13 Common WordPress Mistakes Newbies Make and How to Avoid Them

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Hey there! Starting a WordPress website can feel like diving into the deep end, right?

So many choices to make! You’re picking everything from the very platform it sits on to wrestling with those constant updates.

And honestly, every single one of those decisions can lead to expensive mistakes that could seriously mess with your site’s success. It’s a lot to navigate, but don’t worry, we’re here to help.

As a WordPress newbie, it’s easy to fall into common traps:

• Choosing the wrong version of the platform
• Buying unnecessary premium features
• Ignoring important security measures
• Skipping essential setup tasks

These blunders can result in:

• Slow website speed
• Security risks
• Missed opportunities for making money
• Unhappy visitors

But here’s the good news: you can avoid these problems by learning from others’ mistakes. We’ve put together a detailed guide that outlines 13 major WordPress errors and how to avoid them like an expert.

Are you ready to set up your WordPress site correctly in 2025? Let’s explore these common pitfalls and turn them into stepping stones towards your website’s success.

1. Choosing the Right Platform: WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

Many beginners mix these platforms up, leading to limitations in their website’s growth potential.

WordPress.org: The Self-Hosted Solution

With WordPress.org, you have complete control over your website. Here are some key benefits:

• Complete control over your website
• Access to thousands of themes and plugins
• Freedom to monetize your site
• Custom domain without additional fees
• Direct access to website files
• Full SEO control

WordPress.com: The Managed Platform

On the other hand, WordPress.com offers a managed platform with certain limitations:

• Limited customization options
• Restricted plugin access
• WordPress.com branding on free plans
• Storage limitations
• Monetization restrictions

Popular Self-Hosted Themes

If you choose WordPress.org, here are some popular themes you can consider:

1. Astra
2. GeneratePress
3. OceanWP
4. Kadence
5. Divi
6. Elementor

Must-Have WordPress.org Plugins

To enhance your website’s functionality, here are some must-have plugins for WordPress.org:

1. Yoast SEO for search optimization
2. WooCommerce for online stores
3. Elementor for page building
4. WP Rocket for performance

Reliable Hosting Providers

When using WordPress.org, you’ll need to choose a hosting provider. Here are some reliable options:

1. Hostinger – Perfect for beginners
2. SiteGround – Enhanced security features
3. WP Engine – Premium managed hosting
4. HostGator – Budget-friendly options

The self-hosted WordPress.org platform gives you the freedom to scale your website without restrictions. You can install any theme or plugin, customize your site’s code, and implement advanced features like membership systems or online courses.

2. Avoiding Unnecessary Purchases: How to Save Money When Setting Up Your Website

Domain registrars and hosting providers often bombard new WordPress users with upsells. You’ll see offers for:

• Premium SSL certificates
• Domain privacy protection
• “Professional” email services
• Website builders
• Premium themes
• SEO tools bundles

Here’s what you actually need:

• A basic domain name ($10-15/year)
• Standard hosting plan ($5-15/month)
• Free SSL certificate (Let’s Encrypt)

Smart money-saving strategies:

• Use free themes from WordPress.org’s repository
• Leverage built-in WordPress features like the default editor
• Start with essential plugins only – add more as needed
• Skip premium email services – use Gmail’s free business tools
• Avoid “website security packages” – basic security plugins work well

Many paid features have excellent free alternatives. The WordPress Block Editor eliminates the need for page builders. Popular plugins like Yoast SEO and Wordfence offer robust free versions. You can always upgrade later when your site grows and generates revenue.

Remember: paid doesn’t always mean better. Focus on your content and basic functionality first. Add premium features only when they directly benefit your site’s goals.

For instance, while a premium SSL certificate might seem necessary, you can easily get a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt which serves the same purpose without the extra cost.

3. Choosing Cheap or Slow Hosting

Selecting the right hosting provider can make or break your WordPress website’s success.

Many beginners fall into the trap of choosing the cheapest hosting option available – a decision that often proves costly in the long run.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Hosting:

• Frequent website downtime
• Slow page loading speeds
• Poor customer support
• Limited server resources
• Security vulnerabilities

Your website’s loading speed directly impacts your search engine rankings. Google prioritizes fast-loading websites, making hosting speed a crucial factor in your site’s visibility.

Signs You Need Better Hosting:

• Page load times exceed 3 seconds
• Regular server timeouts
• Frequent error messages
• Limited bandwidth during traffic spikes
• Lack of essential security features

Top WordPress Hosting Options for 2025:

• WP Engine: Premium managed WordPress hosting with advanced security
• SiteGround: Excellent balance of speed and affordability
• Kinsta: Cloud-powered hosting with superior performance
• Cloudways: Flexible cloud hosting with multiple provider options

A quality hosting provider offers:

1. Daily backups
2. SSL certificates
3. CDN integration
4. Malware scanning
5. 24/7 expert support
6. Automatic WordPress updates

Investing in reliable hosting pays off through improved user experience, higher search rankings, and increased conversion rates.

The difference between a $3/month and $30/month hosting plan becomes evident in your website’s performance and reliability.

4. Don’t Just Pick a Pretty Theme: Here’s How to Find One That Works for Everyone

Your WordPress theme sets the foundation for your site’s visual appeal and functionality. A poorly chosen theme can limit your website’s potential and frustrate your visitors.

Key factors for theme selection:

• Mobile responsiveness: Your theme must look perfect on all devices – 55% of web traffic comes from mobile users
• Loading speed: Lightweight themes enhance site performance
• Regular updates: Active theme development ensures security and compatibility
• Documentation: Clear setup guides help you maximize theme features
• Browser compatibility: Your theme should work across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge

Beginner-friendly themes to consider:

• Astra – Fast, customizable, works with popular page builders
• GeneratePress – Lightweight, SEO-optimized, extensive documentation
• OceanWP – Feature-rich, e-commerce ready, free extensions
• Kadence – Modern design, performance-focused, intuitive controls

Customization tips:

1. Test themes with demo content before committing
2. Check theme ratings and reviews from real users
3. Verify compatibility with your essential plugins
4. Create a child theme to preserve customizations
5. Use the theme customizer for point-and-click editing

Your choice of theme affects site speed, SEO rankings, and user engagement. Popular multipurpose themes like Astra or GeneratePress offer many customization options without needing coding skills.

These themes work well with page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg, giving you creative freedom while keeping professional design standards.

Our new article shares themes built to tackle design issues and give your brand a major boost. Read here

5. Setting Up Automated Backups: Protecting Your Site from Data Loss Disaster

Website crashes, hacking attempts, and server failures can wipe out your entire WordPress site in seconds.

Without proper backups, you risk losing:

• Months of content creation
• Customer data and orders
• Custom design elements
• SEO rankings
• User comments and engagement

Setting up automated backups creates a safety net for your WordPress site. Here’s how to implement a robust backup strategy:

a. Choose a Reliable Backup Plugin

Some popular options include:

• UpdraftPlus
• BackupBuddy
• WP Time Capsule
• VaultPress

b. Essential Backup Best Practices

Follow these best practices to ensure effective backups:

• Schedule daily automated backups
• Store copies in multiple locations (cloud storage, external drive)
• Keep at least 30 days of backup history
• Test your restore process regularly
• Enable automatic backup before updates

c. Recommended Backup Settings

Consider these settings for optimal backup results:

• Database backups: Daily
• Files backup: Weekly
• Plugin/theme configurations: Before updates
• Store backups offsite: Amazon S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox
• Enable automatic cleanup of old backups

A single backup can save you countless hours of reconstruction work and prevent devastating data loss. Many hosting providers offer built-in backup solutions – check your hosting control panel for these features.

6. Implementing Google Analytics: Tracking Your Website’s Growth Metrics Made Easy

Skipping Google Analytics setup can leave you blind to your website’s performance. You need data-driven insights to understand your audience and optimize your content strategy effectively.

Key Metrics You Can Track:

• Page views and unique visitors
• Time spent on site
• Bounce rates
• Traffic sources
• User demographics
• Most popular content
• Device types used

Setting Up Google Analytics:

1. Create a Google Analytics account at analytics.google.com
2. Set up a new property for your website
3. Copy your tracking ID (starts with UA- or G-)

WordPress Integration Methods:

Plugin Installation:

1. Install MonsterInsights or Google Analytics Dashboard plugin
2. Navigate to plugin settings
3. Paste your tracking ID
4. Verify connection

Manual Installation:

1. Access your WordPress theme’s header.php file
2. Paste the Google Analytics tracking code before the closing tag
3. Save changes

Best Practices:

• Set up custom dashboards for quick access to important metrics
• Enable demographic reporting
• Create goals to track conversions
• Use real-time analytics to monitor live traffic
• Check analytics weekly to identify trends

Google Analytics data helps you make strategic decisions about content creation, user experience improvements, and marketing efforts.

The platform’s free version offers robust features sufficient for most WordPress websites.

7. Creating a Contact Form: Boosting Lead Generation and Customer Engagement with Ease

A contact form serves as your website’s digital handshake – it’s essential for converting visitors into leads. You’ll miss valuable opportunities without one, as potential customers prefer quick, accessible communication methods.

Key Benefits of Contact Forms:

• Reduce spam by eliminating exposed email addresses
• Collect structured information from visitors
• Enable 24/7 communication with your audience
• Create a professional first impression
• Track and manage inquiries efficiently

Popular Contact Form Solutions:

WPForms

• Drag-and-drop form builder
• Pre-built templates for quick setup
• Spam protection features
• Mobile-responsive design

Contact Form 7

• Free solution with extensive customization
• Simple integration with email marketing tools
• CAPTCHA support for security
• Multi-language support

You can install these plugins directly from your WordPress dashboard. Select ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New’ and search for your preferred option.

After installation, use the plugin’s interface to create your form, customize fields, and add it to your pages using shortcodes or block editor elements.

Remember to test your contact form thoroughly before publishing – submit test messages and verify your notification settings work correctly.

8. Building an Email List: Using Email Marketing for Long-Term Success

Building an email list is a critical asset for the success of your WordPress website.

Your email subscribers are directly connected to engaged readers who have shown interest in your content or products.

Benefits of Email Marketing:

Email marketing offers several advantages over other channels:

• Higher Conversion Rates: Email marketing has been found to have conversion rates that are 40% higher compared to social media.
• Direct Access to Your Audience: With email marketing, you have direct access to your audience without any algorithm restrictions that may affect the visibility of your messages.
• Personalized Communication Opportunities: Email allows you to communicate with your subscribers in a personalized manner, tailoring your messages based on their preferences and behaviors.
• Cost-Effective Marketing Channel: Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach your audience, especially when compared to traditional advertising methods.

Strategies for Building Your Email List:

To effectively build your email list, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Create Compelling Lead Magnets: Offer valuable incentives such as free ebooks or guides, exclusive discount codes, early access to new content, or free templates/resources in exchange for email sign-ups.
2. Place Opt-In Forms Strategically: Position opt-in forms in high-traffic areas of your website such as exit-intent popups, sidebar widgets, after blog posts, and within popular pages.

Popular Email Marketing Tools:

Here are some widely used email marketing tools that can help you manage and grow your email list:

• MailChimp: Offers a free plan for up to 2,000 subscribers.
• ConvertKit: Designed specifically for content creators with features tailored to their needs.
• MailerLite: Known for its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities.

Segmentation for Better Engagement:

Remember to segment your email list based on user interests and behaviors. This practice leads to higher engagement rates and reduced unsubscribes.

By sending targeted messages that resonate with specific segments of your audience, you can increase the effectiveness of your email campaigns.

Start Building Your List Today:

Don’t wait until later to start building your email list. Begin from day one of launching your WordPress website. Waiting means missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with your audience and grow your business.

9. Updating Regularly: Keeping Your Site Secure and Functionally Optimal Through Routine Maintenance Tasks

Regular updates serve as your website’s shield against security threats and performance issues. Neglecting these critical maintenance tasks can expose your site to:

• Malware infections
• Data breaches
• Site crashes
• Slow loading times
• Broken functionality

WordPress releases security updates to patch vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. These updates protect your site’s sensitive data and maintain visitor trust.

Your plugin updates bring:

1. Bug fixes
2. New features
3. Enhanced compatibility
4. Performance improvements

Core updates ensure your WordPress installation runs smoothly with the latest technological advancements. These updates often include:

1. Speed optimizations
2. Security enhancements
3. User interface improvements
4. New built-in features

Set up automatic updates for minor releases, but manually review major updates to ensure compatibility with your existing setup. Create a backup before applying significant changes to protect your site’s content.

A well-maintained WordPress site attracts more visitors, ranks better in search engines, and provides a superior user experience. Schedule weekly maintenance checks to keep your site running at peak performance.

10. Optimizing for SEO: Boosting Your Website’s Visibility on Search Engines Like Google

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for the success of your WordPress site. Unfortunately, many beginners overlook important optimization opportunities, which limits their site’s ability to attract organic traffic.

Key SEO Elements You Need to Master:

• Install a reliable SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math
• Create unique, descriptive title tags for each page
• Write compelling meta descriptions that encourage clicks
• Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure content logically
• Optimize images with descriptive alt text and compressed file sizes

Effective Keyword Research Strategy:

1. Identify your target audience’s search intent
2. Use tools like SEMrush or Ubersuggest to find relevant keywords
3. Analyze keyword difficulty and search volume
4. Focus on long-tail keywords for better ranking chances
5. Include keywords naturally in your content

Technical SEO Basics:

• Set up XML sitemaps for better search engine crawling
• Enable SSL certificate for secure HTTPS connection
• Create SEO-friendly URLs using proper permalink structure
• Implement schema markup for rich snippets in search results
• Ensure your site loads quickly on all devices

Remember to check your site’s performance in Google Search Console regularly. This tool provides valuable insights about your search visibility, click-through rates, and potential technical issues affecting your rankings.

11. Ignoring Image Optimization: Big Images = Slow Load Times

Large, unoptimized images can cripple your WordPress site’s performance.

When you upload images straight from your camera or stock photo websites, they often contain unnecessary data that bloats your pages and frustrates visitors.

Key Image Optimization Steps:

• Resize images to the exact dimensions needed for your website
• Compress files using tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel
• Use descriptive file names and alt text for SEO benefits
• Convert images to next-gen formats like WebP

Recommended Image Sizes for WordPress:

• Blog featured images: 1200 x 630 pixels
• Product images: 800 x 800 pixels
• Thumbnails: 150 x 150 pixels
• Header images: 2000 x 1200 pixels

You can automate image optimization with WordPress plugins like Smush or EWWW Image Optimizer. These tools compress your images automatically during upload, saving you time and ensuring consistent optimization across your site.

Quick Tips for Better Image Performance:

• Delete unused images from your media library
• Avoid uploading images larger than 1MB
• Use lazy loading to defer off-screen images
• Consider using a CDN for faster image delivery

A properly optimized image maintains visual quality while reducing load time by 50-80%. This speed improvement directly impacts user experience and search engine rankings.

12. Creating Plugin Conflicts: Plugins that do the same thing or conflict can cause errors

Plugin conflicts can wreak havoc on your WordPress site, causing unexpected errors, broken functionality, and even complete site crashes. Here’s what you need to know about avoiding these common issues:

Common Plugin Conflict Scenarios:

• Multiple SEO plugins competing for control
• Several caching plugins running simultaneously
• Different security plugins blocking each other
• Social media plugins with overlapping features
• Form plugins interfering with each other

Signs of Plugin Conflicts:

• White screen of death
• 500 internal server error
• Broken layouts
• Missing features
• Slow loading times

Best Practices for Plugin Management:

1. Research plugin compatibility before installation
2. Test new plugins on a staging site first
3. Install plugins one at a time
4. Monitor site performance after each activation
5. Keep a list of essential plugins only

Quick Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Deactivate all plugins
2. Reactivate them one by one
3. Monitor your site after each activation
4. Identify the conflicting plugin
5. Replace it with a compatible alternative

A well-maintained WordPress site typically needs 5-10 essential plugins. Each additional plugin increases the risk of conflicts and performance issues.

Choose plugins from reputable developers, read recent reviews, and check the last update date before installation.

13. Neglecting Website Security: Leaving Your Site Vulnerable to Hackers and Malware

One of the most dangerous mistakes WordPress beginners make is assuming their website is secure by default. This false sense of security can lead to devastating consequences, including data breaches, malware infections, and complete site takeovers.

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. Without proper security measures, your site becomes an easy target for:

• Brute force attacks on login credentials
• Malware injections that steal visitor data
• SQL injection attacks targeting your database
• Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities
• Ransomware that locks you out of your own site

Common Security Oversights by Beginners:

Using Weak Passwords: Many beginners use simple passwords like “password123” or their website name. These are easily cracked by automated tools within minutes.

Keeping Default Settings: WordPress installations come with default usernames like “admin” and standard login URLs (/wp-admin), making it easier for hackers to target your site.

Installing Questionable Plugins: Downloading plugins from untrusted sources or using outdated plugins with known vulnerabilities creates security holes.

Ignoring SSL Certificates: Operating without HTTPS encryption exposes user data and hurts your search engine rankings.

Essential Security Measures Every Beginner Should Implement:

Strong Authentication Practices:

• Use complex passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin accounts
• Change the default “admin” username to something unique
• Limit login attempts to prevent brute force attacks

Install a Reputable Security Plugin:

Popular options include:

• Wordfence Security: Comprehensive firewall and malware scanning
• Sucuri Security: Website monitoring and cleanup services
• iThemes Security: User-friendly interface with essential protection features
• All In One WP Security: Free plugin with extensive security options

Regular Security Maintenance:

• Monitor login activity and suspicious behavior
• Perform regular malware scans
• Keep a clean backup before making security changes
• Review user permissions and remove unnecessary admin accounts
• Hide your WordPress version from public view

Server-Level Security:

• Choose hosting providers with robust security measures
• Enable automatic security updates for WordPress core
• Use secure file permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files)
• Disable file editing from the WordPress admin panel

Signs Your Site May Be Compromised:

• Unexpected changes to your website content
• Slow loading times or frequent crashes
• Unfamiliar user accounts in your admin panel
• Suspicious files in your hosting account
• Warnings from Google about malware on your site
• Unusual traffic patterns or server resource usage

Creating a Security-First Mindset:

Security isn’t a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing process. Schedule weekly security checks to review your site’s protection status. Many security breaches happen because website owners become complacent after initial setup.

Consider security as an investment, not an expense. The cost of prevention is always lower than the cost of recovery. A single security incident can destroy months of hard work, damage your reputation, and result in lost revenue.

Quick Security Checklist for Beginners:

✓ Install and configure a security plugin
✓ Enable two-factor authentication
✓ Use strong, unique passwords
✓ Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated
✓ Set up regular automated backups
✓ Enable SSL certificate (HTTPS)
✓ Change default login URL
✓ Monitor login attempts and user activity
✓ Remove unused themes and plugins
✓ Hide WordPress version information

Remember: A secure WordPress site isn’t just about protecting your content—it’s about maintaining your visitors’ trust and your business’s reputation.

Start implementing these security measures from day one, and you’ll sleep better knowing your website is protected against common threats.

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To help you even further, I’ve created a FREE, downloadable PDF version of this article. Think of it as your essential checklist and starting point to building a successful and mistake-free WordPress site.

Grab your copy today and set yourself up for success!

I hope this helps!

Conclusion

Building a professional WordPress website takes time, dedication, and attention to detail. These 15 common mistakes serve as valuable learning opportunities for every beginner.

By implementing the strategies discussed, you’ll create a stronger, more secure, and better-performing website.

Remember: Making mistakes is natural – it’s how you learn and grow. Start with the basics, take it step by step, and focus on best practices from day one.

Your WordPress journey might have bumps along the way, but each challenge brings you closer to mastering this powerful platform.

Ready to build your WordPress site? Bookmark this guide as your reference to avoid these common pitfalls and create a website that stands out from the crowd.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, and which should beginners choose?

WordPress.com is a hosted platform with limited control and features, while WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform offering full control and access to advanced themes and plugins.

Beginners are recommended to use WordPress.org for greater flexibility, customization options, and scalability

How can I avoid unnecessary expenses when setting up my WordPress website?

To save money, avoid purchasing premium themes or plugins that aren’t essential. Opt for free themes from reputable sources and utilize built-in WordPress features instead of buying additional plugins.

Be cautious of upsells targeting beginners and focus on what truly enhances your site’s functionality.

Why is choosing the right hosting important for my WordPress site?

Cheap or slow hosting can lead to poor website speed, negatively affecting user experience and SEO rankings.

Investing in reliable, fast, and secure hosting ensures your site loads quickly, retains visitors, and ranks well on search engines in 2025 and beyond.

What should I consider when selecting a WordPress theme as a beginner?

Choose a theme that aligns with your site’s niche and target audience preferences. Look for responsive design to ensure mobile compatibility, easy customization options without coding knowledge, and beginner-friendly features to enhance user experience effectively.

How do I automated backups protect my WordPress website?

Automated backups prevent data loss by regularly saving copies of your website’s content offsite. Without backups, you risk losing valuable content or facing complete website failure.

Use reliable backup plugins and store backups securely to safeguard your site against disasters.

Why is it important to regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins?

Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities, improve compatibility, enhance performance, and add new features. Ignoring updates exposes your site to hacking risks and functionality issues.

Staying current ensures your website remains secure, stable, and optimized for the best user experience.