Wordpress Tutorials
How to Add a New Post in WordPress and Utilize all the Features
Special WordPress Hosting offer for WPBeginner Readers How to Add a New Post in WordPress and Utilize all the Features
While some may think that adding a new post in WordPress is quite self-explanatory, many beginners find the interface a bit overwhelming. Not to mention, even the more savvy users are surprised to find the hidden gems on the posts screen. In this beginner’s guide, we will show you every feature on the add new post screen so that you can fully utilize all the features available. Video Tutorial
If you don’t like the video or need more instructions, then continue reading. Title and Content Boxes
Title and Content Boxes are the most noticeable areas on the Add New Post screen (see the screenshot below).
Title and Content boxes on WordPress Post Edit screen
Yours might look slightly different depending on whether you are using the visual or the text editor.
You can switch between visual and text editor while writing a post, but we do not recommend switching as this could mess up your post’s formatting.
Visual Editor is a beginner friendly text editor with formatting buttons and a nice visual layout for content area. On the other hand, text editor is a plain text editor where you can actually see the HTML or write your own.
The first text area on the top is where you add the post’s title. If you are using SEO Friendly URL structure, then WordPress will auto generate post URL based on the title. You can edit the URL by clicking on the edit button.
The content area is where you will write your post. You can use the formatting options from the toolbar or use one of the many keyboard shortcuts available which will speed up your writing process.
If you are using the visual editor, then you may want to take a look at these 14 tips for mastering the WordPress visual editor.
In the footer area of the content editor, WordPress will show you the word count for your post. If you want to get even more detailed word count stats, then check out our tutorial on how to get word count stats in WordPress with Word Stats.
As you write, WordPress will automatically save a draft of your post. This autosave is stored in your WordPress database temporarily.
The categories and tags meta boxes usually appear in the right hand column, below the publish meta box.
Adding categories and tags to your WordPress posts
Categories and tags help you organize your content in a meaningful and browsable format. Not only your users can easily find your content, it also boosts your site’s SEO. See our guide on the difference between categories and tags and how to use them to sort your content. Featured Image (Post Thumbnails)
Most WordPress themes support featured images or post thumbnails for articles. Usually it is the last box in right hand column on the post edit screen.
Featured image option on post edit screen in WordPress
Simply click on set featured image link, and it will bring up the media uploader popup. You can select an image from your previous uploads or upload a new image from your computer. Wordpress Tutorials
