Guide for WordPress Content Contributors

I’ve had 23 years of experience working with clients and building websites that make a business go forward. From the early days of Macromedia’s Contribute to today’s Content Management Systems (CMS), I’ve learned a few tips to help guide my clients with content generation. Indeed, most of these tips can apply to more than just WordPress CMS. Let’s also address how AI fits in with today’s content creation.

– Doug van Wolde – President of WeGo.ca Website Developers Inc.

 

Why This Guide Matters

WordPress is a powerful and flexible CMS allowing you to manage your website’s content easily. However, maintaining a professional, consistent, and high-performing website requires careful attention to how content is created and added. Following best practices ensures:

• A polished design that aligns with your brand identity.
• Optimal website speed and performance.
• Better search engine rankings (SEO).
• A positive user experience for visitors.

 

Adhering to these guidelines can help your website achieve its goals without compromising on quality or functionality.

 

21 Do’s for Contributing Content

1. Use Global Fonts: Stick to the fonts defined in the design system to maintain consistency and professionalism.
2. Follow the Design System: Use the pre-established styles for layout, colours, and typography to ensure a cohesive look.
3. Use Proper Heading Hierarchy: To enhance readability and SEO, use H1 for the page title, H2 for main sections, and H3 for subsections.
4. Check Spelling and Grammar: Proofread all text thoroughly to avoid typos and errors.
5. Optimize Images Before Uploading:

1. • Resize images to fit the website’s design specifications.

1. • Use JPEG or WebP formats to reduce file size while maintaining quality.

1. • Keep image file sizes within the recommended limits for better loading speed.

6. Write SEO-Friendly Content:

1. • Incorporate keywords naturally.

1. • Use descriptive titles, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.

7. Use Internal and External Links: Link to other relevant pages on your website or authoritative sources to enhance content value.
8. Ensure Accessibility:

8. • Use descriptive alt text for images.

1. • Keep formatting simple and clear for compatibility with screen readers.

9. Preview Content Before Publishing: Always review how your post looks on both desktop and mobile to ensure a polished final product.
10. Stay Consistent with Brand Voice: Ensure all text aligns with your brand’s tone and messaging.
11. Cite Credible Sources: Attribute data or quotes to authoritative references to build trust and credibility.
12. Use Tools Responsibly: Utilize built-in WordPress tools and plugins as needed, but stick to approved features to maintain performance and design integrity.
13. Use Clear Formatting: Improve content readability by organizing it with bullet points, headings, and subheadings. Clear formatting makes skimming and scanning effortless for readers, enabling them to find information quickly and efficiently. Avoid using ALLCAPS.
14. Write for Your Reader: When creating content, put your audience first. Think about their needs, interests, and pain points.
15. Set Your Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your content to ensure it aligns with your website’s objectives.
16. Craft Compelling Headlines: Master the art of writing headlines that capture attention and spark curiosity.
17. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Thoroughly research, check your facts, and write engaging, well-crafted stories.
18. Use Visual Elements: Incorporate eye-catching images, videos, and infographics to complement your text and make it easier to read. Remember that each post/article requires a featured image to be uploaded with the text.
19. Respect Intellectual Property: Always provide proper attribution when quoting or referencing external content, and ensure your work is original and honest.
20. Provide Value First: Focus on creating content that educates, entertains, or addresses your audience’s problems rather than pushing sales pitches.
21. Include Compelling CTAs: Guide your readers toward desired actions with clear and persuasive calls to action.

 

About AI-Generated Content: Following EEAT Guidelines

EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These principles are critical for ensuring the quality and reliability of content, especially in the age of AI.

 

Why EEAT Matters:

• Search engines like Google prioritize content that demonstrates expertise and credibility.
• EEAT-compliant content builds trust with your audience, which can lead to higher engagement and conversions.

 

Tips for AI Content Use:

• Review and Edit Thoroughly: AI can help generate ideas, but all content must be fact-checked and edited to align with your brand.
• Cite Sources: Attribute any data or quotes to reputable sources to build trust.
• Maintain Originality: Avoid duplicating content from other sites.

 

Benefits of Using AI for Content Generation:

• Saves time by producing drafts quickly.
• Helps overcome writer’s block by suggesting ideas or outlines.
• Generates data-driven insights for content creation.

 

Disadvantages of AI Content:

• May lack depth or human creativity.
• Can produce inaccurate or generic content if not properly guided.
• Overuse of AI can lead to a loss of brand voice and authenticity.

 

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to contribute high-quality content to your WordPress site and ensure it remains consistent, professional, and effective.