spam comments since I started blogging in February 2014!

Occasionally, spam comments will get through, but you can help WordPress by marking them as spam. Likewise, if a genuine comment ends up in the spam folder by mistake, mark it as ‘not spam.’

Something else you may find interesting is that WordPress now deletes spam that is over 15 days old in the spam folder, so you no longer have to do it! Another win! Thank you, WordPress.

Don’t stress about spam!

I’ve come across some bloggers who allow spam to stress them. This does nothing but spoil the enjoyment blogging brings.

If your blog receives too much spam, turn on the setting outlined in this post. You’ll soon see a vast decrease in the amount of spam you see.

How do you deal with spam on your blog?

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How Easy Is It To Follow Your Blog? How To Add A Subscribe Button To All Your WordPress Posts

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts59 Comments

Sometimes, I struggle to find a subscribe or follow button on blogs. I came across one recently where there wasn’t one. I spent ages looking and even left a comment asking how to subscribe to receive more posts, but the host didn’t reply to my comment!

But I’m delighted that WordPress now makes adding a subscribe (to my blog) button to all your posts (past and future) even more effortless. And the best part is that once you switch on this setting, you won’t have to do it again.

Light blue image with the words 'How Easy Is It To Follow Your Blog? How To Add A Subscribe Button To All Your WordPress Posts' in white text.
Is it easy for visitors to follow your blog?

Where and how to switch on the Subscribe Block button.

  • On the dashboard of your blog, go to Settings – Newsletter.
  • On the Newsletter settings page, look for ‘Add the Subscribe block at the end of each post,’ and slide the button to the ‘on’ position.
Image highlighting the 'Add the subscribe block at the end of each post' button on WordPress.
Slide the button to the ‘on’ position.
  • Click the ‘Save Settings’ button.

That’s it! The ‘Subscribe’ block will appear on all of your posts (past and future), making it easy for anyone visiting your blog to follow you.

This is what the block looks like if you’re already subscribed to the blog or have just signed up.

Image showing the Subscribe block once you've subscribed to a blog on WordPress
You’re following my blog. Thank you.

How easy is it for a new visitor to follow or subscribe to your blog?

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Why Do You Use The WordPress Reader? This Is Why You Should Use It.

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts91 Comments

I don’t use the WordPress Reader nearly as much as I should.

I get email notifications when new blog posts are published by the bloggers I follow. This makes sense as I only follow around 55 blogs, most of which publish no more than a few times a week.

Am I missing out on not using the WordPress Reader? I think so, yes! But why?

Light blue image with the words 'Why Do You Use The WordPress Reader?' in white text.
Tell me why you use or don’t use the WordPress Reader.

One of the reasons I stopped using the WP Reader was that when I was following over 500 blogs, I felt like a hamster constantly running around a wheel in my endless battle to reach the top of the reader. I never reached the top, so I thought I was missing out!

However, I occasionally use the WordPress Reader to search for posts on subjects I enjoy reading. In my opinion, this is where the WordPress Reader is at its best!

For example, I recently entered the word ‘WordPress’ into the reader search bar and was presented with a long list of blog posts in which ‘WordPress’ had been used as a category or tag (this shows how important categorising and tagging your posts is).

But before I discuss some of the search results, let me first say that, unlike some bloggers who seem to think WordPress has deleted the ‘Reader,’ the WP Reader has moved.

Where is the WordPress Reader?

If you’re using a desktop computer, the WP Reader is now located in the top right corner of your blog. Look for the pair of spectacles icon.

Image highlighting the WordPress Reader icon and where to find it.
The WordPress Reader icon has changed and moved.

Click on it, and you’ll be taken to the WordPress Reader.

On mobile phones and tablets (using the Jetpack app), the WP Reader icon (spectacles) is located at the bottom of the screen.

What I found in the search results!

I was delighted to see some of my posts appear in the search results. However, I was more interested in the posts from blogs I don’t currently follow.

One of those posts that grabbed my attention was from Mitch, who blogs at The Power Of Story. Mitch’s post, ‘What’s Up WordPress?‘, was about the sudden ups and downs of his blog’s number of subscribers/followers. Indeed, I’ve noticed the same thing happening with my blog.

Image showing the ups and downs of subscriber/follower numbers on WordPress

My subscriber/follower stats have become like a fairground rollercoaster ride. Some days, I lose a lot of subscribers/followers, and then the numbers suddenly return, although not the same subscribers.

I did some digging and found that WordPress are now actively deleting spam blogs and blogs run by spambots. That’s a good thing, especially since I’ve been manually unsubscribing them for many months. WordPress is unsubscribing these blogs for me, although I will unsubscribe any I find myself.

Have you noticed your subscriber/follower numbers going on a rollercoaster ride recently?

Another post that grabbed my attention from the results page was from Kevin, who blogs at Chef Kevin Ashton. Kevin’s post, titled ‘The Thorny Issue Of WordPress Likes.’ touched on a subject I’ve often written about – the ‘like’ button!

Love it or hate it, the ‘like’ button is something just about every WordPress user and visitor will use. However, Kevin touched on the subject of ‘guilt’ by not using it, especially when he doesn’t have enough time to visit and read blogs.

I’ve been there, Kevin. Many bloggers feel guilty or stressed about not clicking ‘like’, visiting blogs that follow them, or leaving comments. Yet, in my opinion, nobody really cares that you can’t always visit their blog. I’ve discovered that leaving one engaging comment occasionally that shows you read the post is much more appreciated than leaving short, non-engaging comments just to prove you visited. However, you may not have read their post.

I’ve written many posts about blogging guilt and stress. In my last post on the subject, ‘Stressed Or Feeling Guilty About Blogging? Please Read This Post. Let’s Keep Blogging Fun,’ many readers spoke up about how bad they feel when they don’t have the time to read blogs, click ‘like,’ and leave comments, often resulting in blogging feeling like a chore rather than something that should be enjoyed.

Nobody should ever feel obliged to read posts, click the ‘like’ button or leave comments. Keep blogging fun.

How do you deal with blogging stress or guilt?

The happy and sad sides of blogging!

It was also lovely to see blog posts celebrating milestones on WordPress in the results. From celebrating 15 years of blogging on WordPress to publishing their 100th post and some folks being notified that their blogs had achieved half a million visits, these posts brought a smile to my face.

Of course, posts complaining about how bad WordPress is and the problems bloggers are having also appeared in the results. Although I only read a few, most of the reported issues were related to WordPress’s changes, and the author often confirmed in the comments section that the issue(s) had now been resolved.

Personally, I’m pleased that WordPress does make changes. If they left things alone, the platform would quickly become outdated and dull, as would all our blogs. WordPress would lose many paying customers, and we’d all lose our blogs if they went out of business. I used to hate change but learned that adapting to it is much less stressful than fighting it

Are you encountering any issues with WordPress? My recent post, ‘WordPress Problems: Don’t Panic! How To Solve Issues Quickly,’ may be of some help.

Are your blog posts appearing on the WordPress Reader?

I always check that my blog posts appear in the WordPress reader. To do this, I follow my blog and check the reader immediately after publishing a post. If it’s not there, I know there’s a problem.

There are several reasons why your posts may not appear in the WordPress Reader. The main reason is that you add too many categories and tags to a post. WordPress allows up to 15 categories and tags combined. Your post could be marked as spam and won’t appear if you add more, so ensure you do not add more than 15 tags and categories (combined).

There may also be technical reasons why your posts don’t show in the reader. If you don’t see your posts, contact WordPress. They’ll be able to help.

That’s it for today. I’ll share other interesting posts when I do more searches on the WordPress Reader.

Why Do You Use The WordPress Reader?

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Blogging Simplified: Adding Images From Your Phone To A WordPress Post

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts42 Comments

Do you draft blog posts on a desktop computer or laptop? If so, did you know you can now add photos to your post directly from your mobile phone? No more having to download photos to your computer or laptop.

Light blue image with the words 'Blogging Simplified: Adding Images From Your Phone To A WordPress Post' in white text
Now you can add images and photos directly from your phone to a WordPress post.

Here’s how to do it: 

Ensure you have the Jetpack app on your phone. If not, download it from the app store.

  1. Insert an ‘Image‘ or ‘Gallery‘ Block on your post/page. 
  2. Click ‘Select Image.‘ 
  3. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Your Phone.’ A message will pop up on your phone with a QR code.
Image highlighting the 'Select Image' and 'Your Phone' links on an Image block on WordPress
Click ‘Select Image’ and ‘Your Phone.’
Image showing the QR code that pops up on WordPress when selecting 'Your Phone' when selecting an image or photo.
Scan the QR code.

4. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code. This will automatically open the Jetpack app on your phone and then your photo library. 

5. Choose the image(s) you want to use: From there, simply click the image or images you wish to add to your post/page.

6. Click ‘Add‘ (top right corner): Watch your image(s) automatically appear in your desktop/laptop editor. Here’s one I added directly from my phone.

img_0529-1

Can I adjust the size of images in the Jetpack app?

Yes. This is important to do to prevent images from taking up too much storage space in your blog’s media library. By default, the “Optimise Images” option is turned on. You can set the ‘Max Image Upload Size‘ so the original file is resized automatically when you upload it.

Here’s how to do it:

In the Jetpack app for iPhone and the Jetpack app for Android, to adjust the settings, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the Jetpack app on your phone.
  2. Click your profile icon in the bottom right.
  3. Click ‘App Settings‘.

You can toggle ‘Optimize Images‘ off (not recommended) or adjust the ‘Max Image Upload Size‘. The default is 2000 x 2000px.

img_0527-1

As you can see from the above image, I’ve set the maximum image upload size to 1000 x 1000px. I recommend not going any higher than this.

Is there anything to remember when uploading images directly from your phone?

Yes. If you add copyright information to images and photos on your computer or laptop (something I recommend you do), remember to add copyright information to your images and photos on your phone before you add them to your blog posts.

Remember to also complete the ‘Alt-Text‘ and ‘Description‘ details of the images in your blog’s media library. My blog post ‘Adding Images Or Photos To Your Blog Posts? 4 Essential Things To Do,’ gives full details as to why this information should always be completed.

Would you use this method for adding photos and images to your blog posts? If you have questions, please leave me a comment.

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