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#blogging-tools — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #blogging-tools, aggregated by home.social.

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  1. socialpostflow.com/blog2social Using Blog2Social but looking for more flexibility?
    See how Social Post Flow compares — simpler scheduling, smarter automation, and a cleaner WordPress workflow.
    👉 Explore the Blog2Social alternative

    #WordPress #SocialMediaAutomation #ContentMarketing #BloggingTools

  2. Blogrolls: What Happens When Adding One To Your Blog

    A blogroll is a curated list of links to other blogs or websites that a blogger recommends, follows, or finds interesting, which they can display on their blog. Usually shown in a blog or website’s sidebar, footer, menu bar, or dedicated page, it helps foster community, share resources, and help readers find related content. Essentially, it is a “roll” of recommended blogs. 

    Unfortunately, WordPress deprecated the Links/Blogroll widget several years ago. However, users of the Block Editor can now access the ‘Blogroll’ block to display a list of recommended or followed blogs.

    If, like me, your blog has a widget bar, you can show the blogroll there. If you don’t have a widget bar, you can display a blogroll on a page, post, or in the menubar of your blog.

    In this post, I will show you how to create a blogroll in a widget bar and on a blog post or page. I’m using an iMac desktop computer for this.

    How to add a blogroll to a widget bar.

    • On your blog’s dashboard, navigate to AppearanceWidgets and click the ‘+‘ symbol in the top right corner.
    Click Appearance – Widgets
    • Find the Blogroll block by typing ‘Blogroll’ in the search bar. Click on the Blogroll block to add it to your widget bar.
    Add the ‘Blogroll’ block

    For some reason, when you add a Blogroll block, it automatically populates with several blogs, some of which you may not recognise. I found this quite odd, but it’s simple to remove any unwanted ones.

    • To delete a blog, select the blog you wish to remove, then click the three vertical dots (kebab menu) and choose Delete.
    Deleting blogs from a Blogroll is easy
    • To add blogs, click on the ‘+‘ symbol and select from the list that appears or use the search bar to find the blogs you wish to add.
    Add or search for the blogs you want to add to your blogroll.
    • To change the name of your blogroll, click next to ‘Blogroll‘ and add your own description.
    Rename your blogroll
    • Click the Update button in the top right corner to publish the Blogroll in the widget bar.
    • Check your blog to ensure the Blogroll widget is visible. You can see the blogroll I created towards the bottom of the widget bar on the right side of my blog.

    How to add a blog roll to a page or post.

    • Add the Blogroll block anywhere on a page or post.
    • To add or remove blogs from your blogroll list, follow the instructions above.

    Remember that you can change the name of your blogroll. However, be aware that if your blogroll contains many blogs, it will take up a lot of space on the post or page.

    You can also convert your blogroll into a reusable block, now called a Pattern, by clicking on the block, then selecting the three dots (kebab menu) and choosing ‘Create Pattern.’

    Turn your blogroll into a reusable block

    A reusable block on WordPress, now often called a Synced Pattern, is a feature that allows you to save a specific block or group of blocks for use across multiple posts or pages. This is particularly helpful for those selling items on their blog, such as books. For example, if a link to your books needs updating or the price changes, the updates are automatically reflected everywhere the block appears. Clever stuff!

    To answer the question I raised in the title of this post, what happens when you add a blog roll to your site? Well, that’s straightforward. It means you promote the blogs you enjoy reading most. In doing so, you help foster a community and bring its members closer together. In turn, you’ll be supporting them in developing their blogs and community. What better way to say ‘thank you’ to those special people?

    I’m looking forward to seeing your blogrolls as I’m looking for some new blogs to follow. If you have a blogroll on your blog, let me know.

    Have you ever created a blogroll on your own blog? Which blogs or websites did you include? How do you think a blogroll can improve the reader’s experience on a blog? How often do you update your blogroll or the blogs you follow? Have you come across any new blogs from fellow bloggers’ blogrolls? If so, which ones?

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

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

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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

    #BlockEditor #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Blogroll #CommunityBuilding #HowTo #Widgets #WordPress

  3. Celebrating 2025: 12 Most Inspiring Posts That Defined the Year!

    If you happen to be reading this in January, then it’s officially ‘Happy New Year!’ If it’s any other month, well, ‘Happy New Year’ anyway—because let’s face it, every day is just a chance to start fresh, much like your New Year’s resolution to stop binge-watching shows… which you’ve probably already forgotten by now!

    I’m diving headfirst into 2026 with a parade of my 12 most beloved posts from 2025, all crafted by yours truly. Maybe they slipped under your radar, or perhaps you’re just itching to relive them—feel free to leave a fresh comment, even if you’ve already showered them with praise before. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little comment déjà vu?

    Click the links to view the posts.

    January

    Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

    I kicked the year off talking ‘Social Media,’ a subject that became a hot topic during 2025, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

    Not only can social media be a ravenous beast in eating up a lot of your time, but it’s also a fantastic way to promote your blog posts, the posts of other bloggers (a great way to support other bloggers), and, best of all, it’s free to use unless you decide to pay for a subscription.

    I not only shouted out the three social media platforms I’m still romancing, but I also gave a little eulogy for the ones I’ve ghosted. After all, as someone hilariously pointed out, ‘spreading yourself too thinly on social media is like trying to butter a piece of toast with a frozen brick of butter—good luck with that!’

    February

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

    Do you know who you are? I hope most of you chimed in with a confident ‘Yes!’ But how well do you know the owners of the blogs you follow? I mean, do you really know them, or are they just mysterious internet wizards pulling strings from their lairs?

    I’m still somewhat bemused by the number of bloggers who have an ‘About’ page that says, ‘This is the template for telling your audience a little about yourself and what you blog about,’ – well, something along those lines.

    It’s truly wonderful to share a bit about yourself on your blog! You don’t need to provide a lot of information—a first name and a little insight into your location can go a long way. Plus, letting visitors know what your blog is about will help create a friendly connection and encourage them to explore your unique perspective!

    As you’ll see in the comments section of the post, many bloggers won’t engage, let alone follow a blog that has no information about its host(s).

    March

    The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

    Although published 10 months ago, this post from March 2025 is still attracting attention, making it my top pick of the month! If you’re a BlueSky user, this post is an absolute gem, offering you the fantastic opportunity to not just get your blog posts read but also to inspire meaningful engagement from your readers.

    Bluesky can boost traffic and visitors to your blog.

    Even if you don’t have a Bluesky account yet, it’s worth a read, as the information contained within the post can apply to other social media platforms.

    April

    Astonishing! Some Bloggers Kill Off Comments On Their Blogs. Why?

    Talking of engagement, imagine my shock when, in April, there was a lot of talk amongst bloggers about killing off commenting on their blogs.

    Most of the talk was on social media, but I also noticed that some bloggers had decided to disable commenting on their posts, citing the amount of time it took to respond.

    But isn’t that what blogging is all about? Being able to engage, discuss and ask questions? Check the comments for the answers.

    May

    The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

    It’s a sad fact that not everyone who visits your blog can see images or photos. Fortunately, WordPress allows users to add Alt-Text to all images in blog posts. This helps visitors who use screen readers and other software that describe images to know what’s in them. Sadly, many bloggers don’t help these visitors by not adding Alt-Text to their pictures.

    Don’t know what Alt-Text is? Check out the post for details. And once you read it, make it a mission to welcome everyone to your blog.

    June

    This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

    What’s the one thing you could do to help other bloggers?

    I’m sure there are many different answers to that question, but the answer I give in my post is one that I’m positive the majority of bloggers want! Yes, there will be exceptions, and I’m sure one or two will tell me, but if you’re somebody who gives excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do this, then you’ve allowed the problem to beat you.

    July

    Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

    I didn’t write as much flash fiction during 2025 as I had intended, but this piece of flash fiction was my favourite of the year. It involves two people you’d probably pass in the street most days. Meet Bill and his wife, both in the autumn years of their lives. Are they a normal couple who you wouldn’t give a second look at, or are they two people who come with a twist? Only you can decide, but only if you read the piece of flash fiction that gives you a glimpse into their lives.

    This 4-minute read packs a punch.

    I’ll be making amends and writing more flash fiction during 2026, so you better watch out!

    August

    5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

    August was the flattest month for me, blogging-wise, in 2025. It felt like I was on a plateau with no way up or down. There was little to choose from in terms of blog posts because I didn’t publish much, but thankfully, this post got a lot of engagement, proving it wasn’t as quiet out there as I thought.

    Ask yourself these questions. Why would anybody want to contact you? But more importantly, how easy is it to contact you via your blog other than by leaving you a comment? Remember that leaving a comment isn’t always the right way to contact someone. After all, anyone visiting your blog can read comments. Are you missing out on any golden opportunities? Check the post for full details. You may be surprised.

    September

    This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

    I had to take an unexpected blogging break in September, but thankfully, this post had already been published before I departed. And I wasn’t disappointed with the reaction in the comments section to something the majority of WordPress users had no idea existed.

    Short but sweet, this blog post from September 20-25 packed as much of a punch as Bill and his wife did in July.

    October

    Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

    The latter quarter of 2025 saw me focusing very much on copyright issues, with many bloggers believing that their blogs are so small and private, nobody will care if they use images, photographs, or any material, including song lyrics, that are copyrighted. How wrong they are.

    If you can not guarantee that the material or images you are using in your blog posts is free to use, then are you breaking the law? And, even worse, could you be fined?

    November

    The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

    How many of you believe that you’d never get scammed online?

    With the advent of AI, the perpetration of scams has become significantly more sophisticated, leading to an alarming increase in the number of individuals who are susceptible to such deceit.

    Different scams are emerging continuously, yet it appears increasingly challenging to identify them. Are you equipped to recognize a scam?

    December

    5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are

    In November, I shared my exciting decision to dive back into my passion for photography blogging, but this time with a fresh perspective. Although I had paused my photography posts in the past due to engagement challenges, I’m now thrilled to explore new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

    This post not only showcased more of my own photography but also offered readers a wonderful opportunity to share a bit about themselves. Success! Engagement flourished, and I ended the year just as I hoped, fostering genuine connections rather than mere visits masked by guilt.

    Finally, a glimpse into the inside of 2025 for my blog.

    How well did your blog perform in 2025?
    • 43 posts published
    • 32,600 words written
    • 2,700 clicked the ‘like’ button on my posts
    • 2,100 comments left

    A busy blogging year full of creativity and engagement.

    What was your favourite blog post of 2025 on your blog? Why did it resonate with you? What’s the most significant lesson you learned about blogging and engaging with your audience in 2025?

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #BestPosts #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Engagement #photography #SocialMedia #WordPress #WordPressHelp

  4. Celebrating 2025: 12 Most Inspiring Posts That Defined the Year!

    If you happen to be reading this in January, then it’s officially ‘Happy New Year!’ If it’s any other month, well, ‘Happy New Year’ anyway—because let’s face it, every day is just a chance to start fresh, much like your New Year’s resolution to stop binge-watching shows… which you’ve probably already forgotten by now!

    I’m diving headfirst into 2026 with a parade of my 12 most beloved posts from 2025, all crafted by yours truly. Maybe they slipped under your radar, or perhaps you’re just itching to relive them—feel free to leave a fresh comment, even if you’ve already showered them with praise before. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little comment déjà vu?

    Click the links to view the posts.

    January

    Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

    I kicked the year off talking ‘Social Media,’ a subject that became a hot topic during 2025, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

    Not only can social media be a ravenous beast in eating up a lot of your time, but it’s also a fantastic way to promote your blog posts, the posts of other bloggers (a great way to support other bloggers), and, best of all, it’s free to use unless you decide to pay for a subscription.

    I not only shouted out the three social media platforms I’m still romancing, but I also gave a little eulogy for the ones I’ve ghosted. After all, as someone hilariously pointed out, ‘spreading yourself too thinly on social media is like trying to butter a piece of toast with a frozen brick of butter—good luck with that!’

    February

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

    Do you know who you are? I hope most of you chimed in with a confident ‘Yes!’ But how well do you know the owners of the blogs you follow? I mean, do you really know them, or are they just mysterious internet wizards pulling strings from their lairs?

    I’m still somewhat bemused by the number of bloggers who have an ‘About’ page that says, ‘This is the template for telling your audience a little about yourself and what you blog about,’ – well, something along those lines.

    It’s truly wonderful to share a bit about yourself on your blog! You don’t need to provide a lot of information—a first name and a little insight into your location can go a long way. Plus, letting visitors know what your blog is about will help create a friendly connection and encourage them to explore your unique perspective!

    As you’ll see in the comments section of the post, many bloggers won’t engage, let alone follow a blog that has no information about its host(s).

    March

    The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

    Although published 10 months ago, this post from March 2025 is still attracting attention, making it my top pick of the month! If you’re a BlueSky user, this post is an absolute gem, offering you the fantastic opportunity to not just get your blog posts read but also to inspire meaningful engagement from your readers.

    Bluesky can boost traffic and visitors to your blog.

    Even if you don’t have a Bluesky account yet, it’s worth a read, as the information contained within the post can apply to other social media platforms.

    April

    Astonishing! Some Bloggers Kill Off Comments On Their Blogs. Why?

    Talking of engagement, imagine my shock when, in April, there was a lot of talk amongst bloggers about killing off commenting on their blogs.

    Most of the talk was on social media, but I also noticed that some bloggers had decided to disable commenting on their posts, citing the amount of time it took to respond.

    But isn’t that what blogging is all about? Being able to engage, discuss and ask questions? Check the comments for the answers.

    May

    The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

    It’s a sad fact that not everyone who visits your blog can see images or photos. Fortunately, WordPress allows users to add Alt-Text to all images in blog posts. This helps visitors who use screen readers and other software that describe images to know what’s in them. Sadly, many bloggers don’t help these visitors by not adding Alt-Text to their pictures.

    Don’t know what Alt-Text is? Check out the post for details. And once you read it, make it a mission to welcome everyone to your blog.

    June

    This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

    What’s the one thing you could do to help other bloggers?

    I’m sure there are many different answers to that question, but the answer I give in my post is one that I’m positive the majority of bloggers want! Yes, there will be exceptions, and I’m sure one or two will tell me, but if you’re somebody who gives excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do this, then you’ve allowed the problem to beat you.

    July

    Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

    I didn’t write as much flash fiction during 2025 as I had intended, but this piece of flash fiction was my favourite of the year. It involves two people you’d probably pass in the street most days. Meet Bill and his wife, both in the autumn years of their lives. Are they a normal couple who you wouldn’t give a second look at, or are they two people who come with a twist? Only you can decide, but only if you read the piece of flash fiction that gives you a glimpse into their lives.

    This 4-minute read packs a punch.

    I’ll be making amends and writing more flash fiction during 2026, so you better watch out!

    August

    5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

    August was the flattest month for me, blogging-wise, in 2025. It felt like I was on a plateau with no way up or down. There was little to choose from in terms of blog posts because I didn’t publish much, but thankfully, this post got a lot of engagement, proving it wasn’t as quiet out there as I thought.

    Ask yourself these questions. Why would anybody want to contact you? But more importantly, how easy is it to contact you via your blog other than by leaving you a comment? Remember that leaving a comment isn’t always the right way to contact someone. After all, anyone visiting your blog can read comments. Are you missing out on any golden opportunities? Check the post for full details. You may be surprised.

    September

    This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

    I had to take an unexpected blogging break in September, but thankfully, this post had already been published before I departed. And I wasn’t disappointed with the reaction in the comments section to something the majority of WordPress users had no idea existed.

    Short but sweet, this blog post from September 20-25 packed as much of a punch as Bill and his wife did in July.

    October

    Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

    The latter quarter of 2025 saw me focusing very much on copyright issues, with many bloggers believing that their blogs are so small and private, nobody will care if they use images, photographs, or any material, including song lyrics, that are copyrighted. How wrong they are.

    If you can not guarantee that the material or images you are using in your blog posts is free to use, then are you breaking the law? And, even worse, could you be fined?

    November

    The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

    How many of you believe that you’d never get scammed online?

    With the advent of AI, the perpetration of scams has become significantly more sophisticated, leading to an alarming increase in the number of individuals who are susceptible to such deceit.

    Different scams are emerging continuously, yet it appears increasingly challenging to identify them. Are you equipped to recognize a scam?

    December

    5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are

    In November, I shared my exciting decision to dive back into my passion for photography blogging, but this time with a fresh perspective. Although I had paused my photography posts in the past due to engagement challenges, I’m now thrilled to explore new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

    This post not only showcased more of my own photography but also offered readers a wonderful opportunity to share a bit about themselves. Success! Engagement flourished, and I ended the year just as I hoped, fostering genuine connections rather than mere visits masked by guilt.

    Finally, a glimpse into the inside of 2025 for my blog.

    How well did your blog perform in 2025?
    • 43 posts published
    • 32,600 words written
    • 2,700 clicked the ‘like’ button on my posts
    • 2,100 comments left

    A busy blogging year full of creativity and engagement.

    What was your favourite blog post of 2025 on your blog? Why did it resonate with you? What’s the most significant lesson you learned about blogging and engaging with your audience in 2025?

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #BestPosts #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Engagement #photography #SocialMedia #WordPress #WordPressHelp

  5. Celebrating 2025: 12 Most Inspiring Posts That Defined the Year!

    If you happen to be reading this in January, then it’s officially ‘Happy New Year!’ If it’s any other month, well, ‘Happy New Year’ anyway—because let’s face it, every day is just a chance to start fresh, much like your New Year’s resolution to stop binge-watching shows… which you’ve probably already forgotten by now!

    I’m diving headfirst into 2026 with a parade of my 12 most beloved posts from 2025, all crafted by yours truly. Maybe they slipped under your radar, or perhaps you’re just itching to relive them—feel free to leave a fresh comment, even if you’ve already showered them with praise before. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little comment déjà vu?

    Click the links to view the posts.

    January

    Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

    I kicked the year off talking ‘Social Media,’ a subject that became a hot topic during 2025, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

    Not only can social media be a ravenous beast in eating up a lot of your time, but it’s also a fantastic way to promote your blog posts, the posts of other bloggers (a great way to support other bloggers), and, best of all, it’s free to use unless you decide to pay for a subscription.

    I not only shouted out the three social media platforms I’m still romancing, but I also gave a little eulogy for the ones I’ve ghosted. After all, as someone hilariously pointed out, ‘spreading yourself too thinly on social media is like trying to butter a piece of toast with a frozen brick of butter—good luck with that!’

    February

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

    Do you know who you are? I hope most of you chimed in with a confident ‘Yes!’ But how well do you know the owners of the blogs you follow? I mean, do you really know them, or are they just mysterious internet wizards pulling strings from their lairs?

    I’m still somewhat bemused by the number of bloggers who have an ‘About’ page that says, ‘This is the template for telling your audience a little about yourself and what you blog about,’ – well, something along those lines.

    It’s truly wonderful to share a bit about yourself on your blog! You don’t need to provide a lot of information—a first name and a little insight into your location can go a long way. Plus, letting visitors know what your blog is about will help create a friendly connection and encourage them to explore your unique perspective!

    As you’ll see in the comments section of the post, many bloggers won’t engage, let alone follow a blog that has no information about its host(s).

    March

    The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

    Although published 10 months ago, this post from March 2025 is still attracting attention, making it my top pick of the month! If you’re a BlueSky user, this post is an absolute gem, offering you the fantastic opportunity to not just get your blog posts read but also to inspire meaningful engagement from your readers.

    Bluesky can boost traffic and visitors to your blog.

    Even if you don’t have a Bluesky account yet, it’s worth a read, as the information contained within the post can apply to other social media platforms.

    April

    Astonishing! Some Bloggers Kill Off Comments On Their Blogs. Why?

    Talking of engagement, imagine my shock when, in April, there was a lot of talk amongst bloggers about killing off commenting on their blogs.

    Most of the talk was on social media, but I also noticed that some bloggers had decided to disable commenting on their posts, citing the amount of time it took to respond.

    But isn’t that what blogging is all about? Being able to engage, discuss and ask questions? Check the comments for the answers.

    May

    The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

    It’s a sad fact that not everyone who visits your blog can see images or photos. Fortunately, WordPress allows users to add Alt-Text to all images in blog posts. This helps visitors who use screen readers and other software that describe images to know what’s in them. Sadly, many bloggers don’t help these visitors by not adding Alt-Text to their pictures.

    Don’t know what Alt-Text is? Check out the post for details. And once you read it, make it a mission to welcome everyone to your blog.

    June

    This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

    What’s the one thing you could do to help other bloggers?

    I’m sure there are many different answers to that question, but the answer I give in my post is one that I’m positive the majority of bloggers want! Yes, there will be exceptions, and I’m sure one or two will tell me, but if you’re somebody who gives excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do this, then you’ve allowed the problem to beat you.

    July

    Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

    I didn’t write as much flash fiction during 2025 as I had intended, but this piece of flash fiction was my favourite of the year. It involves two people you’d probably pass in the street most days. Meet Bill and his wife, both in the autumn years of their lives. Are they a normal couple you wouldn’t give a second look at, or are they two people who each come with a dark secret? Only you can decide, but only if you read the piece of flash fiction that gives you a glimpse into their lives.

    This 4-minute read packs a punch.

    I’ll be making amends and writing more flash fiction during 2026, so you better watch out!

    August

    5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

    August was the flattest month for me, blogging-wise, in 2025. It felt like I was on a plateau with no way up or down. There was little to choose from in terms of blog posts because I didn’t publish much, but thankfully, this post got a lot of engagement, proving it wasn’t as quiet out there as I thought.

    Ask yourself these questions. Why would anybody want to contact you? But more importantly, how easy is it to contact you via your blog other than by leaving you a comment? Remember that leaving a comment isn’t always the right way to contact someone. After all, anyone visiting your blog can read comments. Are you missing out on any golden opportunities? Check the post for full details. You may be surprised.

    September

    This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

    I had to take an unexpected blogging break in September, but thankfully, this post had already been published before I departed. And I wasn’t disappointed with the reaction in the comments section to something the majority of WordPress users had no idea existed.

    Short but sweet, this blog post from September 2025 packed as much of a punch as Bill and his wife did in July.

    October

    Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

    The latter quarter of 2025 saw me focusing very much on copyright issues, with many bloggers believing that their blogs are so small and private, nobody will care if they use images, photographs, or any material, including song lyrics, that are copyrighted. How wrong they are.

    If you can not guarantee that the material or images you are using in your blog posts are free to use, then are you breaking the law? And, even worse, could you be fined?

    November

    The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

    How many of you believe that you’d never get scammed online?

    With the advent of AI, the perpetration of scams has become significantly more sophisticated, leading to an alarming increase in the number of individuals who are susceptible to such deceit.

    Different scams are emerging continuously, yet it appears increasingly challenging to identify them. Are you equipped to recognize a scam?

    December

    5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are

    In November, I shared my exciting decision to dive back into my passion for photography blogging, but this time with a fresh perspective. Although I had paused my photography posts in the past due to engagement challenges, I’m now thrilled to explore new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

    This post not only showcased more of my own photography but also offered readers a wonderful opportunity to share a bit about themselves. Success! Engagement flourished, and I ended the year just as I hoped, fostering genuine connections rather than mere visits masked by guilt.

    Finally, a glimpse into the inside of 2025 for my blog.

    How well did your blog perform in 2025?
    • 43 posts published
    • 32,600 words written
    • 2,700 clicked the ‘like’ button on my posts
    • 2,100 comments left

    A busy blogging year full of creativity and engagement.

    What was your favourite blog post of 2025 on your blog? Why did it resonate with you? What’s the most significant lesson you learned about blogging and engaging with your audience in 2025?

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #BestPosts #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Engagement #photography #SocialMedia #WordPress #WordPressHelp

  6. Celebrating 2025: 12 Most Inspiring Posts That Defined the Year!

    If you happen to be reading this in January, then it’s officially ‘Happy New Year!’ If it’s any other month, well, ‘Happy New Year’ anyway—because let’s face it, every day is just a chance to start fresh, much like your New Year’s resolution to stop binge-watching shows… which you’ve probably already forgotten by now!

    I’m diving headfirst into 2026 with a parade of my 12 most beloved posts from 2025, all crafted by yours truly. Maybe they slipped under your radar, or perhaps you’re just itching to relive them—feel free to leave a fresh comment, even if you’ve already showered them with praise before. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little comment déjà vu?

    Click the links to view the posts.

    January

    Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

    I kicked the year off talking ‘Social Media,’ a subject that became a hot topic during 2025, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

    Not only can social media be a ravenous beast in eating up a lot of your time, but it’s also a fantastic way to promote your blog posts, the posts of other bloggers (a great way to support other bloggers), and, best of all, it’s free to use unless you decide to pay for a subscription.

    I not only shouted out the three social media platforms I’m still romancing, but I also gave a little eulogy for the ones I’ve ghosted. After all, as someone hilariously pointed out, ‘spreading yourself too thinly on social media is like trying to butter a piece of toast with a frozen brick of butter—good luck with that!’

    February

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

    Do you know who you are? I hope most of you chimed in with a confident ‘Yes!’ But how well do you know the owners of the blogs you follow? I mean, do you really know them, or are they just mysterious internet wizards pulling strings from their lairs?

    I’m still somewhat bemused by the number of bloggers who have an ‘About’ page that says, ‘This is the template for telling your audience a little about yourself and what you blog about,’ – well, something along those lines.

    It’s truly wonderful to share a bit about yourself on your blog! You don’t need to provide a lot of information—a first name and a little insight into your location can go a long way. Plus, letting visitors know what your blog is about will help create a friendly connection and encourage them to explore your unique perspective!

    As you’ll see in the comments section of the post, many bloggers won’t engage, let alone follow a blog that has no information about its host(s).

    March

    The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

    Although published 10 months ago, this post from March 2025 is still attracting attention, making it my top pick of the month! If you’re a BlueSky user, this post is an absolute gem, offering you the fantastic opportunity to not just get your blog posts read but also to inspire meaningful engagement from your readers.

    Bluesky can boost traffic and visitors to your blog.

    Even if you don’t have a Bluesky account yet, it’s worth a read, as the information contained within the post can apply to other social media platforms.

    April

    Astonishing! Some Bloggers Kill Off Comments On Their Blogs. Why?

    Talking of engagement, imagine my shock when, in April, there was a lot of talk amongst bloggers about killing off commenting on their blogs.

    Most of the talk was on social media, but I also noticed that some bloggers had decided to disable commenting on their posts, citing the amount of time it took to respond.

    But isn’t that what blogging is all about? Being able to engage, discuss and ask questions? Check the comments for the answers.

    May

    The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

    It’s a sad fact that not everyone who visits your blog can see images or photos. Fortunately, WordPress allows users to add Alt-Text to all images in blog posts. This helps visitors who use screen readers and other software that describe images to know what’s in them. Sadly, many bloggers don’t help these visitors by not adding Alt-Text to their pictures.

    Don’t know what Alt-Text is? Check out the post for details. And once you read it, make it a mission to welcome everyone to your blog.

    June

    This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

    What’s the one thing you could do to help other bloggers?

    I’m sure there are many different answers to that question, but the answer I give in my post is one that I’m positive the majority of bloggers want! Yes, there will be exceptions, and I’m sure one or two will tell me, but if you’re somebody who gives excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do this, then you’ve allowed the problem to beat you.

    July

    Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

    I didn’t write as much flash fiction during 2025 as I had intended, but this piece of flash fiction was my favourite of the year. It involves two people you’d probably pass in the street most days. Meet Bill and his wife, both in the autumn years of their lives. Are they a normal couple who you wouldn’t give a second look at, or are they two people who come with a twist? Only you can decide, but only if you read the piece of flash fiction that gives you a glimpse into their lives.

    This 4-minute read packs a punch.

    I’ll be making amends and writing more flash fiction during 2026, so you better watch out!

    August

    5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

    August was the flattest month for me, blogging-wise, in 2025. It felt like I was on a plateau with no way up or down. There was little to choose from in terms of blog posts because I didn’t publish much, but thankfully, this post got a lot of engagement, proving it wasn’t as quiet out there as I thought.

    Ask yourself these questions. Why would anybody want to contact you? But more importantly, how easy is it to contact you via your blog other than by leaving you a comment? Remember that leaving a comment isn’t always the right way to contact someone. After all, anyone visiting your blog can read comments. Are you missing out on any golden opportunities? Check the post for full details. You may be surprised.

    September

    This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

    I had to take an unexpected blogging break in September, but thankfully, this post had already been published before I departed. And I wasn’t disappointed with the reaction in the comments section to something the majority of WordPress users had no idea existed.

    Short but sweet, this blog post from September 20-25 packed as much of a punch as Bill and his wife did in July.

    October

    Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

    The latter quarter of 2025 saw me focusing very much on copyright issues, with many bloggers believing that their blogs are so small and private, nobody will care if they use images, photographs, or any material, including song lyrics, that are copyrighted. How wrong they are.

    If you can not guarantee that the material or images you are using in your blog posts is free to use, then are you breaking the law? And, even worse, could you be fined?

    November

    The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

    How many of you believe that you’d never get scammed online?

    With the advent of AI, the perpetration of scams has become significantly more sophisticated, leading to an alarming increase in the number of individuals who are susceptible to such deceit.

    Different scams are emerging continuously, yet it appears increasingly challenging to identify them. Are you equipped to recognize a scam?

    December

    5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are

    In November, I shared my exciting decision to dive back into my passion for photography blogging, but this time with a fresh perspective. Although I had paused my photography posts in the past due to engagement challenges, I’m now thrilled to explore new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

    This post not only showcased more of my own photography but also offered readers a wonderful opportunity to share a bit about themselves. Success! Engagement flourished, and I ended the year just as I hoped, fostering genuine connections rather than mere visits masked by guilt.

    Finally, a glimpse into the inside of 2025 for my blog.

    How well did your blog perform in 2025?
    • 43 posts published
    • 32,600 words written
    • 2,700 clicked the ‘like’ button on my posts
    • 2,100 comments left

    A busy blogging year full of creativity and engagement.

    What was your favourite blog post of 2025 on your blog? Why did it resonate with you? What’s the most significant lesson you learned about blogging and engaging with your audience in 2025?

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #BestPosts #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Engagement #photography #SocialMedia #WordPress #WordPressHelp

  7. Celebrating 2025: 12 Most Inspiring Posts That Defined the Year!

    If you happen to be reading this in January, then it’s officially ‘Happy New Year!’ If it’s any other month, well, ‘Happy New Year’ anyway—because let’s face it, every day is just a chance to start fresh, much like your New Year’s resolution to stop binge-watching shows… which you’ve probably already forgotten by now!

    I’m diving headfirst into 2026 with a parade of my 12 most beloved posts from 2025, all crafted by yours truly. Maybe they slipped under your radar, or perhaps you’re just itching to relive them—feel free to leave a fresh comment, even if you’ve already showered them with praise before. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little comment déjà vu?

    Click the links to view the posts.

    January

    Navigating the Social Media Landscape: My Journey with Five Platforms

    I kicked the year off talking ‘Social Media,’ a subject that became a hot topic during 2025, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

    Not only can social media be a ravenous beast in eating up a lot of your time, but it’s also a fantastic way to promote your blog posts, the posts of other bloggers (a great way to support other bloggers), and, best of all, it’s free to use unless you decide to pay for a subscription.

    I not only shouted out the three social media platforms I’m still romancing, but I also gave a little eulogy for the ones I’ve ghosted. After all, as someone hilariously pointed out, ‘spreading yourself too thinly on social media is like trying to butter a piece of toast with a frozen brick of butter—good luck with that!’

    February

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

    Do you know who you are? I hope most of you chimed in with a confident ‘Yes!’ But how well do you know the owners of the blogs you follow? I mean, do you really know them, or are they just mysterious internet wizards pulling strings from their lairs?

    I’m still somewhat bemused by the number of bloggers who have an ‘About’ page that says, ‘This is the template for telling your audience a little about yourself and what you blog about,’ – well, something along those lines.

    It’s truly wonderful to share a bit about yourself on your blog! You don’t need to provide a lot of information—a first name and a little insight into your location can go a long way. Plus, letting visitors know what your blog is about will help create a friendly connection and encourage them to explore your unique perspective!

    As you’ll see in the comments section of the post, many bloggers won’t engage, let alone follow a blog that has no information about its host(s).

    March

    The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

    Although published 10 months ago, this post from March 2025 is still attracting attention, making it my top pick of the month! If you’re a BlueSky user, this post is an absolute gem, offering you the fantastic opportunity to not just get your blog posts read but also to inspire meaningful engagement from your readers.

    Bluesky can boost traffic and visitors to your blog.

    Even if you don’t have a Bluesky account yet, it’s worth a read, as the information contained within the post can apply to other social media platforms.

    April

    Astonishing! Some Bloggers Kill Off Comments On Their Blogs. Why?

    Talking of engagement, imagine my shock when, in April, there was a lot of talk amongst bloggers about killing off commenting on their blogs.

    Most of the talk was on social media, but I also noticed that some bloggers had decided to disable commenting on their posts, citing the amount of time it took to respond.

    But isn’t that what blogging is all about? Being able to engage, discuss and ask questions? Check the comments for the answers.

    May

    The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

    It’s a sad fact that not everyone who visits your blog can see images or photos. Fortunately, WordPress allows users to add Alt-Text to all images in blog posts. This helps visitors who use screen readers and other software that describe images to know what’s in them. Sadly, many bloggers don’t help these visitors by not adding Alt-Text to their pictures.

    Don’t know what Alt-Text is? Check out the post for details. And once you read it, make it a mission to welcome everyone to your blog.

    June

    This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

    What’s the one thing you could do to help other bloggers?

    I’m sure there are many different answers to that question, but the answer I give in my post is one that I’m positive the majority of bloggers want! Yes, there will be exceptions, and I’m sure one or two will tell me, but if you’re somebody who gives excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do this, then you’ve allowed the problem to beat you.

    July

    Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

    I didn’t write as much flash fiction during 2025 as I had intended, but this piece of flash fiction was my favourite of the year. It involves two people you’d probably pass in the street most days. Meet Bill and his wife, both in the autumn years of their lives. Are they a normal couple who you wouldn’t give a second look at, or are they two people who come with a twist? Only you can decide, but only if you read the piece of flash fiction that gives you a glimpse into their lives.

    This 4-minute read packs a punch.

    I’ll be making amends and writing more flash fiction during 2026, so you better watch out!

    August

    5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

    August was the flattest month for me, blogging-wise, in 2025. It felt like I was on a plateau with no way up or down. There was little to choose from in terms of blog posts because I didn’t publish much, but thankfully, this post got a lot of engagement, proving it wasn’t as quiet out there as I thought.

    Ask yourself these questions. Why would anybody want to contact you? But more importantly, how easy is it to contact you via your blog other than by leaving you a comment? Remember that leaving a comment isn’t always the right way to contact someone. After all, anyone visiting your blog can read comments. Are you missing out on any golden opportunities? Check the post for full details. You may be surprised.

    September

    This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

    I had to take an unexpected blogging break in September, but thankfully, this post had already been published before I departed. And I wasn’t disappointed with the reaction in the comments section to something the majority of WordPress users had no idea existed.

    Short but sweet, this blog post from September 20-25 packed as much of a punch as Bill and his wife did in July.

    October

    Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

    The latter quarter of 2025 saw me focusing very much on copyright issues, with many bloggers believing that their blogs are so small and private, nobody will care if they use images, photographs, or any material, including song lyrics, that are copyrighted. How wrong they are.

    If you can not guarantee that the material or images you are using in your blog posts is free to use, then are you breaking the law? And, even worse, could you be fined?

    November

    The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

    How many of you believe that you’d never get scammed online?

    With the advent of AI, the perpetration of scams has become significantly more sophisticated, leading to an alarming increase in the number of individuals who are susceptible to such deceit.

    Different scams are emerging continuously, yet it appears increasingly challenging to identify them. Are you equipped to recognize a scam?

    December

    5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are

    In November, I shared my exciting decision to dive back into my passion for photography blogging, but this time with a fresh perspective. Although I had paused my photography posts in the past due to engagement challenges, I’m now thrilled to explore new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

    This post not only showcased more of my own photography but also offered readers a wonderful opportunity to share a bit about themselves. Success! Engagement flourished, and I ended the year just as I hoped, fostering genuine connections rather than mere visits masked by guilt.

    Finally, a glimpse into the inside of 2025 for my blog.

    How well did your blog perform in 2025?
    • 43 posts published
    • 32,600 words written
    • 2,700 clicked the ‘like’ button on my posts
    • 2,100 comments left

    A busy blogging year full of creativity and engagement.

    What was your favourite blog post of 2025 on your blog? Why did it resonate with you? What’s the most significant lesson you learned about blogging and engaging with your audience in 2025?

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #BestPosts #Blogging #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #Engagement #photography #SocialMedia #WordPress #WordPressHelp

  8. How to Enable or Disable the Falling Snow Effect on Your WordPress Blog

    Have you noticed that snow is falling on some WordPress blogs? As you read the post, small flakes of snow gently drift down. Meanwhile, on other blogs, like mine, there’s no snow.

    WordPress introduced the festive snowfall feature a few years ago. It only works when reading a post via the WordPress website. You won’t see it if you’re reading a post in the WordPress Reader or the Jetpack App unless you click through to the website. This time, it runs until 4th January 2026. But how do you turn the feature on or off? Easy – follow my instructions.

    • Go to your blog’s dashboard and click Settings – General.
    • Scroll down the page until you come to ‘Snow.’
    • You’ll see a box with the words ‘Show falling snow on my site until January 4th.’
    Where to turn on/off falling snow on your WordPress blog
    • If you want snow to fall on your blog, tick the box. If you don’t want snow falling on your blog, untick the box.
    • Click the ‘Save Changes‘ box at the bottom of the page.
    • Ensure the changes are effective by opening one of your posts on the WordPress website.

    I’m not a lover of anything moving onscreen while I’m reading, as I find it distracting. However, I know that many bloggers love the idea of gently drifting snowflakes while they read blog posts during the festive season.

    The choice is yours. And now you know how to switch on or turn off snow falling on your blog.

    For the above instructions, I’m using a desktop computer. The falling snow effect is only controlled through your WordPress.com dashboard, not the Jetpack mobile app.

    Is it snowing on your blog? If not, do you want it to snow? Let me know why you like or dislike the idea of snowflakes drifting on WordPress blogs.

    The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

    You can follow me at the following sites.

    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #blogging #bloggingAdvice #bloggingHelp #bloggingTools #christmas #fallingSnow #howTo #snow #wordpress #wordpressHelp #wordpressTips

  9. Ever felt lost while choosing between WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or even Wix? 🤯 Picking the wrong Content Management System (CMS) can slow your site, hurt your SEO, and drain your budget.

    This blog helps you find the best CMS for your needs — whether you’re running a blog, a business site, or an e-commerce store. 🚀

    drchetandhongade.com/web-desig

    #CMS
    #ContentManagement
    #WordPress
    #Drupal
    #Joomla
    #Wix
    #Squarespace
    #WebDevelopment
    #SEO
    #SitePerformance
    #BloggingTools
    #BusinessGrowth
    #DrChetanDhongade

  10. Tired of clunky SEO plugins just to add internal links? Me too. Here’s the dream internal linking plugin I wish existed—smart, simple, visual, neurodivergent-friendly, and maybe even with cat mode.
    #SEO #WordPress #BloggingTools #NeurodivergentWriter

    dreamspacestudio.net/the-inter

  11. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 https://www.emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blogging-platform.html

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  12. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  13. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  14. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  15. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  16. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  17. Starting a blog but unsure where to begin?
    Our new guide breaks down the best blogging platform choices for beginners, writers, and money-makers.
    Get tips, tools, and real insight:
    🔗 emtechbd.xyz/2025/05/best-blog

    #Blogging #BestBloggingPlatform #WritersOfMastodon #BloggingTools

  18. 'Blogging tooters!

    If you have a 'blog, what do you do for comments? Do you have them? How are they implemented? Do you moderate them yourself?

    I'd like to have a comment section on mine. It's a static site (Github pages), FWIW.

    Thanks!

    #blog #blogging #BloggingTools

  19. 'Blogging tooters!

    If you have a 'blog, what do you do for comments? Do you have them? How are they implemented? Do you moderate them yourself?

    I'd like to have a comment section on mine. It's a static site (Github pages), FWIW.

    Thanks!

    #blog #blogging #BloggingTools

  20. 'Blogging tooters!

    If you have a 'blog, what do you do for comments? Do you have them? How are they implemented? Do you moderate them yourself?

    I'd like to have a comment section on mine. It's a static site (Github pages), FWIW.

    Thanks!

    #blog #blogging #BloggingTools

  21. 'Blogging tooters!

    If you have a 'blog, what do you do for comments? Do you have them? How are they implemented? Do you moderate them yourself?

    I'd like to have a comment section on mine. It's a static site (Github pages), FWIW.

    Thanks!

    #blog #blogging #BloggingTools

  22. 'Blogging tooters!

    If you have a 'blog, what do you do for comments? Do you have them? How are they implemented? Do you moderate them yourself?

    I'd like to have a comment section on mine. It's a static site (Github pages), FWIW.

    Thanks!

    #blog #blogging #BloggingTools

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

    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...’.

    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 are going to 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.

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #AI #AIInBlogging #ArtificialIntelligence #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTips #BloggingTools #HowTo #WordPress

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

    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...’.

    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 are going to 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.

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #AI #AIInBlogging #ArtificialIntelligence #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTips #BloggingTools #HowTo #WordPress

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

    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...’.

    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 are going to 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.

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #AI #AIInBlogging #ArtificialIntelligence #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTips #BloggingTools #HowTo #WordPress

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

    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...’.

    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 are going to 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.

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    #AI #AIInBlogging #ArtificialIntelligence #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTips #BloggingTools #HowTo #WordPress

  27. 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.

    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.
    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.

    You’re following my blog. Thank you.

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

    Did you enjoy reading this post? Then you may also like…

    The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One

    Pingbacks are a vital tool in the blogging world, fostering connections and increasing site traffic. Are you making the most of pingbacks or missing out on their benefits? This post details their benefits, creation, and anti-spam measures.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsFebruary 19, 2024March 10, 2024

    WordPress: How To Close Comments: What You Need To Know

    WordPress has relocated the ‘Discussion’ setting to a more visible and accessible position, simplifying the control of comments and pingbacks.

    My post outlines where to find the ‘discussion setting’ and when you should consider turning comments off on specific posts.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsJuly 8, 2024July 8, 2024

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

    The WordPress Reader is great for reading the posts of the blogs you follow. But did you know it can do much more?

    This is what I found out.

    Why do you use the WordPress Reader?

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsSeptember 16, 2024September 16, 2024

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

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2024/09/23/how-easy-is-it-to-follow-your-blog-how-to-add-a-subscribe-button-to-all-your-wordpress-posts/

    #BlockEditor #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #HowTo #Subscribe #WordPress #WordPressHelp #WordPressSupport

  28. 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?

    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.

    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.

    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?

    Did you enjoy reading this post? Then you may also like…

    Is Your Blog Safe? One Security Feature You Must Have

    Are you doing everything you can to protect your blog?

    This is one security feature I recommend every blogger have. And it’s easy to set up.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsJanuary 15, 2024January 15, 2024

    The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One

    Pingbacks are a vital tool in the blogging world, fostering connections and increasing site traffic. Are you making the most of pingbacks or missing out on their benefits? This post details their benefits, creation, and anti-spam measures.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsFebruary 19, 2024March 10, 2024

    WordPress: How To Close Comments: What You Need To Know

    WordPress has relocated the ‘Discussion’ setting to a more visible and accessible position, simplifying the control of comments and pingbacks.

    My post outlines where to find the ‘discussion setting’ and when you should consider turning comments off on specific posts.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsJuly 8, 2024July 8, 2024

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

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2024/09/16/why-do-you-use-the-wordpress-reader-this-is-why-you-should-use-it/

    #BloggingAdvice #BloggingHelp #BloggingQuestions #BloggingTools #HowTo #WordPress #WordPressHelp #WordPressProblems #WordPressReader #WordPressSupport

  29. 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?

    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.

    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.

    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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    The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One

    Pingbacks are a vital tool in the blogging world, fostering connections and increasing site traffic. Are you making the most of pingbacks or missing out on their benefits? This post details their benefits, creation, and anti-spam measures.

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    WordPress: How To Close Comments: What You Need To Know

    WordPress has relocated the ‘Discussion’ setting to a more visible and accessible position, simplifying the control of comments and pingbacks.

    My post outlines where to find the ‘discussion setting’ and when you should consider turning comments off on specific posts.

    Keep reading

    by Hugh W. RobertsJuly 8, 2024July 8, 2024

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    Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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  30. Have you noticed the new feature WordPress has added to your blog’s dashboard? It’s located on the ‘My Home‘ page in the top right corner.

    But what does this new feature do?

    This new ‘settings’ feature is easy to use. But what does it do?

    For this post, I’m using an Apple iMac desktop computer and the ‘Default‘ view setting of my blog’s dashboard.

    You’ll find this new feature on the ‘My Home’ page of your blog’s dashboard

    Let’s get started

    • Click on the meatball menu (three horizontal dots) to open a new menu.
    Click the kebab menu to open a new menu

    The menu contains two options – Settings and Manage Domains.

    Let’s take a look at the two options

    1. Settings – this option takes you to the General Settings page of your blog.

    You can make many changes to your blog on this page, including your blog’s icon (photo or image), name, and tagline.

    Edit your blog’s icon, title and tagline
    • Click the ‘Save Settings‘ button if you make any changes.

    On the same page, you can also create a logo for your blog via Fiverr logo maker (note that there is a charge for this) and set/change your blog’s primary language and timezone. Remember to save any changes you make.

    Another option includes setting privacy settings for your blog.

    Privacy – This is where you can set your blog to public viewing (anyone can view it) or private viewing (only visible to you and logged-in members you have approved to view it). There is also a ‘Coming Soon‘ option, so your blog is hidden from view until it’s ready for viewing.

    Set privacy settings for your blog

    Two other options are also available.

    If ticked, the ‘Discourage search engines from indexing this site‘ option will prevent search engines from indexing your blog, but note that it is up to search engines to honour your request.

    The ‘Prevent third-party sharing‘ option should be ticked if you want to restrict your blog’s content from AI training and third-party use. It will exclude your blog’s public content from WordPress’s network of third-party content and research partners. It also adds known AI bots to the ‘disallow’ list in your blog’s robots.txt file to stop them from crawling your site, though it is up to AI platforms to honour this request.

    Click the ‘Save Settings‘ button if you make any changes.

    Other settings include –

    Accept a gift subscription – turn this setting on to accept gift subscriptions from visitors to your blog.

    Footer credit: Here, you can choose or edit a footer credit that appears at the bottom of your blog’s pages and posts.

    Site tools – this section allows you to do the following.

    • Register a new domain or change your blog’s URL address.
    • Transfer your blog to another blogging provider.
    • You can reset your blog and start afresh while keeping the same domain/blog name. (If you choose this option, all your posts, pages, and media will be deleted).
    • Delete your blog and give up your blog’s domain/address.

    2. Manage Domains — This option takes you to the part of your blog where you can manage your blog’s domains.

    It’s worth checking this page to see what domains you have and to see offers for other domains you may be interested in purchasing for your blog.

    While you may not visit your blog’s settings page regularly, it’s worth knowing that there is now an even quicker way to find these settings.

    Any questions? Leave them in the comments section.

    Did you enjoy this post? Then you may also like –

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  31. Keeping up from the road. Discovered after the fact, but now Ulysses randomly decided to work for both Micro.blog and self-hosted WordPress blogs. Once again, Ulysses for the win!

    microblog.rjomara.com/2024/03/

    #writingtools #BloggingTools #blog

  32. Okay, I've put together a (way too long) list of writing apps I have on my phone, in hopes that at least one of them will allow me to write and post to both Micro.blog and WordPress.

    If you are using any of these apps for blogging, let me know how it's working for you. And if you have a better recommendation, I always have room for another app in my life ;)

    microblog.rjomara.com/2024/03/

    #writingtools #BloggingTools #blog

  33. Have you noticed the new style comment box on WordPress?

    In line with the Block editor, WordPress has rolled out a new cool comment box on most WordPress blogs. While I’m writing this post, I still see a few blogs with the old-style comments box, but I’m confident all WordPress blogs will soon display the block-style comment box.

    The new style comments box appears on blog posts, but not when you add your comment via the comments box on the WordPress Reader.

    This new comments box can do more than just leave comments

    For the purpose of this post, I’m using an iMac desktop computer.

    Here is a breakdown of what users can do when leaving comments on blogs with the new block-style comment box.

    What does it look like?

    This is what the new style comment box looks like.

    WordPress Block Style Comments Box

    It looks very simple, doesn’t it? And it is very easy to use. Your Gravatar image appears in the bottom left corner.

    The comments box looks like this as soon you click in the box.

    Click inside the box to start typing your comment.

    Notice the difference? A toolbar has opened along the top, and an ‘+‘ icon has appeared inside the comments box. Let’s examine what they do. I’ve numbered some icons in the following image.

    Features of the toolbar
    1. Block being used.
    2. Aline text
    3. Bold
    4. Italic
    5. Pingback link

    1 – This is the type of block being used when commenting. It will always be the Paragraph block by default, but you can switch to the List or Quote block by clicking on it. If you change it to the List or Quote block, a new toolbar will appear.

    2 – Use this icon to align text to the left, right or centre.

    3 – Use this icon to make the text bold.

    4 – Use this icon to make the text italic.

    5 – Use this icon to create a pingback.

    Most readers only use text when leaving comments and they will never feel the need to align it or make it bold. However, many bloggers want more.

    You can now insert other blocks into the comments box by clicking the ‘+‘ icon. For example, you can now easily insert an image in your comment by clicking the ‘+‘ icon and choosing the Image block.

    Copy and paste the URL address of the image you want to add.

    How cool is that? (not the photo of me, but the fact that I can add an image to the comments). This is especially good for participating in photography challenges without creating a blog post or when explaining something where including an image or screenshot helps.

    I want to mention that you can create pingbacks in your comments. Pingbacks are powerful and can help boost visitors to your blog. We could already add pingbacks when using the Classic view on our blog’s dashboard but we can now finally do it using the Default view.

    Create pingbacks in your comments.

    Are you unsure how to create a pingback? My post, The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One, provides full details.

    Before submitting your comment, remember to click the small settings cog next to your Gravatar photo to open a new menu. Why?

    Click the settings cog next to your Gravatar picture for a new menu.

    Not only will the menu that opens confirm if you are logged into WordPress, but you can also sign up to receive web and mobile notifications for posts on the blog you are leaving your comment on, get email notifications of new posts, and receive email notifications of any new comments left on the post (including a response to your comment from the blog host).

    Press the ‘Comment‘ box to submit your comment.

    Is this true?

    I’ve heard that some bloggers are threatening to stop leaving comments or are thinking of leaving WordPress because of the introduction of the new block-style comment box.

    Given that the bare minimum somebody has to do to leave a comment is to type their comment into the box, I find it hard to believe that people are threatening to stop leaving comments or leaving WordPress because of the introduction of this new comments box. If you are, please reconsider your decision.

    The new block-style comments box is not hard to use; it’s just a little different!

    Update

    Users can now disable blocks in comments. Go to Settings – Discussions, and in the ‘Comments‘ section of the page, turn off ‘Enable blocks in comments.’ Remember to save the change.

    WordPress’s new comments box style is a refreshing update that enhances the user experience. Its modern and intuitive design makes interacting with comments more enjoyable. If you have any questions about it, feel free to leave them in the comments section. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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

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  34. WordPress constantly changes; some things keep changing and return to where they were before. That’s why I’ve updated and am republishing this post from July 2023.

    This is where to find the ‘Open in new tab’ box on WordPress.

    If, like me, when you create a pingback, you prefer links to open in a new window rather than in the same window you’re viewing (thus losing the page), it’s vital that you tick the ‘open in new tab‘ box when adding links or pingbacks to a blog post.

    The ‘open in new tab‘ box used to be visible when creating a pingback but has reverted to being hidden again. I don’t know why, but I wanted to show you where to find it.

    If you’re unsure what a pingback is or how to create one, my post, ‘The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One,’ has all the details.

    • Highlight the word(s) to which you want to add your pingback.
    • Click the pingback icon in the open toolbar, and add or search the URL address of the page, post or site you want to link to.
    • Click the ‘edit‘ button.
    After creating the pingback, click the edit button.
    • In the new window that opens, tick the ‘Open in new tab‘ box.
    • Click the ‘Save‘ button.
    Tick the ‘open in new tab’ box.
    • When a reader clicks the pingback in the post, the link will now open in a new window (not on the same page they’re reading).
    • Want to test it? Click the following link – Meet Hugh. It should open in a new tab on your device.

    Let’s hope that WordPress leaves the ‘open in new tab‘ box where it is.

    If you have any inquiries about pingbacks or the ‘Open in new tab’ option, please feel free to ask in the comments section.

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

    Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

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  35. I came across some comments recently where somebody asked how to create a pingback to the post they were leaving their comment on. The blog host didn’t know. It got me thinking that I should do an updated post on what pingbacks are and how to create them.

    Pingbacks are a powerful blogging tool. Don’t miss out on not using them.

    What are pingbacks?

    A pingback is a type of notification that allows you to inform another blogger that you have linked to a post or article on their blog or website. This notification is typically automated and serves as a way to establish connections between different blogs or websites. Sometimes, pingbacks are also referred to as trackbacks.

    If the other blogger has a pingback-enabled website or blog, then they can see a notification that you have linked to their article. They can then choose to allow your link to appear in the comments section of their blog post.

    This may drive traffic to your blog when readers click on the pingback notification link.

    Pingbacks work well on blog challenge posts such as Thursday Doors or Sunday Stills (to name but a few).

    Today, I’m going to show you how to create a pingback.

    Let’s get started.

    In the screenshots below, I’ve numbered key points and am creating a pingback to my recent blog post, ‘The Power of Feedback: A Writer’s Brief Journey Through Editing and Story Chat.

    Keypoints on creating a pingback
    1. Highlight the word or words you’ve picked.
    2. Click the pingback link that pops up in the toolbar.
    3. In the URL box, enter the URL address of the blog post you’re linking to, or if it’s one of your own posts, search for the post.
    4. Choose the post you’re linking to.

    Finally, and most importantly, tick the box next to the ‘open in new tab‘ box.

    Tick the ‘Open in new tab’ box.

    Ticking the ‘open in new tab’ option guarantees that when users click the pingback link, the linked post will open in a new tab or page. This feature effectively retains users on the current page, allowing them to easily return to your post to leave a comment or engage with the content.

    Not selecting the “open in new tab” option could result in missed opportunities for comments and likes.

    • Your pingback has been created and will be highlighted in the post.

    Tip – You can also highlight the pingback by making the text bold. To do this, highlight the text and click ‘B‘ (bold button in the toolbar).

    • Before publishing your post, preview it first and make sure the pingback works. Does it go to the right location? If not, delete the URL and insert the correct one.
    • Once you are happy that your pingback is working, publish the post.

    Pingbacks should be exclusively directed toward blog posts and websites relevant to the subject of the post you are sharing or where you have been specifically invited to link.

    Never create a pingback to a post that has no connection with the subject of your post.

    Should I ask first before creating a pingback to another blogger’s post?

    It’s always nice to ask first, but you’re good to go if the blogger has enabled pingbacks. And if you know the blogger well, there is no need to ask. But it’s best to ask if it’s your first time linking to one of their posts.

    However, there’s no guarantee that your pingback requests will get the thumbs up. I receive pingback approval requests every day, and I won’t approve any that seem spammy or are completely unrelated to the post they’re trying to link to.

    Are there any advantages of having pingbacks on your blog posts?

    Yes. Here are a few advantages.

    • Creates traffic to your blog.
    • SEO-friendly.
    • Search engine optimizations (SEOs) such as Google and Bing rank blog posts that include pingbacks higher.
    • Bloggers may link back to one of your blog posts.
    • Great for promoting older blog posts you have published that some of your followers may not have read.

    Caution—It is crucial to refrain from creating a pingback to a blog or website’s home page. This practice is discouraged because it fails to notify the blogger whose post you are referencing.

    Do pingbacks attract spam?

    Some experts recommend not allowing any pingbacks or trackbacks to a blog because they attract spam. However, by moderating all pingback notifications, you can prevent any spam pingbacks from appearing in the comments section of your blog posts.

    Good news from WordPress about spam comments

    After an update in 2023, the WordPress anti-spam software has dramatically strengthened its ability to intercept spam. Consequently, there has been a significant decrease in the volume of visible spam comments reaching blogs. Previously, hundreds of spam comments inundated my blog on a daily basis. However, following the update, I only encounter one or two weekly.

    Where possible, try and include at least one pingback in every blog post you publish.

    You can use a mixture of pingbacks to your posts and those of other bloggers.

    Are there any problems with allowing pingbacks on your blog?

    None that I am aware of.

    An invitation to create a pingback

    If you’ve never created a pingback before, try creating one for this post. I’ll be happy to let you know if it works and include it in the comments section.

    If you encounter any problems creating a pingback, don’t hesitate to ask me for some help.

    Summary: The Power of Pingbacks and How to Create Them

    • This guide explains pingbacks, how to create them, and the best practices to follow.
    • This guide covers everything from creating a pingback to the benefits, staying safe from spam comments, and recent anti-spam updates from WordPress.
    • This post also encourages readers to use pingbacks and shares my positive experience. It’s helpful for new and experienced bloggers, giving them the knowledge and confidence to use pingbacks effectively.
    • In the busy blogging world, pingbacks are important for connecting and getting more site visitors.
    • Pingbacks, sometimes also known as trackbacks, are useful tools for bloggers that let other bloggers know when you link to their posts.
    • It’s polite to ask first before creating a pingback to another blog unless you know the blogger well or have been invited to link to a post.
    • Always tick the ‘open in a new tab’ box so that readers do not lose the page they are reading.
    • Pingbacks do not attract spam.
    • WordPress anti-spam software now eliminates the majority of visible spam, saving you time in checking for comments that may have been marked as spam by mistake.

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

    I actively utilise pingbacks as part of my content strategy. My experience with using them has been positive, as they help me foster connections with other blogs and websites and enhance engagement. If you have any questions about pingbacks, please leave them in the comments section below, and I’ll be happy to address them.

    My thanks to Sylvain Richard for his recent blog post about pingbacks.

    Don’t miss out!

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