If you are starting out on WordPress there are definitely a few plugins you will want to make sure you have installed. I have been asked on more then one occasion, which ones are absolutely necessary.
I will say, first and foremost, Jetpack is a must (seriously contains so many wonderful options) and will even give you up-to-date site stats daily, weekly and monthly. Jetpack really is a given to have uploaded.
Jetpack Is Absolute Plus for All WordPress Users!
I have also spoken at length here about commenting systems. If you are coming from Blogger, many still use CAPTCHA’s to help keep spam comments to a minimal, but I will say this while I don’t tell others what to do, I honestly hate the Catch’s.
Commenting Systems for WordPress
If I follow you and you use this, I try my best to comment and don’t treat any of the blogs that use this differently, but deep down it drives me quite crazy to have to try to read the letters, numbers and symbols to copy and submit my comment.
CAPTCHA’S–Drives Me Crazy Trying to Read & Copy to Submit a Comment!
Over on WordPress, you could install this, too, but there is truly not much need, because WordPress has a plugin for everything and yes they have one that I truly feel is the best solution to combat spam comments.
Akismet-Wordpress’s Solution to Comment Spamming
The solution is a nice, little plugin called Akismet. For all those running a site for personal use, this is really the way to go. It is free and if you are running a business then it is $5/month, but for most reading this it will be free to you, because you are indeed just utilizing it for personal use versus business reasons.
To install, you must add a new plugin from the plugins menu on the righthand side of your WordPress Dashboard like you would do for any plugin installation. Just search for it here and install. Then, of course, activate it.
Installing Akismet
Once it is activated you will have to set it up and create an account.
Activating Akismet
It allows you to sign in with your WordPress account or create a new one if you don’t have.
Signing up for an Akismet Account to Get Your Own API Key
Once you have signed in or have an account, you will need to copy the Akismet API Key given to you on Akismet’s website.
Copy the API Key on Akismet’s Website
Then, you will paste it in the Akismet settings back in your WordPress Dashboard settings for the plugin and then save it.
Pasting Your Valid API Key In the Box Shaded Red
That is it and it should be then up and running helping combat spam comments from all over the internet.
I am so glad you take care of all of this for me. One less thing to worry about and that makes me happy and happy with you.
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Oh thanks so much for saying that Carol and I try!! 🙂
I love Akismet! I use it and it saves me a TON of trouble!
You are so smart Janine…I did have to pay someone to do that for me when I first started but was so glad I did!
Glad you have it running Kelly and I know this one is such a must have if you self-host on WordPress for sure!
I know where to go if I ever leave Blogger! You've always got great (and useful) info. here! Also, I agree, word captcha stinks!
Aww, thanks Rosey and would help you anytime with whatever you needed!!! 🙂
I have a friend wondering about all the spam comments he is getting to his site – I'll tell him about this plug-in! Thanks, Janine 🙂
Definitely tell him and it is really easy to set up and takes care of most of the spam issues that many have on WP.org. Thanks Christy!! 🙂