“How do I make this page private for members only?” That’s one of the most common questions I get asked by my friends who use WordPress. I remember asking the same question myself when we were building our video membership site at WPBeginner.
Luckily, it’s surprisingly easy to restrict page access to logged-in users in WordPress. You don’t need to hire a developer or learn complex coding. As long as you have the right plugin, you can set it all up in almost no time.
After helping different website owners solve this exact problem, I’ve narrowed it down to 2 foolproof methods that work for any WordPress site. Let me show you how to make WordPress login required to view a page or even your entire website.
When Should You Require Users to Log In to View a Page?
Not every page on your website needs to be locked, but in some cases, requiring users to log in is the best way to protect your content.
Here are a few situations where requiring user login is a good idea:
✅ Membership Sites & Online Courses – If you offer exclusive content, tutorials, or training materials, then requiring a login ensures only paying members can access your premium content.
✅ Private Client Portals – If you are sharing confidential documents, project updates, or invoices in client portals, then restricting access keeps sensitive information secure.
✅ Exclusive Blog Content – Some websites offer premium articles, guides, or research reports to registered users or subscribers only. This can help grow your email list and boost engagement.
✅ Community Forums & Discussion Boards – If you run a members-only forum, then requiring login helps keep the conversation private and relevant to your audience.
✅ Company Intranet & Team Resources – Businesses often use WordPress to share internal documents, training materials, or announcements with employees. Requiring login for access keeps this information secure.
If any of these apply to your site, then setting up a login requirement is a smart move.
Now, let’s take a look at 2 easy ways to require login to view a page in WordPress. I’ll show you how to do this with both specific pages and all pages.
You can use the quick links below to jump to the method you want to use:
Method 1: Require Login to View a Page in WordPress With MemberPress (For Specific Pages & Posts)
If you’re looking for an easy and powerful way to restrict access to specific pages or posts, then MemberPress is a great choice.
With MemberPress, you can easily control who gets access to your content, whether it’s for members, subscribers, or paying customers. It allows you to create a powerful membership website that fits your specific needs.
Once you’ve activated the plugin, head over to the MemberPress » Settings page to enter your license key. You can get this information in your account area on the MemberPress website.
Then, you need to switch to the ‘Payments’ tab to add a payment gateway. The plugin comes with built-in support for PayPal and Stripe.
Go ahead and click the ‘+ Add Payment Method’ button and choose the gateway of your choice. If you need step-by-step instructions, see this tutorial on how to accept Stripe payments in WordPress.
Once you have set up your payment methods, you will need to create different membership levels. With each membership, you can specify the level of access a user has for viewing restricted content.
To get started, go to the MemberPress » Memberships page from the WordPress admin panel and click the ‘Add New’ button.
This will open the membership editor, where you’ll need to add a name and description for your membership.
Then, set the price and expiration for your membership plan. For instance, you can select the billing type as recurring or one-time and choose the interval to be yearly, monthly, weekly, or custom.
After you’re happy with your membership plan, click the ‘Publish’ button to store your settings. You can now repeat the process to add as many membership levels as you like.
Next, you have to restrict access to your content so that only logged-in users can view it. To do this, head over to the MemberPress » Rules page from the WordPress dashboard.
Here, click on the ‘Add New’ button at the top.
This will take you to a new screen, where you must choose the ‘A Single Page’ option from the ‘Protected Content’ dropdown menu.
Next, enter the slug (URL) of the page where you want to require users to log in before being able to view the content.
Note: Although using MemberPress is ideal for having granular control over restricted content, you can also choose the ‘All Pages’ option from the dropdown menu to require WordPress login for all pages on your site.
Now, you need to set a condition for the kind of members who can view this page.
To do this, select ‘Member’ from the dropdown menu and type ‘logged in’ in the field next to it. This means that anyone with the Member user role can access this content once they log in.
After that, scroll down to the ‘Unauthorized Access’ section and choose the ‘Show’ option for the login form from the dropdown.
Then, click the ‘Save Rule’ and ‘Publish’ buttons at the top.
At this point, you’ll need to create the login page that users will see when they try to access your restricted content.
To do this, head over to Pages » Add New Page from the WordPress admin sidebar.
This will open the block editor, where you can customize the page. Once here, I recommend giving the page a descriptive title, like ‘Unauthorized’ or ‘Login Here,’ to make it clear to users why they are seeing the page.
Below the title, you might also want to add a simple message like “You cannot view this page because you haven’t logged in.”
Next, click the ‘Add Block’ (+) button and choose the ‘Login Form’ block.
Wondering where this handy block came from? MemberPress creates it automatically, so you don’t have to. This is just another perk of using the plugin.
Adding the login form here allows users to sign in quickly so they can view your exclusive page.
Once you’ve added the login block to your page, I highly recommend including a link to your main signup or pricing page using the link icon in the toolbar. This gives visitors a clear next step if they’re not members yet.
You can add a short, friendly message along with the link to encourage signups — something like: “New here? Visit our Sign Up Page to choose your membership plan.”
Make sure your message is clear, inviting, and matches the tone of the site. If you’re not sure how to insert a link, see our step-by-step tutorial on how to add a link in WordPress.
Then, when you’re happy with your changes, click the ‘Publish’ button in the top right corner of your editor to make your login page live.
Now, copy the URL of your new login page. You’ll need it in a moment.
💡 Haven’t created your signup page yet? Check out our in-depth MemberPress review to learn more about the plugin’s built-in registration features and how they can save you time.
Visit MemberPress » Settings » Pages from your admin sidebar and scroll down to the ‘Unauthorized Access’ section.
Now, simply check the ‘Redirect unauthorized visitors to a specific URL’ option.
Then, add the URL for the published page that you copied earlier and click the ‘Update Options’ button to save your changes.
Now, when users try to visit your page with exclusive content without logging in, they will be automatically redirected to the ‘Unauthorized’ page.
Here, they can log in to view the locked content on this page.
If a new visitor lands on this page, they can simply click the signup link to be taken directly to your registration or membership plans page.
Now that your ‘Unauthorized’ page is set up with clear login and signup links, it’s easy for visitors to take action — whether they are returning users or new to your site.
But what if you want to go a step further and give new visitors a glimpse of what they’re missing if they don’t sign up? That’s where MemberPress really shines.
It lets you go beyond simply locking pages. You can actually show a snippet or preview of your content using the Excerpts feature.
This is perfect for teasing blog posts, lessons, or gated resources.
For example, you might display the first few paragraphs of an article to everyone, but then prompt them to register or upgrade their plan to continue reading.
This approach not only improves user experience but can also boost your conversions since visitors get to see the value of your content before signing up.
Alternative: While I highly recommend MemberPress, there are other options for creating members-only content. For more recommendations, see my expert pick of the best WordPress membership plugins.
Method 2: Require Login to View All Pages in WordPress With My Private Site (For All Pages & Posts)
If you are looking for a free and simple way to restrict access to your entire website, then using My Private Site is a great option.
This free plugin locks down your WordPress site, requiring users to log in before they can view any page. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t allow you to choose which pages you want to make private, so it won’t be suitable unless you want to require login for your entire website.
After you activate the plugin, you need to head over to the My Private Site » Site Privacy page from the WordPress dashboard and check the ‘Enable login privacy’ box.
Then, click the ‘Save Privacy Status’ button to store your changes. Now, users will need to log in to view any page on your website.
Next, go to the ‘Landing Page’ section. This is where you decide where users should be redirected after they log in.
You can choose to return them to the same URL, so they land back on the page they were trying to access, or you can redirect them to the home page. You can also send users to the WordPress dashboard after they log in.
If none of those options work for you, then you can set a custom URL instead. This way, you can redirect users to a specific page, like a welcome page or members-only content area.
Make sure to click the ‘Save Landing Page’ button to store your changes.
After that, switch to the ‘Home Page’ tab.
Here, you can check the ‘Allow site home page to remain accessible without requiring login’ box if you want the home page to remain accessible to everyone.
Then, click the ‘Make Page Public’ button.
Now, when you visit your website, your home page will be visible to everyone.
However, when users try to access any other page without logging in, they will be taken to the default WordPress login page, where they can add their details.
Related Guides for Membership Sites & User Login
Looking for more tips and tricks to manage your membership site or user login pages? Check out these useful guides below:
When I first tried to add podcast episodes to my WordPress website, I quickly realized that embedding them from Apple Podcasts wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped. Like many of you, I wanted a simple solution that wouldn’t require coding knowledge.
Through trial and error (and plenty of coffee), I discovered several different methods for embedding Apple Podcasts in WordPress. And by testing them all out, I found the best solutions for podcasters and other WordPress users.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps you need to embed Apple Podcasts in WordPress, ensuring your audio content looks great and works perfectly on any device.
Whether you’re sharing your own show or featuring episodes from others, these methods make it easy to display an attractive, functional podcast player.
Why Embed Apple Podcasts in WordPress?
Apple Podcasts is one of the top platforms for discovering and listening to podcasts on iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.
If you have an audio show on Apple Podcasts, then embedding episodes on your WordPress site is a great way to promote your production and grow your audience.
Instead of linking out or using a generic player, you can display your episodes right on your podcast website, where listeners can instantly hit play.
🌟 Your podcast stays on-brand by living alongside your other content.
☑ Your podcast website becomes a central hub to promote your show, share bonus content, and grow your audience on your own terms.
Perhaps most importantly, any first-time website visitors who discover your brand or business will immediately know about your podcast. This can help you gain tons of new listeners.
Even if you’re not embedding your own show, featuring Apple Podcasts on your website is a great way to share your favorite podcast episodes or curate recommendations.
For example, if you’re a blogger, then you might include relevant episodes to enrich your articles or support key points. Meanwhile, businesses and authors can feature podcast appearances as social proof.
Additionally, online course creators could use embedded interviews or discussions as bonus material for students.
Now that you know why embedding Apple Podcasts in WordPress is a smart move, I’ll walk you through 2 easy ways to do it – no technical skills required.
You can use the quick link below to jump to the different methods:
Note: The Apple Podcasts interface may look a bit different depending on whether you’re using the web, desktop, or mobile app. In this guide, the steps are based on the web version.
Method 1: Embed Apple Podcasts in WordPress Using the Custom HTML Block
This method works well if you’re using the WordPress block editor and want a quick, free way to embed an Apple Podcasts episode.
You don’t need to install any plugins – just copy the embed code from Apple Podcasts and paste it into a ‘Custom HTML’ block.
First, let’s head over to the Apple Podcasts site. You can do this on any browser — no need to use iTunes or the Apple Podcasts app.
Next, use the ‘Search’ bar in the left-hand panel to look for the podcast you want to feature. You can search by podcast title, episode name, and host name.
For example, I looked for a show called ‘The Climate Question.’
Once you find what you’re looking for, click on the relevant search result to open the show or episode.
On the podcast page, click the three-dot menu next to the ‘+ Follow’ button.
From the dropdown, go ahead and select ‘Copy Embed.’
Apple Podcasts will automatically copy the show’s embed code to your clipboard.
If you want to embed a specific episode, then you can scroll down the show page to the ‘Episodes’ list.
Give the three-dot menu in the episode section a click. Then, hit the ‘Copy Embed Code’ button.
Alternatively, you can click on a specific episode title.
This will take you to the episode’s page, where you can see a brief description of what the episode is about. You’ll also find links to social media pages, an email address for inquiries, the episode’s content rating (like Clean or Explicit), and details about the host.
Once there, just click the three-dot menu next to the ‘Play’ button and select ‘Copy Embed’ from the dropdown.
With that done, you have the episode’s embed code copied to your clipboard.
Step 2: Add the Apple Podcast Embed Code to WordPress
Now that you have the Apple Podcasts embed code, it’s time to add it to your WordPress website.
You can embed the player on any post or page. For this tutorial, I’ll show you how to embed it in a blog post using the block editor.
From your WordPress admin area, go to Posts » Add New or open an existing post where you want to add the podcast.
In the block editor, click the ‘+’ button to add a block.
Then, type ‘Custom HTML’ into the search bar and select the ‘Custom HTML’ block.
Paste the Apple Podcasts embed code you copied earlier into the block.
It should look something like this:
If you want to see how the Apple Podcasts player will look on the front end, select the HTML block and click the ‘Preview’ tab in the toolbar.
This will load the front-end preview of the player in the content editor.
If the embedded player looks good, go ahead and click ‘Publish’ (or ‘Update’ if you’re editing an existing post).
Now, your visitors can listen to Apple Podcasts directly from your site.
It’s that simple!
Method 2: Embed Apple Podcasts in WordPress Using EmbedPress
The Custom HTML block is a great free option, but it can feel a bit clunky, especially if you’re not comfortable working with code.
On the other hand, EmbedPress offers more streamlined embedding experience. With EmbedPress, you just need to paste the Apple Podcasts URL into the EmbedPress block, and it instantly shows a mobile-friendly player in your content.
Step 1: Get the EmbedPress Pro Plugin
To embed Apple Podcasts using EmbedPress, you’ll need the Pro version of the plugin.
You can visit the WPDeveloper website and sign up for a Pro account. Then, choose a plan based on how many sites you want to use it on.
After signing up, you’ll be redirected to your EmbedPress dashboard, where you’ll find:
A download link for the EmbedPress Pro .zip file.
Your license key for activating the plugin.
You can download the .zip file and keep the tab open, as you’ll need the license key in the next step.
📝 Note: You’ll need EmbedPress Pro, not its free version to embed Apple Podcasts.
Upgrading to the premium version will also let you make your content exclusive, display video or image ads, tweak the player’s design, and add your own branding. It even allows you to enable lazy loading to improve site speed.
Step 2: Install EmbedPress Pro and Activate the License Key
Once you’ve downloaded the EmbedPress Pro .zip file from your account dashboard, it’s time to install it on your WordPress site.
In your WordPress admin area, go to Plugins » Add New.
Then, you can click the ‘Upload Plugin’ button at the top.
Choose the .zip file you downloaded from EmbedPress.
Then, click the ‘Install Now’ button followed by ‘Activate.’ For more detailed instructions, you can go to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
The next step is to activate the premium plugin using your license key. To do this, go to EmbedPress » License in your WordPress dashboard.
Here, you will need to paste your license key (which you can find in your WPDeveloper dashboard) and click ‘Activate License.’
At this point, a verification code will be sent to the email address you used to purchase EmbedPress Pro.
Simply open the email, copy the verification code, and then return to this page to enter it in the new box that appears below the license key box. Then, hit ‘Verify.’
Once you activate the plugin, you’ll unlock support for premium platforms, including Apple Podcasts, and gain access to extra customization features.
Step 3: Copy the Apple Podcast URL
To embed Apple Podcasts into WordPress using EmbedPress, you’ll need the correct URL for the entire show or a specific episode.
Let’s say you want to copy a show link.
To do this, go to Apple Podcasts and use the search bar to find the show or episode you want to feature.
For example, I searched for ‘The Psychology of Your 20s.’
In the search results, click on the podcast name to open the show’s main page.
Then, click the three-dot button next to the ‘+ Follow’ button to expand the menu.
Now, go ahead and click the ‘Copy Link’ button to get the link for the show.
Apple Podcasts will then automatically copy the link to your clipboard.
Now, to copy a single episode link, scroll through the list of available episodes in the Apple Podcasts show.
Once you find what you’re looking for, click on the episode’s three-dot button and click the ‘Copy Link’ button.
Want to see more details about the episode?
Just click on the episode section to open its page. There, you’ll find a short description of the episode, links to social media pages, an email address for inquiries, the content rating (like Clean or Explicit), and information about the host.
From the episode’s individual page, click the three-dot button next to ‘Play.’
Then, select ‘Copy Link’ to get the episode’s link.
Alternatively, you can copy the show’s or episode’s URL directly from your browser’s address bar.
This saves you from having to find the three-dot menu and click the ‘Copy Link’ button.
Just make sure you’re right where you want to be: a show or a specific episode.
Step 4: Add the Apple Podcast URL to WordPress Using the EmbedPress Block
Next, it’s time to embed your podcast using the EmbedPress plugin.
You can add it to any page or post, but in this example, I’ll show you how to do it in a WordPress blog post.
From your WordPress dashboard, go to Posts » Add New or open an existing post.
In the block editor, you can click the ‘+’ button.
Then, search for the EmbedPress block.
Just select the block when it appears, and WordPress will add it to your content editor.
Next, simply paste the URL you copied before into the EmbedPress block.
Don’t forget to click the ‘Embed’ button or press ‘Enter.’
EmbedPress will instantly fetch and display the Apple Podcasts player right inside your editor.
You can adjust the player’s appearance right inside the ‘Block’ tab.
In the ‘General’ section, just set the width and height to control the size of the embedded player.
You can also toggle ‘Social Share’ to add social share buttons for Facebook, X (Twitter), and more to your Apple Podcasts embed.
This lets visitors easily share the episode on their social media accounts.
In addition, EmbedPress Pro includes monetization and content protection tools. You can find them in the ‘Ads Settings’ and ‘Content Protection’ sections in the ‘Block’ tab:
Ads Settings: This allows you to add video or image ads to your embeds, with control over size, timing, and skip options.
Content Protection: Allows you to restrict access by user role or password to keep your embedded content secure.
You can configure these settings as needed.
Once you’re happy with how the Apple Podcasts embed looks, just click ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ to make it live.
Your visitors can now listen to the show directly from your site — and even share it on social media with a single click.
Bonus Tips and Ideas to Grow Your Podcast
Embedding your Apple Podcasts in WordPress is just the beginning.
Here are some easy ways to grow your podcast audience and keep listeners coming back:
Run a giveaway. Want more subscribers or podcast reviews? With RafflePress, you can create giveaways that reward people for actions like subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing an episode on social media. See our guide on how to run a giveaway for more details.
Invite guest speakers. Featuring creators or experts in your podcast niche can bring fresh insights and help you reach new listeners.
Add show notes and transcripts. These can help improve SEO, make your episodes easier to skim, and enhance accessibility for users who prefer reading. See our pick of the best transcription services for more details.
Grow your email list. This will allow you to contact listeners to let them know about new episodes, promotions, and any other information. You can display a newsletter signup form below your podcast player or in popups on your podcast website. For details, see our guide on how to grow your email list.
Create a membership site around your podcast. You can use MemberPress to offer exclusive content like bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, or downloadable resources. For details, see our guide on how to create a membership website.
These small touches can go a long way in building a loyal podcast community. 🌐
FAQs About Embedding Apple Podcasts in WordPress
Still have questions? Here are some common questions I get from readers looking to feature Apple Podcasts on their WordPress sites:
Can you embed a podcast into a WordPress website?
Yes, you can! WordPress supports both HTML embed codes and direct URLs for many podcast platforms. That means you can easily display podcast episodes using built-in blocks or plugins – no coding required.
How do you embed Apple Podcasts into a website?
The easiest way is to copy the embed code directly from Apple Podcasts and paste it into a Custom HTML block in WordPress.
Alternatively, you can use a plugin like EmbedPress, which lets you embed Apple Podcasts by simply pasting the episode URL.
Do I need a website for my podcast?
While it’s not required, having your own website gives you more control over your content, branding, and audience. You can promote episodes, collect emails, add show notes, and even improve SEO to reach more listeners. For details, see our guide on how to create a podcast.
Is WordPress a good option for a podcast website?
Yes, WordPress is a highly adaptable, beginner-friendly platform that supports a wide range of podcast plugins and themes. WordPress makes it easy to manage and promote your podcast in one place, whether you’re just starting out or growing your show.
I hope this guide has helped you learn how to embed Apple Podcasts in WordPress. Next up, you can check out our guide on how to start a podcast or our expert picks of the best podcast hosting.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
Many business owners feel stuck with HubSpot because they worry about losing their content, breaking their SEO rankings, or disrupting their email marketing. These are valid concerns – I had the same worries when I decided to migrate one of my HubSpot sites to WordPress.
The good news is that moving from HubSpot to WordPress is completely doable with the right approach. All you need is to follow the right steps in the right order.
Let me show you exactly how to move your site from HubSpot to WordPress while protecting your content, preserving your SEO rankings, and keeping your sanity intact.
Why Move Your Blog From HubSpot to WordPress?
Most people start using HubSpot because it is a powerful customer relationship manager (CRM) with marketing automation.
They tend to be really happy with it as a CRM, which doesn’t surprise me, as I love it myself. I even recommend it! See my detailed HubSpot review for more information.
However, what often happens is people start using the default blogging feature in HubSpot simply because it’s convenient. Then, they end up feeling limited.
I’ve worked with clients who started blogging on HubSpot and eventually felt the same way.
Now, I’ll be honest. HubSpot’s content management system is useful for landing pages and integrated marketing campaigns. But for blogging specifically? WordPress comes out on top.
Just making a simple design tweak or changing the layout of a post on HubSpot can feel like navigating a maze.
WordPress, on the other hand, is built for content. It started as a blogging platform and evolved into a powerhouse.
So, if blogging is a core part of your strategy, and you’re feeling a bit constrained by HubSpot, then WordPress can be super refreshing. You’ll get greater simplicity but more flexibility, more design control, and a whole lot more options to grow your blog the way you want.
Worried you won’t get to keep using all of HubSpot’s other powerful CRM features? The good news is that WordPress integrates seamlessly with the platform, so that won’t be an issue.
What to Expect When Migrating From HubSpot to WordPress
With any significant change, it’s helpful to know what lies ahead. Here is a brief roadmap of the journey we will take together:
First, we’ll get prepared. Imagine it as the preparation phase when you export your content from HubSpot and set up your new WordPress environment.
Then comes the actual migration. We’ll guide you through moving your valuable blog posts and important pages, and all the images that make your blog visually engaging.
Next, we’ll focus on maintaining your SEO. This is like making sure your mail is properly forwarded when you move. We’ll help you set up permalinks and redirects to avoid broken links and maintain your search engine rankings.
Finally, we’ll cover post-migration tasks. Think of this as settling into your new WordPress home. We’ll recommend some essential plugins and learning resources to help you get the most from WordPress.
All that said, you’re probably ready to move your site from HubSpot to WordPress! Here’s how you can do it step by step:
I’ll walk you through the entire process so you’ll be able to follow along even if you’re a beginner. But, if you change your mind at any time, you can always jump to the alternative option – which is getting help from the professionals.
Step 1. Export Your HubSpot Blog Content
Before you even think about touching anything in HubSpot, the first thing you’ll need to do is export your essential content. Later in this tutorial, you will import this content into WordPress.
It’s also wise to back up the link structure of your website. I’ll show you how to do both.
Exporting Your HubSpot Blog Content
The most important step in your WordPress migration is exporting your HubSpot blog content. Luckily, HubSpot makes it pretty easy to export your blog posts in a way you can import into WordPress.
Simply go to your HubSpot account and find your blog content at Content » Blog.
Now look for the ‘Export blog posts’ option on the ‘Actions’ drop-down menu.
This option will let you export your posts as a .CSV or Excel (XLS or XLSX) file. I personally like using the .CSV option because it can be easily imported into WordPress.
Once your blog has been exported, you will receive a link to the .CSV file in your email. You will have 90 days to download the file before it expires.
Exporting your blog posts like this is a great starting point because you can easily import them into your new WordPress website.
However, the export only includes your blog content, and not other pages like landing pages or sales pages. Later in this article, I’ll show you how to recreate those pages manually.
Backing Up Your Link Structure
Backing up your blog’s link structure is super important for SEO.
For this, you’ll need to gather a list of all the web addresses (URLs) from your HubSpot blog. This is important because we’ll use this list to create redirects. Redirects help maintain the SEO benefits you’ve built up over time, even after moving to WordPress.
For this, I like using a browser extension called Link Klipper, because it’s super handy. It’s also free and works with Chrome and compatible browsers.
To get started, install Link Klipper. Then, go to your HubSpot blog homepage. Click the Link Klipper icon in your browser toolbar and choose ‘Extract All Links.’
This will quickly grab all the links on that page and download them as a .CSV file. When you open this file in Excel or Google Sheets, you will see a list of your blog URLs.
Now, I recommend using Link Klipper as a quick and easy way to grab URLs. However, you can also use an online sitemap generator like XML-Sitemaps.com. This tool crawls your website and creates a list of URLs, which you can then export.
Sitemap generators can sometimes find more URLs than Link Klipper, as they crawl your entire site structure. XML-Sitemaps will generate the usual XML sitemaps, but also create a text file called urllist.txt containing all the URLs that you can easily use when creating redirects.
With your blog content, pages, and URLs exported, you’ve done a great job! You have a safety net and a set of files that can be imported into WordPress.
Step 2. Installing and Setting Up WordPress
You need hosting to run a WordPress website. It’s non-negotiable since it provides your site with the resources it needs to be online.
A good hosting provider is like a reliable landlord – you want them to be dependable and keep things running smoothly.
In short, WordPress hosting is where all your WordPress content and files will live. It’s what makes your blog accessible to the world.
Now, you might be thinking, ‘Can’t I just install WordPress on my current HubSpot hosting?’ Unfortunately, no. HubSpot is a closed platform. You can’t install WordPress on HubSpot.
So, you’ll need to get new hosting specifically for your WordPress blog. If you’re new to WordPress or just want a straightforward experience, I recommend Bluehost.
Right now, they’re offering a deal for WPBeginner readers that includes a free domain name and a huge discount on hosting. You can get started for just $1.99 a month.
Alternatives:Hostinger and SiteGround are also popular hosting providers. They have good reputations and offer different features and price points. It’s worth checking them out if you want to compare.
For this guide, just to show you the general process, I’ll use screenshots from Bluehost. But honestly, the steps for most good WordPress hosts are pretty similar.
You can get started by visiting the Bluehost website and clicking the ‘Get Started Now’ button.
You’ll land on a page showing different hosting plans. For a new blog, especially when you’re just migrating over, the Basic plan is usually perfectly fine.
Choose a plan that fits your needs by clicking the ‘Select’ button.
Next up, you’ll need to set up a domain name. This is your blog’s web address, like www.yourblogname.com.
Now, you probably want to keep using the same domain name you were using with your HubSpot blog, right?
The good news is that you can! Just choose the option that says ‘Use a domain you own’ and type in your current domain name.
Or, if you’re starting fresh with a new domain name, then you can choose to register a new one. This will be free for the first year.
Now, follow the steps to enter your account details and payment info and complete the purchase.
After you sign up, Bluehost (and most WordPress hosting providers) will send you a welcome email with your login details. Keep this email safe! You’ll need it to access your hosting account.
Now, here’s where picking a good WordPress hosting provider pays off.
When you log in to your Bluehost account for the first time, they will automatically install WordPress for you. I love how this streamlines setting up new WordPress websites.
From your Bluehost account page, go to ‘Websites’ then click ‘Edit Site.’
That should take you right into your brand-new WordPress dashboard.
Want a more thorough walkthrough of installing WordPress? My team has created a super detailed WordPress installation tutorial if you’re curious.
Step 3. Setting Up WordPress Theme
Alright, WordPress is installed. Now for the fun part: making it look like your website. That’s where themes come in.
WordPress themes are ready-made design blueprints for your blog. They control everything visual, like the colors, the fonts, and how your blog posts are laid out. It’s like choosing the style of your new house.
WordPress has a huge collection of themes. Seriously, thousands upon thousands. Free themes, paid themes, themes for every niche imaginable.
But having too many choices can be a bit paralyzing. To help you narrow down the options, my team has created a helpful guide on selecting the perfect WordPress theme.
In my experience, clean, uncluttered designs tend to work best. They look professional, they’re easy for readers to navigate, and they put the focus on your content – which is the most important thing.
Once you’ve chosen and installed a theme, you’ll be ready for the next big step: actually moving your content from HubSpot into WordPress.
Step 4. Importing Your HubSpot Blog Content
This step is like unpacking your moving boxes and arranging your furniture in your new WordPress home. It’s where your blog really starts to take shape.
At this point, you’re going to take the HubSpot content you exported earlier and import it into WordPress. To do that, I’m going to use a plugin called Import any XML, CSV or Excel File to WordPress.
First, you need to install and activate the plugin in your WordPress dashboard. If you need help, see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Once the plugin is activated, navigate to the All Import » New Import page in your WordPress dashboard. Once there, you should click the ‘Upload a file’ button.
Now, you’ll be asked to choose your import file. Remember the .CSV file you exported from HubSpot in step 1? You need to select it now and then click the ‘Import’ button.
The plugin will automatically detect the type of content you’re importing (usually “Posts” for blog posts). It’s pretty smart like that.
Next, click the ‘Continue to Step 2’ button. You will be shown a preview of the import file and can browse through a spreadsheet view of your posts, one at a time.
Once done, click ‘Continue to Step 3’ at the top or bottom of the page.
Now comes the important part: mapping fields. This is where you tell the plugin how the columns in your .CSV file correspond to fields in WordPress. Don’t worry, you only need to do this step once, not for each post.
For example, you’ll want to drag the column from your import file that contains your blog post titles to the Title field in WordPress.
You can do the same for the post content, tags, and any other data you exported from HubSpot. It’s like matching up labels on boxes when you’re unpacking – you want to put everything in the right place.
Once you’ve mapped all the fields, click ‘Continue to Step 4’ at the bottom of the page.
Next, you’ll be asked to set a unique identifier for your posts. This is used internally by WordPress to keep track of your imported content.
Just click the ‘Auto-detect’ button and the plugin will handle this for you.
Finally, click ‘Confirm & Run Import.’
The plugin will now start importing your content. The time it takes will depend on how much content you’re importing. For a large blog, it might take a few minutes.
Once it’s done, the plugin will show you an ‘Import Complete!’ message.
Now, you can navigate to Posts » All Posts in your WordPress dashboard. You should see your HubSpot blog posts there! Check them out to make sure all your blog posts are imported correctly.
Step 5. Recreating HubSpot Landing Pages in WordPress
Let’s talk about those special pages you might have built in HubSpot – landing pages, sales pages, or other custom pages.
Unfortunately, these often don’t transfer perfectly with a simple import like blog posts do. HubSpot’s page structure and design elements are quite different from WordPress.
So, the best approach for these pages is to recreate them in WordPress. It might sound like extra work, but it gives you the most control over the final result and makes sure everything looks right.
Now, while you could try to rebuild these pages using the standard WordPress block editor, it’s worth considering a dedicated page builder for landing pages.
The block editor is great for creating regular content pages and blog posts. It uses a system of blocks that you can easily add and arrange to build your page. However, for more complex layouts, a page builder plugin like SeedProd offers more advanced features and flexibility.
SeedProd is a drag-and-drop page builder specifically designed for creating landing pages, sales pages, and other marketing-focused pages. It offers a more visual and intuitive way to design intricate layouts without needing to write code.
Whenever I’ve used SeedProd, I’ve found it to be very user-friendly, even if you’re not a design expert. It has a visual interface, tons of pre-designed templates, and all sorts of elements you can just drag and drop onto your page.
Once SeedProd is active, you can go to SeedProd » Landing Pages in your WordPress menu and then click ‘Add New Landing Page.’
SeedProd will then show you a library of templates.
Browse through them and pick a template that looks similar to the HubSpot landing page you want to recreate.
Don’t worry about getting it exactly the same at this stage, you can customize everything later.
Next, give your new page a name and set the URL slug.
Click the ‘Save and Start Editing the Page’ button to open the SeedProd page builder.
Here’s where the fun begins! You’ll see a visual drag-and-drop interface. You can click on any element on the template and edit it – change text, images, colors, fonts, everything.
On the left-hand side, you’ll find a panel with all sorts of elements you can add to your page – headings, text blocks, images, videos, buttons, forms, and much more. Just drag and drop them onto your page to build your layout.
Take your original HubSpot landing page as a reference. Section by section, element by element, recreate it in SeedProd.
Want to explore other page builder options? Thrive Architect is another excellent page builder plugin for WordPress, and it’s also very visual and drag-and-drop based.
Thrive Architect is particularly strong if you are heavily focused on marketing and sales pages. It’s built by the team behind Thrive Themes, which is known for its conversion-focused tools. It excels at creating high-converting sales pages, opt-in pages, and webinar registration pages.
If your primary goal is to build pages specifically designed to drive conversions and sales, Thrive Architect is a powerful alternative to consider.
Yes, recreating your HubSpot landing pages in WordPress takes a bit of hands-on work. However, it’s the most reliable way to bring those important pages over properly.
And the great news is, using a page builder like SeedProd makes the process much smoother and allows you to build even more powerful and customized landing pages in WordPress.
Step 6. Importing Your HubSpot Images to WordPress
You might notice that after importing your content, your images are still being hosted on HubSpot’s servers. You’ve copied the text over, but the images are still living at their old address.
We need to bring those images into your WordPress Media Library. Why? Because it’s much better to host your images directly within your WordPress website. It’s more reliable, often faster, and gives you more control.
Imagine if HubSpot changed its image hosting structure or, worse case, you decided to close your HubSpot account completely down the line. Your images could disappear!
Note: You may notice that this plugin is outdated, but I tested it for this tutorial, and it was working fine. For details, see this guide on whether you should use outdated plugins.
Once activated, you need to trigger the bulk image import using the WordPress bulk edit feature. Don’t worry, you’re not actually editing anything, but just using the bulk edit to tell WordPress to re-process your posts and pages.
Head over to Posts » All Posts in your WordPress dashboard. Select all the posts where you imported content from HubSpot. You can usually do this by checking the checkbox at the very top of the post list.
Then, in the ‘Bulk actions’ dropdown menu, choose ‘Edit’ and click the ‘Apply’ button.
A bunch of bulk edit options will appear. Don’t panic! You don’t need to change anything here. Just click the blue ‘Update’ button at the bottom.
What this does is tell WordPress to re-save all the selected posts. And that action triggers the Auto Upload Images plugin to kick in.
The plugin will scan the content of each post, look for external image URLs (pointing to HubSpot), and then automatically download each image and import it into your WordPress Media Library.
It will then update the image URLs in your posts to point to the newly imported images in your Media Library.
Next, you need to repeat this exact same process for your Pages. Simply go to Pages » All Pages, select all your pages, choose ‘Edit’ in bulk actions, apply, and then just click ‘Update’.
After you’ve done this bulk update for both your posts and pages, go to Media » Library in your WordPress dashboard. You should see all those images from your HubSpot blog and pages in your WordPress Media Library!
Step 7. Pointing Your Domain Name to Your New WordPress Website
If you were already using a custom domain name for your HubSpot blog (like yourblogname.com), then you definitely want to keep using that same domain for your WordPress blog.
Why? Branding, for starters. You want people to find you at the same address. But also, and maybe even more importantly, for SEO.
Search engines have already associated your domain name with your content and authority. Keeping the same domain helps you maintain your search engine rankings.
To make this happen, you need to adjust your domain name settings. Specifically, you’re going to change something called nameservers.
Nameservers are like the internet’s phonebook for domain names. When someone types your domain name into their browser, the nameservers tell the internet where your website is hosted.
Right now, your domain name is likely pointing to HubSpot’s servers, where your HubSpot blog was hosted. We need to update it to point to your new WordPress hosting account.
Your WordPress hosting provider (like Bluehost, Hostinger, or SiteGround) will give you the nameserver information you need. It usually looks like a pair of addresses, something like:
Your hosting provider will have the exact nameservers you need to use.
I usually find this information in my hosting account dashboard, but you can also check the welcome email they sent you when you signed up. If you’re not sure, then their support team can help you out. See the tips in my guide on how to contact WordPress support.
Okay, so where do you actually change these nameserver settings? That’s at your domain name registrar. This is the company where you registered your domain name in the first place.
Sometimes, your domain registrar is the same company as your hosting provider. But often, they are separate. Common domain registrars include companies like Domain.com, Network Solutions, or Namecheap.
You’ll need to log in to your account at your domain registrar. Find the settings for your domain name. Look for something like ‘DNS Settings’, ‘Nameservers’, or ‘Domain Management’.
For example, if your domain is registered with Bluehost, then the nameserver settings in their domain management area will look something like this:
The exact steps vary depending on your domain registrar. But the general idea is always the same: you need to replace the old nameservers (the ones pointing to HubSpot) with the new nameservers provided by your WordPress hosting company.
Once you’ve updated your nameservers, it takes a little while for these changes to spread across the internet. This is called DNS propagation.
DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours to, in rare cases, up to 48 hours. During this time, some people might still see your old HubSpot blog, while others might start seeing your new WordPress blog. This is totally normal, don’t worry!
After DNS propagation is complete, when users enter your domain name into their browsers, they will be automatically directed to your WordPress site at its new hosting location.
Step 8. Setting Up Permalinks and Redirects
You’re in the home stretch now! You’ve moved your content and images and pointed your domain to your new WordPress blog. But there’s another really important step for a smooth migration: setting up permalinks and redirects.
Your HubSpot blog probably had its own way of creating URLs. WordPress, naturally, has its own system too, called permalinks.
And here’s the thing. It’s highly likely that your old HubSpot URLs are different from how WordPress creates URLs by default.
Without proper URL redirection from your old HubSpot blog to your new WordPress site, visitors following the old blog post URLs will encounter 404 errors. These broken links not only frustrate users but also negatively impact your search engine rankings since Google penalizes sites with too many broken links.
To fix this issue, you need to do two key things:
Set up SEO-friendly permalinks in WordPress so your new URLs are clean and readable.
Set up redirects to automatically send visitors from your old HubSpot URLs to the correct pages on your new WordPress site. It’s like setting up a forwarding address when you move house.
Let’s start with permalinks.
Setting Up WordPress Permalinks
WordPress gives you control over how your website addresses (URLs) are structured. This is managed through permalink settings.
While you can choose any permalink structure, for the sake of this example, let’s choose ‘Post name’.
‘Post name’ permalinks create clean, easy-to-understand URLs that clearly include the title of your page or blog post. It incorporates keywords from your title, providing an additional SEO advantage and making it readable for people.
For example, instead of a URL that looks like this, which gives no context at all
yourblog.com/?p=123
You get something much nicer and more informative, like:
yourblog.com/your-blog-post-title
See the difference? The second option is much clearer.
Setting this up is quick and easy. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings » Permalinks.
You’ll see a section called ‘Common Settings.’ Find the option labeled ‘Post name’ and select it.
Then, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
Done! Permalinks are set up. From now on, WordPress will use the post name structure for all your new blog posts and pages.
Setting Up Redirects From Your Old HubSpot URLs
Now for the redirects, which are extremely important for a smooth migration. Remember that list of old HubSpot URLs you grabbed using Link Klipper way back in the export step? We’re going to put it to good use.
To set up redirects in WordPress without pulling your hair out, I recommend the Redirection plugin. It’s free, it’s powerful, and it makes setting up redirects straightforward.
The first step is to install and activate the Redirection plugin. If you need help, then see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Once activated, you’ll find the Redirection plugin settings under Tools » Redirection.
In the Redirection plugin interface, you’ll see fields for Source URL and Target URL.
Source URL is where you enter your old HubSpot URL. But here’s a little trick: you only need to enter the part of the URL after your domain name. For example, if your old HubSpot blog post URL was https://your-hubspot-blog.com/blog/my-awesome-post, then you’d just enter /blog/my-awesome-post.
Target URL is where you enter the new WordPress URL for the same content. Again, just the part after your domain name. So, if your new WordPress URL for that post is https://your-wordpress-blog.com/my-awesome-post/, then you’d enter /my-awesome-post/.
Make sure the ‘301 – Moved Permanently’ option is selected for the Redirect Type. Using a 301 redirect is important for search engine optimization, or SEO. It signals to search engines that your content has moved permanently to a new address, and it helps you preserve link equity.
Link equity is the SEO ‘value’ or authority your old pages have built up over time, and 301 redirects help transfer that valuable equity to your new WordPress pages, maintaining your search engine ranking.
Finally, click the ‘Add Redirect’ button to save your redirect.
Now, you need to go through your entire list of old HubSpot URLs and repeat these steps for each one. Yes, it can take a bit of time, especially if you have a lot of blog posts. But it’s essential for a smooth transition.
Once you’ve added all your redirects, test them! Type your old HubSpot URLs into your browser and make sure they correctly redirect you to the right pages on your new WordPress site.
Alternative: Using All in One SEO (AIOSEO) for Redirects
Now, if you’re thinking about SEO seriously (and you should!), you might want to consider All in One SEO (AIOSEO). I use this plugin on my own websites, and it’s fantastic.
Yes, it’s a premium plugin, but it’s packed with SEO features to help your blog rank higher – and it includes a really handy Redirection Manager that lets you set up full site redirects.
What I really appreciate is that AIOSEO is an all-in-one SEO powerhouse. Instead of juggling separate plugins for redirects, sitemaps, schema, and everything else SEO-related, AIOSEO puts it all in one place.
Plus, its Redirection Manager is quite powerful and makes setting up even complex redirects straightforward. It’s a real time-saver and keeps my SEO workflow streamlined.
Step 9. Add Your HubSpot CRM to WordPress
Now, if you’re like many HubSpot users, then you’re probably using HubSpot CRM to manage your leads and customer interactions. Good news! You can easily connect your new WordPress blog to your existing HubSpot CRM.
Think of it as keeping the best of both worlds – the flexibility of WordPress for your blog and the robust CRM capabilities of HubSpot.
The official HubSpot plugin lets you connect your WordPress site to your HubSpot account and unlock a bunch of useful features right within your WordPress dashboard.
With the HubSpot plugin, you can:
Capture leads from your WordPress site: Easily add HubSpot forms to your WordPress pages and blog posts to capture contact information.
Track website visitors: The plugin adds HubSpot tracking code to your WordPress site, showing how visitors interact with your content and identifying potential leads.
Access HubSpot CRM tools from WordPress: Get quick access to your HubSpot contacts, deals, and tasks directly from your WordPress admin area.
Use live chat: Embed your HubSpot live chat widget on your WordPress site to engage with visitors in real time.
Analyze your marketing performance: View HubSpot analytics dashboards within WordPress to monitor your blog’s performance and lead generation efforts.
Once activated, the plugin will add a new HubSpot menu to your WordPress admin sidebar. This will take you to the setup wizard, where you can click the ‘Sign in here’ link at the top.
Once you have signed in, simply follow the prompts to connect the plugin to your existing HubSpot account.
After connecting, you can explore the HubSpot plugin settings to customize features like form embedding, live chat, and tracking options.
And that’s it! You’ve now integrated your WordPress blog with HubSpot CRM. You can now manage your blog content in WordPress while still making the most of HubSpot’s powerful CRM and marketing tools.
One of the best things about using WordPress is that you can easily extend your site’s features with plugins.
There are thousands of WordPress plugins available, both free and paid.
At WPBeginner, we put together a guide on how to pick the best plugins for your website. It’s worth a read to learn how to evaluate plugins and pick the right ones for your specific needs.
But to get you off to a flying start, here are a few top plugins we often recommend for almost every new WordPress blog:
WPForms is a fantastic plugin for creating all sorts of forms – contact forms, surveys, order forms, and more. I use WPForms on my own websites and love how user-friendly it is.
SeedProd is a drag-and-drop website builder that makes customizing your design a breeze. You can create custom page layouts beyond your theme’s standard options.
AIOSEO (All in One SEO) is one of the most popular and powerful SEO plugins for WordPress. It helps you optimize your blog for better search engine rankings.
MonsterInsights makes it easy to understand your blog traffic and visitor behavior. It connects WordPress to Google Analytics and shows you key stats in your dashboard.
OptinMonster is a powerful toolkit for growing your email list and boosting conversions. It helps you create popups, slide-in forms, and other opt-in forms to capture email addresses.
For even more plugin ideas and recommendations, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of essential WordPress plugins. It’s packed with plugins we use and trust.
Alternative: Get Professional Help to Migrate Your HubSpot Website
Okay, I’ve walked through all the steps to migrate your blog from HubSpot to WordPress. And you know what? For many of you, following these steps will be totally doable!
But let’s be real. Even with a detailed guide, moving a website from HubSpot to WordPress is still quite a technical project. And time-consuming.
Perhaps you’re not super comfortable with the website side of things. Or maybe you’re already juggling a million tasks and just want this migration done quickly, correctly, without headaches.
If that sounds like you, then WPBeginner can help. Our WordPress Website Design service team can design and build you a brand-new, custom WordPress website that’s perfectly tailored to your needs. They can handle the migration of your content from HubSpot, too.
If you’re curious to learn more about these services, or if you just have some questions, then you can easily chat with our support team on our Website Design Services page. They can give you all the details and help you figure out if professional migration help is the right path for you.
Bonus: Learning WordPress
You’ve made the move from HubSpot to the wonderful world of WordPress!
Now, you might be looking at your new WordPress dashboard and thinking, ‘Okay, this is different!’ And you’d be right. WordPress works in its own way, and it has a lot of features and options that might be new to you if you’re coming from HubSpot.
Luckily, I can recommend tons of completely free resources to help you become a WordPress pro in no time. Here are just a few that I think you’ll find super helpful:
WPBeginner Blog: This is the heart of WPBeginner. Think of it as your go-to library for everything WordPress. You’ll find thousands of easy-to-follow tutorials, guides, and articles.
WPBeginner Dictionary: WordPress has its own vocabulary! Our dictionary helps you understand all the WordPress terms and jargon.
WPBeginner Videos: Prefer to learn by watching? Our video tutorials walk you through common WordPress tasks step-by-step, visually.
WPBeginner YouTube Channel: Even more video help! Our YouTube channel is packed with WordPress tips, tutorials, and how-tos.
WPBeginner Blueprint: Curious about the tools and plugins we use here at WPBeginner? The Blueprint gives you a peek behind the scenes.
WPBeginner Deals: Who doesn’t love a good deal? In our Deals section, we gather exclusive discounts and coupons on WordPress themes, plugins, hosting, and more.
So, don’t feel overwhelmed by learning WordPress. With WPBeginner as your guide, you have all the resources you need right at your fingertips. Dive in, explore, and start enjoying the power and flexibility of WordPress!
WordPress 6.8 is finally here 🥳, and we’ve been testing it since the early beta. It’s the first major release of 2025 with several important changes.
You’ll notice speed improvements after the update, thanks to the new speculative loading feature that makes pages feel like they load before you click them.
This update also introduces better design tools, stronger password protection, and a more polished site editor.
We’ve explored all the new features, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s changed, with examples and screenshots along the way.
⚠️ Heads up! If you’re not using managed WordPress hosting, then you’ll need to run the update yourself.
WordPress 6.8 now includes speculative loading, a clever technique that helps your site feel faster for visitors.
It works by quietly loading pages in the background before someone clicks a link. This way, the next page opens almost instantly.
Think of it like setting the table before your guest even walks into the room. By the time they sit down, everything’s already ready.
This is powered by the Speculation Rules API. WordPress watches for signs like hovering over a link and starts preloading that page just in case.
Developers can fine-tune how this works by setting rules, such as choosing which links get preloaded and when.
💡 Losing customers due to a slow website? Take a look at our Site Speed Optimization service. For a small fee, our real WordPress experts can completely optimize your website for blazing performance. 🚀
Style Book Now Works with Classic Themes 🎨
In WordPress 6.8, the Style Book is now available for classic themes that support the Full Site Editor.
Previously, this feature was limited to block themes only. Now more users can access it, even if they haven’t switched to a block-based design.
The Style Book gives you a visual overview of how your blocks look, including buttons, headings, forms, and more, all in one place.
You’ll find it by going to Appearance » Design » Styles when using a compatible classic theme. This makes it easier to preview and manage styles without needing to edit templates.
WordPress has also moved site patterns to Appearance » Design » Patterns. Grouping these settings together helps keep your workflow organized.
It’s a welcome upgrade if you’re using a classic theme but still want access to modern styling tools.
New Design and Editing Features in WordPress 6.8 🖌️
WordPress 6.8 introduces several updates that make customizing your site faster and more intuitive. Whether you’re adjusting global styles or editing individual blocks, these new features help you work more efficiently.
Set Any Image Block as a Featured Image
With just one click, you can now turn any image block into a featured image.
This makes the process quicker and avoids the need to go into post settings. And don’t worry — deleting the image block won’t remove the featured image from your post.
Switch Section Styles from the Toolbar
In zoomed-out mode, the toolbar now lets you switch between different section styles on the fly.
This is great for experimenting with layouts without hunting through menus or sidebars.
Global Styles Panel in the Site Editor
The Styles panel inside the Site Editor sidebar now makes it easier to manage your site’s look and feel.
You can adjust fonts, colors, spacing, and layout all in one place. This is a big time-saver when you want to update your site’s design without digging through settings.
Image Editing Now Includes an Undo Option
After editing an image, like cropping or rotating, you’ll see a success notice with an undo link.
This makes it easier to roll back edits if something doesn’t look right.
New Query Total Block
A new block called Query Total lets you display the total number of posts shown in a Query Loop.
It’s useful for archive pages, category filters, or search results where users want to know how many posts are being shown.
Quickly Set a Posts Page from the Page List
In the Site Editor, you can now assign any page as your blog’s posts page directly from the page list view.
This small improvement makes setting up your site’s structure much more straightforward.
New Option to Ignore Sticky Posts in Query Loops ♾️
If you’ve ever been frustrated by sticky posts always showing at the top of a query loop, then WordPress 6.8 has a fix.
You can now choose to ignore sticky posts when creating a custom post layout using the Query Loop block.
This gives you better control over the order of your posts, which is especially useful for category pages, blog archives, or custom layouts.
It’s a small checkbox, but it can make a big difference in how your content is displayed.
More Control Over Data Views 🪟
WordPress 6.8 brings helpful improvements to Data Views, making it easier to manage content in the admin area.
Now, layouts behave more consistently across post types. For example, you can choose to show content previews in the grid view for pages.
You can also change the density of tables in list views.
Depending on your preference, this helps you see more content at once or keep things more spacious.
These changes don’t jump out at first, but they really smooth out the experience of managing your site.
Stronger Password Security with bcrypt 🔒
WordPress password security has been due for an upgrade, and it finally arrived in 6.8.
WordPress now uses bcrypt for hashing passwords. It’s much harder to crack and is widely trusted by developers for good reason.
Before this, WordPress used a system called phpass that relied on MD5 hashing. It worked, but it’s outdated, and a sophisticated attack could compromise it.
Expert Tip💡: Even with stronger password hashing, it’s still smart to add two-factor authentication. That way, hackers can’t log in even if they somehow get your password.
Bcrypt adds what’s called a “work factor.” That means it takes longer to process each guess, which slows down attacks and keeps your WordPress account safe.
If you’re running a site, you don’t have to change anything. WordPress will handle it for you quietly in the background.
It’s one of those updates you won’t notice day to day, but we’re glad it’s finally here.
Miscellaneous Enhancements in WordPress 6.8
Alongside the big features, WordPress 6.8 includes several smaller improvements that help polish the overall experience:
Labels across WordPress now consistently say “Add Item” instead of “Add New Item” when you’re adding something new. This small detail helps create a more predictable editing experience. [#61219]
The date format settings screen now includes two extra options to choose from. These presets save time if you’re not comfortable creating custom date formats. [#55685]
You can now embed Canva designs directly into your posts using the oEmbed block. This makes it easier to share visuals without needing extra steps. [#58840]
Focus styles have been refined, link text is now clearer, and form controls are easier for screen reader users to navigate. [Accessibility Overview]
Under the Hood Changes in WordPress 6.8
WordPress 6.8 also brings several behind-the-scenes improvements that developers and power users will appreciate. These changes improve performance, consistency, and flexibility under the hood:
A new function called wp_register_block_types_from_metadata_collection() allows multiple block types to be registered with a single call. This helps plugin developers streamline their code. [Read more]
The Interactivity API now has official best practices to guide developers building dynamic block experiences. These recommendations help keep frontend code clean and predictable. [Read more]
A new REST API filter makes it possible to expose menus publicly. This makes it easier to pull navigation data into headless or frontend apps. [Read more]
WordPress now properly localizes PHPMailer error messages and ensures plugin update emails match the administrator’s language. These changes improve the international user experience. [Read more]
Redundant title attributes have been removed across core to improve accessibility. This benefits screen reader users and makes interfaces cleaner. [#24766]
Block Hooks now work with synced patterns. This creates consistent block behavior across templates, post content, and navigation areas. [#62704]
Site owners can now remove the “Disable the visual editor” checkbox from user profiles. This is helpful when you want to simplify the editing experience or enforce block editing. [#34681]
New contextual classes have been added to the body tag. They make it easier to style different parts of a website with custom CSS. [#19736]
Final Thoughts on WordPress 6.8
We’ve been following WordPress 6.8 development from planning to the release, and it’s great to see so many thoughtful improvements packed into this update.
The new design tools make it easier to build beautiful websites. Performance updates like speculative loading help your site feel faster without extra effort.
Even behind the scenes, changes like bcrypt password hashing and better accessibility make a real impact, especially if you’re running a busy or growing site.
If you haven’t updated yet, then we recommend doing so after backing up your site. And once you’re in, take a few minutes to explore the new features — they’re easy to miss but fun to use.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
Do you remember when sharing music on a website meant uploading MP3 files and dealing with clunky audio players? I sure do.
Thankfully, many streaming services have made it easier to share music online, and Spotify is leading the way. As one of the world’s largest music platforms, it offers straightforward embedding options that work well with WordPress.
As a music lover and WordPress user, I decided to look for the most reliable methods for adding Spotify content to WordPress sites. Whether you’re a music reviewer, podcast creator, or just want to share your favorite playlist, I will show you how to embed audio content without touching a single line of code.
In this guide, I’ll show you 2 easy methods to embed Spotify in WordPress. These are great options for sharing a single track, a full album, a podcast episode, or an entire playlist. 🎶
Why Embed Spotify in WordPress?
If you’re a musician or podcaster, then embedding Spotify content on your WordPress website is a powerful way to promote your work and connect with your audience.
Instead of sending visitors away to your Spotify profile, you can feature your music or episodes right where your fans already are – like on your podcasting website or the professional hub for your music.
That said, even if you’re not sharing your own content, adding Spotify embeds can still make your site more engaging. Whether you’re writing music reviews or curating playlists, embedding audio tracks can take your content to the next level.
And here are the types of Spotify content you can embed:
WordPress makes it easy to embed Spotify content right out of the box. You can simply paste a Spotify link into the content editor. WordPress will then automatically turn it into an embedded player within a Spotify block.
In this guide, I’ll cover 2 easy ways to embed Spotify in WordPress:
Both methods let you embed songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, or artist profiles without writing a single line of code!
💡 Note: The exact location of buttons and menus in Spotify might vary slightly depending on whether you’re using the web player, desktop app, or mobile app. In this guide, I will use the Spotify web player.
Method 1: Embed Spotify Using the Spotify Block in WordPress (No Plugin Needed)
This is the easiest method because you just need to add a block in the WordPress block editor. It’s great for adding tracks, playlists, or podcast episodes directly to your posts or pages – no extra plugins needed.
Step 1: Find the Spotify Content Link
First, let’s get the Spotify content link.
You can start by opening the Spotify web player or desktop application to access its content (logging in is optional).
From the ‘Home’ screen, you need to use the ‘Search’ feature to find the content you want to embed. You can search by song title, album title, or artist name.
For example, I looked for Dream, Ivory’s artist page.
Just click on the relevant search result when it appears.
Once inside, you can click the three-dot button next to the ‘Follow’ button on the artist’s profile.
Next, hover over the ‘Share’ option and then click ‘Copy link to artist.’
If you want to embed a single track, then you can click on the three-dot button for a track.
Then, simply hover over the ‘Share’ option and click the ‘Copy Song Link’ button.
To embed a full album, scroll down the artist page to the ‘Discography’ section.
After that, just click on the album you want to share to open it.
You’ll see a three-dot button below the album name; go ahead and click it.
From here, you can hover over ‘Share’ and click ‘Copy Album Link.’
The process is pretty much the same for playlists and podcasts.
Just make sure you’re clicking the right three-dot button depending on whether you’re on a song, album, playlist, show, or artist page.
Step 2: Embed the Spotify Content into WordPress
Now, let’s add the link to your WordPress website.
You can embed Spotify content into any post or page. For this tutorial, I’ll show you how to do it inside a blog post using the WordPress block editor.
From your WordPress dashboard, let’s go to Posts » Add New Post or edit an existing post where you want the Spotify player to appear.
You can just paste the Spotify link straight into the editor. But I will also show you how to add the dedicated Spotify block.
In the editor, click the ‘+’ button to add a block.
Then, simply search for ‘Spotify Embed.’
Once you’ve found the ‘Spotify Embed’ block, give it a click to add it to the editor.
Now, you can paste the Spotify link you copied earlier into the block.
You can then click the ‘Embed’ button or press ‘Enter.’
WordPress will automatically fetch and display a live preview of the embedded player.
Before publishing, you might want to adjust the ‘Media settings.’ You can find this slider in the ‘Block’ tab on the right.
Turning on this setting helps the Spotify player look good on all screen sizes, which can help with mobile-friendly design.
When you’re happy with how the Spotify player looks, you can go ahead and click ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ to make it live.
Now, when visitors view your post, they’ll see a fully interactive Spotify player they can use to listen to the audio content directly.
Method 2: Embed Spotify Using the EmbedPress Plugin (More Customizable)
This method is ideal if you want more flexibility when embedding Spotify content. The EmbedPress plugin lets you customize how your music, playlists, or podcasts appear on your site without using any code.
You can control the size of the audio player and even make the content shareable on social networks. It’s also suitable if you’re using the classic editor because it doesn’t rely on blocks.
Step 1: Install the EmbedPress Plugin
To get started, you’ll need to install and activate the free EmbedPress plugin.
💡 Pro Tip: The free version of EmbedPress works great, but EmbedPress Pro will give you more control. For example, you can add your own branding, tweak the player’s design, enable lazy loading for faster pages, and even show custom ads to boost revenue.
So, let’s log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins » Add New Plugin.
In the search bar, type ‘EmbedPress,’ then click ‘Install Now’ and ‘Activate’ when it appears.
For this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to find Spotify playlist and podcast links.
Let’s start by going to the Spotify web player or desktop application. You don’t need to be logged in to your account for this step.
Once inside, you can use the search bar at the top to find the Spotify playlist or podcast you want to embed.
On the results page, scroll down to the ‘Playlist’ section.
After that, go ahead and click on the playlist that you want to embed.
From here, you can click the three-dot button under the playlist name or near the ‘+’ button.
This will expand the menu where you can hover over ‘Share’ and click ‘Copy link to playlist.’
You can also go to an artist page, as they usually have a curated playlist.
For example, I went to Nina Simone’s artist page and scrolled down to find her ‘Artist pick’ playlist.
Once you’ve opened the playlist, just click the three-dot button near the title or the ‘+’ icon.
Then, hover over ‘Share’ and choose ‘Copy link to playlist.’
When it comes to podcasts, the process is pretty similar. Simply start by using the ‘Search’ feature to go to the podcast.
Once inside, you can click the three-dot button, hover over ‘Share,’ and click ‘Copy Show Link.’
If you want to share an episode instead, then you can scroll down the podcast page.
Then, click the ‘Share’ icon next to the episode you want to embed and copy the link.
The process is pretty much the same for songs, albums, and artist pages.
Just make sure you’re clicking the right three-dot button.
Step 4: Add the Spotify URL to WordPress Using the EmbedPress Block
Once you get your link, you can embed Spotify content into any WordPress post or page using the EmbedPress block.
To get started, you can create a new post by navigating to Posts » Add New Post. Alternatively, you can open the post where you want to embed the track, playlist, or podcast.
In the editor, let’s click the ‘+’ icon.
Then, you can go ahead and search for the EmbedPress block.
Once you’ve found theblock, simply click on it to add it to the editor.
After that, paste your Spotify link into the block.
Don’t forget to click the ‘Embed’ button or press ‘Enter.’
EmbedPress will then instantly fetch the preview and display it right inside the editor.
Now, you will have access to extra controls for the audio player.
In the right panel, you can find the option to resize the player by adjusting its width and height.
Plus, you can enable social sharing to make your content more discoverable.
With this setting, you can choose whether to show the icons at the top, left, right, or bottom of the Spotify player.
EmbedPress Pro also allows you to change the color of the audio player and add a ‘Follow’ button. This can help you get more Spotify followers directly from your WordPress website.
When you’re done customizing, just click ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ to make it live.
That’s it! Your Spotify content is now fully ready to go on your WordPress website. 🎧
💡 Note: If you’re using the old Classic Editor, then you can simply paste the Spotify link into the Visual editor.
The EmbedPress plugin will automatically detect the URL and convert it into an embed.
Take It Further: Sell Your Tracks, Albums, or Sample Packs 💿
Embedding your tracks on your website is just one way to get more listeners.
If you’re a musician, then you can also sell your songs directly from your WordPress site — no middlemen, no platform fees. It’s a smart way to keep full control over your music, grow your fanbase, and earn more from every download.
Unlike general eCommerce plugins, Easy Digital Downloads is built specifically for selling digital products like MP3s. That means no extra setup for shipping or inventory — just the tools you actually need.
You can sell singles, full albums, or even sample packs with features like secure file delivery, discount codes, and customer management built right in.
Alternatively, if you want to sell physical music, like vinyl or CDs, then you’ll need a full store with shipping, tax, and inventory support. I recommend using WooCommerce because it’s the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress and makes it super easy to sell products online.
If you’re just getting started or still have questions about embedding Spotify links, you’re not alone. Here are some common questions I often hear from WordPress users:
How do I embed a Spotify playlist into WordPress?
You can copy the Spotify playlist link and paste it into a Spotify block in the WordPress editor. WordPress will automatically convert it into an embedded player. Alternatively, a premium plugin like EmbedPress gives you more control over the audio player’s look and branding.
How do I add a Spotify podcast to my WordPress site?
You can copy the podcast episode or show link from Spotify and paste it into the Spotify block in the WordPress block editor. It will instantly turn into a playable embed. Using a plugin like EmbedPress will also allow you to control how the audio player looks and get more followers directly from your website.
How do I play background music on a WordPress site?
Most modern browsers limit autoplaying background music to protect the user experience, especially on mobile devices, where unexpected sounds can be intrusive. Similarly, WordPress also doesn’t support autoplay out of the box.
That said, there are more user-friendly ways to share background music:
Use a plugin with a custom play button – Plugins like HTML5 Audio Player let you add a small play/pause button. You can place it in a header, footer, or floating sidebar so that visitors can choose to start the music.
Embed Spotify or other music players – Instead of true background music, you can embed a playlist or single track using Spotify or another streaming service. Visitors can click play whenever they’re ready to listen.
I love publishing articles with lots of screenshots and images in them.
That also means for each article, I had to spend a lot of time writing alt text.
For me, writing alt text is a tedious process. I often push it to the bottom of my to-do list despite knowing how crucial alt texts are for SEO and accessibility.
That’s why I’ve dedicated a lot of time to testing various AI-powered alt text generators on WordPress websites.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best way to automatically generate alt text using AI. I’ve done all the heavy lifting – testing accuracy, comparing results, and identifying the best options – so you can choose the right solution for your website.
The Benefits of Using AI for Generating Image Alt Text
Adding alt text to every image on your website can feel like a never-ending task. Even if you’re using tools like ChatGPT to write the alt text for you, you’ll still need to manually copy and paste the content.
Luckily, AI-powered tools can automate this entire process and allow you to control everything from your WordPress dashboard.
Here’s why using AI for alt text generation can be helpful:
Saves Time – No more writing alt text for every single image. AI can generate descriptions in seconds, freeing up your time for more important tasks.
Boosts SEO – AI helps you create descriptive alt text with relevant keywords, which search engines love. This can help your images rank higher in search results.
Improves Accessibility – AI-generated alt text makes your site more inclusive by providing meaningful descriptions for visually impaired users.
Handles Large Image Libraries – If you have hundreds (or thousands) of images, AI can process them in bulk, making optimization much easier.
Maintains Consistency – AI follows a structured approach, ensuring all images have clear and uniform descriptions across your website.
By using AI tools for alt text generation, you can improve your website’s accessibility, SEO, and overall efficiency, all without the extra manual work.
Having said that, let’s take a look at how to easily generate alt text for images with AI.
Method 1: Use AltText.AI to Generate Alt Text for Images (Premium Plugin + Free Trial)
If you are looking for high-quality alt text for your images and have the budget to invest in a premium plugin, then I recommend this method.
AltText.ai is a powerful AI image alt text generator built for bloggers, small business owners, and website owners. It works in up to 130 languages and generates alt text in just seconds.
It comes with a free trial that lets you generate alt text for up to 25 images. After that, you can continue with a paid plan starting at just $5 for 100 image credits, where generating alt text for 1 image uses 1 credit. This makes it an affordable option for anyone managing a media-rich website.
First, you need to visit the AltText.ai website and click the ‘Start Free Trial’ button.
This will take you to a new screen, where you can create your free account by giving your email address, name, and password.
Once you do that, just click the ‘Sign up’ button.
AltText.ai will now create your free account and take you to your dashboard.
From here, head to the ‘Account’ page from the top and switch to the ‘API Keys’ section. Go ahead and click the ‘+ New API Key’ button.
Next, you have to type a name for the API key you plan to create. This name won’t be available publicly and is only for your identification.
Then, click the ‘Create’ button.
The tool will automatically create an API key for you. For now, click the ‘Copy’ button next to the key and store it somewhere safe.
You’ll need it later to use the tool.
Next, head to your WordPress dashboard to install and activate the Alt Text AI plugin. It is a free connector plugin that integrates the AI tool with WordPress seamlessly.
Upon plugin activation, visit the AltText.ai » Settings page and add your API key in the ‘API Key’ field. You can also choose your preferred language for alt text generation.
After that, pick a writing style for your alt text from the dropdown menu. You can choose between elaborate, concise, matter-of-fact, standard, and terse.
You can also use AltText.ai to generate image titles, captions, and descriptions. To do this, just check these options in the ‘When alt text is generated for an image’ section.
After that, check the ‘Automatically generate alt text with AltText.ai’ option so the tool will automatically generate alt text whenever you upload an image to the media library.
Next, you have to scroll down and check the ‘Generate alt text using focus keyphrases, if present’ option if you want the AI tool to use SEO phrases in alt text.
Similarly, check the ‘Use post title as keywords if SEO keywords not found from plugins’ box so the tool will use post titles in alt text if you haven’t set a focus keyword.
You can then configure the rest of the settings according to your liking. Once you are done, just click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
Now, you need to open the block editor and upload an image using the ‘Image’ block.
This will open the ‘Select or Upload Media’ prompt, where you have to click the ‘Update Alt Text’ button. You can also check the ‘Add SEO Keywords’ option to add them to your alt text.
You can also generate alt text for already uploaded images by visiting the Media » Library page and clicking on an image.
Once the ‘Attachment details’ page opens up, check the ‘Add SEO Keywords’ box and add the keywords you want the tool to prioritize.
Then, click the ‘Update Alt Text’ button to create alt text for your image.
You can now repeat the process for all your images.
However, if you’re looking to save some time, then the plugin also allows bulk generation for alt text. To do this, head over to the AltText.ai » Bulk Generate page from the WordPress dashboard.
At the top, you will see the total number of images along with how many are missing alt text. You can scroll down from here.
Then, if you want to overwrite existing alt text, check the ‘Include images that already have alt text’ option. This ensures AI-generated descriptions replace any previous alt text.
Similarly, if you want to process only images attached to posts, check the ‘Only process images that are attached to posts’ box. This makes the plugin focus on optimizing images used in your content.
Once you’ve selected your preferences, click the ‘Generate Alt Text’ button to start the process.
The AI tool will take about 3-5 minutes to add all the alt text, depending on the number of images, and you will see a success message upon completion.
Go ahead and click the ‘Done’ button to be redirected to the Bulk Generate page. That’s all you need to do!
Method 2: Use a Free AI Plugin to Generate Alt Text, Title, and Caption for Images
If you are looking for a free AI image alt text generator that can also create image titles and captions, then I recommend this method instead.
The free AI for SEO plugin offers a built-in way to improve your image SEO without leaving your site or paying for additional tools.
Important: The plugin only provides 5 free AI credits every day. If you go over that limit, then you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue using the AI features.
Upon activation, visit the AI for SEO page from the WordPress dashboard and switch to the ‘Settings’ tab from the left column. Then, scroll down to the ‘Media attributes’ section.
Here, you can choose whether you want the AI to generate alt text, captions, titles, and descriptions for your images. If you prefer not to use a specific feature, then simply uncheck the box next to it.
For instance, if you don’t want the AI to generate captions, then just uncheck that box.
After that, you can also choose a language for your media attributes from the dropdown menu. This will allow the plugin to generate text in the language used on your website.
You can then configure the rest of the settings according to your liking. Finally, click the ‘Save Changes’ button to store them.
Now, head over to the Media » Library page from the WordPress dashboard and choose an image you like.
This will open the ‘Attachment Details’ prompt, where you can click the ‘Generate With AI’ button under the title, caption, alt text, and description fields.
Once you do that, the plugin will use AI to generate alt text, caption, title, and description that match your image.
If you don’t like the initial results, then you can simply keep clicking the ‘Generate with AI’ button to get new suggestions. This lets you cycle through different options until you find one that fits better.
You can now repeat the process to generate alt text with AI for all your images.
Bonus: Optimize Your Image Alt Text with AIOSEO
Automatically generating alt text with AI is just one way to improve the images on your website. I also recommend using an SEO plugin with built-in tools for image SEO.
For example, All in One SEO for WordPress (AIOSEO) can optimize the format of alt text on your images. Its Alt Tag feature pulls the existing alt text from your media library and allows you to control its formatting with your website title or other metadata.
This feature can help with branding and SEO by making your images more relevant to search engines. Just keep in mind that AIOSEO doesn’t actually generate the alt text for you.
Another great feature is AIOSEO’s image sitemap generation, which includes XML sitemaps.
This helps search engines index your images correctly, increasing the chances of them appearing in Google Image Search.
I hope this article helped you learn how to generate alt text for images using AI. You may also want to see our beginner’s guide on how to make money using AI and our top picks for the best AI website builders to create your site in a few minutes.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
I’ve learned that the easier you make it for users to log in to your website, the more likely they are to become active members and engage with your content.
That’s where OAuth login comes in – it lets people sign in to your WordPress website with just one click using their existing social accounts like Google, Facebook, or X.
But here’s the thing: while OAuth login sounds simple in theory, setting it up correctly can be tricky. I’ve tested various plugins and methods on real WordPress websites to find the most reliable solution.
Today, I’m sharing my proven method for adding OAuth login to WordPress. I’ll show you how to set it up correctly, avoid common pitfalls, and get it working smoothly on your site.
The Benefits of Adding OAuth Login to WordPress
With traditional logins, weak passwords and forgotten credentials are common problems.
Users often struggle to remember their login details, leading to frustration and frequent password resets. This can create security risks and make the login process feel like a hassle.
OAuth helps prevent these issues by using secure authentication methods from major providers. Instead of creating new usernames and passwords, visitors can log in with accounts they already trust, like Google, Facebook, or GitHub.
This streamlined login process leads to faster access and fewer abandoned registrations. Users are more likely to complete the process when signing up is as easy as clicking a button.
OAuth also adds an extra layer of security that can reduce spam registrations and fake accounts. Since users log in through verified third-party accounts, it becomes harder for bots and spammers to create fake profiles.
Overall, adding OAuth login to your website creates a smoother, more secure experience for your users. Now, I will show you how to set it up in WordPress.
How to Add OAuth Login in WordPress
Setting up OAuth login in WordPress is easier than you might think. With the right plugin, you can allow users to sign in with their existing social accounts in just a few clicks.
I recommend using Nextend Social Login. It is a popular social media plugin that supports login through third-party providers like Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
Once set up, users will see social login buttons on your login and registration pages, making it simple for them to access your site without creating a new account.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Nextend Social Login Plugin
Note: Nextend Social Login also has a free version that you can use for this tutorial.
Upon plugin activation, head over to the Settings » Nextend Social Login page from the WordPress dashboard.
For this tutorial, I will show you how to add OAuth login with Google. Nextend Social Login also offers login via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and more. The process may be slightly different depending on the provider you choose.
Step 2: Create a Google App
Here, you need to click the ‘Getting Started’ button in the Google section.
This will take you to a new page, where you will see onscreen instructions to create your Google app that will allow OAuth login with your Google account.
Once you read this content, simply click on the provided Google Search Console link.
This will take you to a new screen, where you can add your Google account credentials to log in.
Then, click on the button at the top to open a popup and click the ‘New project’ button.
Next, you need to add a name for the project that you are creating.
You can also add a location and organization. After that, click the ‘Create’ button.
Once you add a project, you will end up back in the dashboard. From here, switch to the ‘OAuth consent screen’ tab from the left column.
Go ahead and click the ‘Get Started’ button.
Now, you have to add a name for your app. This name will be shown when asking for consent.
Then, add your business email address in the ‘User support email’ field so users can contact you with questions about their consent. Then, click the ‘Next’ button.
Next, you have to select an audience for your OAuth login in WordPress.
You can choose the ‘Internal’ option if your app is meant for private use within a Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) organization. This means only users within your company’s domain will be able to log in.
On the other hand, the ‘External’ option is best if your app or website is intended for public use. This allows anyone with a Google account to log in.
However, when you first set it up, the app will be in testing mode, meaning that only users you manually add as test users can access it.
Once you’re ready to go live, you may need to submit your app for Google’s verification process to remove restrictions.
After that, add your email address again.
This will be the email where Google will notify you about any changes to your project. You can also add multiple email addresses.
In the end, simply agree to the Google API services policy.
Finally, click the ‘Create’ button.
Once the process is complete, you will be taken to the ‘OAuth Overview’ page.
From here, click the ‘Create OAuth Client’ button.
On the next screen, you will need to create an OAuth Client ID.
Choose the ‘Web application’ option under the Application type dropdown menu.
Then, add a name for your client ID.
After that, scroll down to the ‘Authorized redirect URIs’ section and click the ‘+ Add URL’ button to enter the redirect URL.
Here, you need to add the link provided by the Nextend Social Login plugin. This URL ensures that users are correctly redirected back to your WordPress website after logging in with Google.
Then, click the ‘Create’ button.
You can find the URL Nextend has created for your website by heading back to your WordPress dashboard.
Here, check the on-screen instructions given by the plugin where the required redirect URL is mentioned.
Once the OAuth client ID is created, a popup will appear on your screen listing your credentials.
Simply copy your Client ID and the Client Secret from here and store them somewhere safe.
Then, head over to the ‘OAuth Consent Screen’ page from the menu on the left.
Here, switch to the ‘Audience’ tab and click the ‘Publish App’ button to allow this app for any user with a Google Account.
This will open a popup, where you can click the ‘Confirm’ button. Now, Google will verify and publish your app. This process can take 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Verify Your Google Configuration
Now, head back to your WordPress dashboard and switch to the ‘Settings’ tab for Google from the top.
After that, add the Client ID and Client Secret that you copied earlier and click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
Once you do that, Nextend Social Login will show a popup asking you to verify your configuration. Go ahead and click the ‘Verify Settings’ button.
Keep in mind that if you skip this step, the Google OAuth sign-in option will not appear on your screen.
Next, switch to the ‘Buttons’ section from the top.
Here, you can choose a button style for your Google OAuth login. You can also create a custom button with custom code if you like.
Once you are done, just click the ‘Save Changes’ button to store your changes.
Now, you need to switch to the Global Settings » Login Form tab from the top.
Here, check the ‘Show login buttons’ box for the ‘Login Form’ option so that users can easily opt for the OAuth sign-in option from here.
You can also configure the rest of the settings according to your liking.
Next, click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
Then, you have to head back to the Settings » Nextend Social Login page from the WordPress dashboard.
Finally, click the ‘Enable’ button under the ‘Google’ option. You can now repeat this entire process with different third-party apps to add OAuth login for them.
Once you are done, simply visit your WordPress site to see the OAuth login in action.
Bonus: Add Passwordless Login in WordPress with Login Links
While OAuth login removes the need to create new passwords, users will still need to rely on credentials from third-party accounts like Google or Facebook.
If you want to go completely password-free, then login links offer another secure login method. It lets users bypass the WordPress login credentials and simply click on a link to log in to their accounts.
With the Magic Login plugin, users simply need to enter their email address, and a one-time login link is sent to their inbox. Clicking the link grants instant access, with no passwords required.
This reduces login friction while keeping accounts secure. It’s especially useful for websites where you want to minimize barriers to entry and improve the user experience.
Plus, since these login links are time-sensitive and unique, they provide an extra layer of security against brute-force attacks and credential leaks.
When I helped create WPBeginner’s online video course portal, the team and I spent countless hours trying to find the perfect software and tools to do the job easily. Along the way, I learned that having the right course creation software can make or break your success.
But here’s the thing – choosing the perfect fit for your online course isn’t easy. The market is flooded with options, each claiming to be the perfect solution.
That’s why I’ve spent a lot of time thoroughly testing many different solutions. I looked at everything from course creation platforms and marketing software to budget-friendly recording and editing tools.
Whether you’re looking to create your first course or want to upgrade your existing setup, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. I’ve narrowed it down to the best course creation platforms that actually deliver results, ranked and reviewed based on real-world testing, ease of use, and business impact.
Quick Picks – The Best Course Creation Software and Tools
Need a quick overview? Here are some of my top picks for course creation software and tools:
How I Test and Review Course Creation Software and Tools
At WPBeginner, we review course creation tools by using them ourselves and looking at how they work in real-life situations. We focus on the features that really matter for building and selling online courses.
Here’s how I reviewed each tool for this roundup:
🛠️ Ease of Use – I timed how long it took to set up a basic course, upload a video lesson, and integrate with an email marketing service. I looked for intuitive interfaces and clear documentation to ensure a smooth experience for beginners.
📚 Course Creation Features – I checked how well the tool organizes learning materials and supports interactive, engaging courses.
🙌 Student Engagement & Support – I assessed features like quizzes, forums, and social tools that keep students engaged, plus the quality of customer support.
💰 Pricing & Value – I compared cost vs. features to see if the tool is worth it, including free trial options.
🌎 Real World Usage – Apart from the tools I’ve used for creating my own online courses, I tested each platform by creating a short sample course, including uploading videos, creating quizzes, and setting up student access. I also read real user reviews and testimonials to get a more complete picture of each tool’s pros and cons.
Why Trust WPBeginner?
WPBeginner is the largest free WordPress resource site. For over 16 years, we’ve been helping thousands of entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.
But we’re also big fans of online course creation.
Drawing from our firsthand experience with our free video tutorials, we’re passionate about supporting educators in running their own online course platforms. And, of course, make it easy for everyone!
Our recommendations for course creation software and tools come from real-world experience and thorough testing. We’ve also learned a ton from creating and managing our own online resources.
Our goal? To help you find the best solutions for your online course, backed by data and honest recommendations. You can learn more about how we test and review products in our complete editorial process.
Here’s a quick overview of all the software and tools I’ll share in this guide:
With that in mind, here’s my curated list of the best course creation software and tools.
Best Online Course Creation Platforms
Creating an online course involves more than just content creation. You need a platform that makes it easy to host, sell, and manage your courses while providing a seamless learning experience for your students.
Why I Recommend WordPress for Your Online Courses
I highly recommend using WordPress to create and sell your online courses.
🚨 But first, it’s important to understand the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. I recommend using WordPress.org to host your courses.
Why?WordPress.com is a hosted platform that is easy to use but has some customization limitations. On the other hand, self-hosted WordPress.org offers complete control over your website and course content.
It allows you to install a learning management system (LMS) plugin and turn your WordPress website into a feature-rich online course platform. You will also have complete control over your branding, pricing, and content.
At WPBeginner, we’re big fans of WordPress.org. Our team has been using it for more than 16 years and loves how much freedom it offers and how easily it can handle complex data.
To get started with WordPress, you’ll need web hosting and a domain name.
You can think of web hosting as renting space on the internet for your course website.
Then, you’ll need to get a domain name, which is your website’s address. It’s how people will find your site online, so you’ll want to choose something catchy and easy to remember.
Bluehost is a great option for both of these things because they are beginner-friendly and reliable. Plus, they offer a huge discount on their hosting to WPBeginner readers + a free domain name for the first year.
Their packages also come with a free SSL certificate, which is great for making your online course site more secure and trustworthy.
Basically, you can build an online course site starting from $1.99 per year.
Once you have WordPress set up with your hosting and domain, you can start building your website. You can also find tons of plugins and tools available to help you create your course and make it awesome for your students.
With all that said, I will also look at some non-WordPress options for creating and sharing your online courses. Let’s explore my top picks.
MemberPress is the perfect all-in-one course creation solution for beginners. It offers an easy-to-use learning management system (LMS) with powerful features for building and managing a members-only, paid course platform.
At WPBeginner, we personally use MemberPress to power our free online video courses, and we love how easily it lets us set up student access rules. For more details, see our guide on how we use a video membership site to grow our email list.
To create courses with MemberPress, you can use 2 powerful addons: Courses and CoachKit.
MemberPress Courses lets you easily create and manage your online courses. It uses the WordPress block editor, which makes it simple to build and structure your lessons. You can also add multimedia content like videos and audio to engage your students.
Its Classroom Mode is designed for a distraction-free learning experience. It features intuitive navigation to help students move through the course easily. There’s a course overview and instructor details for quick reference. Plus, the progress bar helps students track their learning journey and stay motivated to complete the course.
MemberPress Courses comes with extra addons, such as:
⁉️ Quizzes: Let students test their knowledge and reinforce what they’ve learned. There are many quiz types to choose from, like short answers, multiple choices, true/false questions, and more.
📄 Assignments: Give students a way to submit their work after each lesson, whether it’s written responses or projects.
🌟 Gradebook: Easily track progress and manage grades all in one place.
There’s also the content-dripping feature to release lessons gradually instead of all at once.
You can also use MemberPress CoachKit, which is perfect for offering one-on-one coaching or group sessions. It lets you manage coaching schedules, track student progress, and provide a more personalized learning experience.
Another great thing about MemberPress CoachKit is that it allows you to offer WordPress group learning with the ‘Cohorts’ feature.
It’s a structured learning experience where participants progress together with set start and end dates.
This format encourages a sense of community, improves accountability, and allows students to interact with both instructors and peers.
If you want to offer certificates, then you can do that too!
MemberPress allows you to enable certificates on your courses. Even better, you can customize the details, such as the paper size, design choice, and custom logo.
On top of all that, MemberPress is a membership plugin, so you’ll get access to features like paywalls, custom access rules, and members-only forums. For details, see this complete guide on how to create a membership site with WordPress.
Pros
Powerful LMS features with Courses and CoachKit addons.
Distraction-free Classroom Mode with intuitive navigation, overview, and progress tracking.
Flexible course creation and management with multimedia, quizzes, assignments, and grade books.
Supports one-on-one coaching as well as group learning.
Drip content for scheduled course releases.
Includes certificates with customization options.
No transaction fees with the Basic plan.
Cons
Requires the Courses and CoachKit addons for full LMS functionality.
Pricing may be high for small online course projects.
Pricing:MemberPress offers 4 pricing plans. The Basic plan starts at $179.50 per year and allows for unlimited members and no transaction fees. The Elite plan offers a coaching integration with CoachKit, which is perfect for those wanting to offer personalized coaching alongside courses.
Why I Chose MemberPress: I strongly recommend MemberPress because it’s an all-in-one solution for creating and selling online courses and coaching sessions. Its Courses and CoachKit addons make it easy to create engaging learning experiences, while the ‘Cohorts’ feature boosts student interaction and accountability.
Thrive Apprentice is a WordPress LMS plugin that stands out for its powerful School Wizard visual editor. This feature makes designing and customizing your online courses very easy. Overall, it’s a great all-in-one solution for creating and managing courses and memberships – no coding needed.
I tried out all of Thrive Apprentice’s features to see how it compares to other online course creation software. For more details, you can see this complete Thrive Apprentice review.
During onboarding, I liked that the course builder lets you choose from 55 templates and then quickly customize them using drag and drop.
Don’t want to use a template? Then you’ll appreciate the School Wizard.
This feature walks you through setting up your online course from scratch with a step-by-step checklist. It helps you create a more unique, personalized result that aligns with your brand.
To keep learners engaged, you can create lessons in different formats, including text, video, and audio. Plus, you can add extra resources like PDFs, links, and lesson summaries.
The good news is that combining these formats gives students the flexibility to learn in a way that works best for them.
You can then organize your lessons into chapters and group chapters into modules. This helps you create a clear and structured course layout.
I also like that Thrive Apprentice lets you lock content on a drip schedule or based on specific actions.
This way, students might need to finish a lesson or pass a test to access the next part of the course, encouraging progressions.
I also appreciate the course-level grading feature in Thrive Apprentice. It lets you assign and calculate overall grades based on student performance across different assessments.
You can customize how each assessment contributes to the final grade, set flexible weightings, and define custom grade ranges and labels.
Even better, these grades will appear on students’ course certificates, like this:
Additionally, Thrive Apprentice gives you access to over 6 million high-quality, royalty-free stock photos from Unsplash. This makes it easier to add engaging visuals to your course lessons and sales pages.
On top of all that, student management is easy with Thrive Apprentice’s built-in dashboard. Here, you can control course access, track student progress, and review a complete log of their activities.
Pros
Easy-to-use visual editor, with the School Wizard option to create your online course from scratch and 55 ready-made course templates.
Text, video, audio, and mixed course format support.
Structure courses into lessons, chapters, and modules.
Ensure course progression through content locking or a drip schedule.
Course-level grading with customizable weightings and grades shown on certificates.
Unsplash access to easily add engaging images without leaving Thrive Apprentice.
Built-in dashboard to manage students and track progress.
Cons
Fewer built-in payment gateways for accepting payments from your students.
Pricing: Thrive Apprentice is available for $149 per year, which is perfect for adding online courses to an existing site. However, for people launching a new website or business, we recommend the Thrive Suite for $299. It includes all the Thrive plugins for designing, building, and growing a successful site.
Why I Chose Thrive Apprentice: I like Thrive Apprentice because it’s perfect for course creators who want an easy setup, thanks to its visual builder and ready-made templates. It’s a flexible, scalable solution for building and managing online courses.
If you’re serious about making money from your online courses, then Courses for MemberMouse is a reliable option. It’s another WordPress LMS plugin, but it stands out for how well suited it is to enterprise-level businesses.
I tried out all of MemberMouse’s features, which you can see in this complete MemberMouse review.
Courses for MemberMouse lets you easily build and sell online courses using a drag-and-drop builder, making it beginner-friendly with a low learning curve.
A standout feature is the ability to restrict access to specific courses or lessons, similar to MemberPress. You can restrict lessons or courses based on memberships, bundles, or sales packages, keeping your material secure and exclusive.
The Classroom Mode automatically applies a professional, customizable template. It lets you brand your courses with your custom logos, colors, and images for a cohesive look.
Courses for MemberMouse also offers several tools to improve the learning experience.
For example, progress-tracking bars and lesson navigation prompts help students stay on track and know exactly where they are in the course.
To test students’ knowledge, you can use a variety of quiz options, such as multiple-choice and long essay questions.
Once students complete a course, you can reward them with downloadable, customizable certificates to recognize their achievement.
To streamline online course sales, Courses for MemberMouse offers one-click purchase links so learners can quickly complete their transactions without having to re-enter their payment details. You can also offer cross-sells to promote multiple online courses more effectively.
On top of that, MemberMouse has some great features for growing your business. I discovered that it tracks important business metrics, including lifetime customer value and churn rates. It even processes overdue payments automatically, so you don’t have to worry about losing sales.
Pros
Ability to restrict access to specific courses or lessons (similar to MemberPress).
Classroom Mode with a progress-tracking bar and lesson navigation for a professional course appearance.
Downloadable certificates for course completion.
One-click purchase links for a streamlined sales process.
A cross-sell feature to promote additional courses.
Flexible access rules for content protection (based on memberships, bundles, or sales packages).
Drip Content Scheduler for gradual content release and structured learning.
Cons
No free plan.
Limited design options compared to other WordPress LMS plugins.
Pricing:MemberMouse offers 4 pricing plans, with the Basic plan priced at $199.50 per year. This plan allows for unlimited membership plans and payment acceptance via Stripe. It also includes access to the Courses for MemberMouse extension, making it an excellent choice for creating a successful membership site.
Why I Chose Courses for MemberMouse: I recommend Courses for MemberMouse because it offers a lot of built-in features for making money from your online courses. The drag-and-drop builder, combined with course access restrictions and one-click purchases, makes it an ideal choice for membership site owners looking to grow.
🚨 Alternative: WishList Member is another great option for protecting content and offering tiered access to your students. For details, you can check out this WishList Member review.
If you want to scale your online course, group coaching, or membership business, then I think that AccessAlly is a great option. It stands out for its strong community-building features and seamless CRM integrations.
One of AccessAlly’s standout features is CommunityAlly. This powerful add-on creates a space for students to connect, collaborate, and engage.
I also really liked its seamless integration with different email marketing CRMs like Kit and Drip, along with eCommerce payment gateways, WordPress themes, and other WordPress plugins. These tools allow you to handle everything from accepting payments for your online courses to keeping in contact with your students.
Using AccessAlly is also easy, thanks to their drag-and-drop course builder. Plus, you can mix and match modules, lessons, and downloadable resources.
To make the setup even easier, AccessAlly’s Offerings Wizard walks you through the entire process step by step. Then, it automatically generates all the essential course pages – landing pages, module and lesson pages, registration pages, and even a completion page.
Lastly, AccessAlly offers excellent progress-tracking features that allow you to set objectives for each lesson or module, such as passing a quiz. This ensures that students stay on track and motivated as they move through the course.
Just keep in mind that AccessAlly is a little more expensive than other WordPress LMS plugins on this list. That’s why I recommend it for growing businesses that want to scale.
Pros
CommunityAlly lets you build an engaging, collaborative student community.
Seamless and extensive integrations with email marketing software, eCommerce shopping carts, and themes.
Drag-and-drop builder with an Offerings Wizard for quick setup.
Automatically generate all necessary course pages, saving you time on setup.
Progress tracking with customizable objectives, like quiz completion, to measure student progress.
Flexible course types, including live, evergreen, and progress-based courses.
Cons
Higher price compared to some LMS plugins.
Pricing:AccessAlly starts at $82/month (billed annually) for one site with unlimited courses and members. The LMS features require the Pro plan at $108/month (billed annually).
Why I Chose AccessAlly: I recommend AccessAlly if you’re looking to scale your online courses or coaching programs. It gives you all the tools you need to create a powerful online learning community and monetize your courses.
YouTube is a popular, free platform for hosting video-based courses. In addition to public videos, you can offer members-only content through the Memberships system. This makes YouTube a great solution for reaching a wide audience while controlling access to your content.
At WPBeginner, we have our own WPBeginner channel where we share helpful content and tutorials for both free and paid users. We’ve had tremendous success with YouTube and continue to manage several channels for different businesses.
But you might still be asking yourself why YouTube is a good platform for video courses.
First, it’s free to use, making it accessible to anyone who wants to create and share videos. You can upload unlimited content, and it’s easy for students to access courses from anywhere. Plus, YouTube’s massive audience gives you the potential to reach people worldwide.
Plus, if you turn on Memberships for your channel, then you can offer exclusive perks such as custom emojis, badges, and members-only videos. You can create up to 6 membership levels, with higher-priced tiers unlocking all the perks from the lower levels.
Another great feature of YouTube is its built-in SEO capabilities. Optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags can improve your chances of ranking higher in YouTube’s search results.
To take it a step further, tools like TubeBuddy can help you fine-tune your SEO strategy. This way, you can grow your channel and reach more viewers.
That being said, YouTube does offer less control than hosting online courses on your own website. Also, while it’s excellent for video delivery, YouTube isn’t designed for complex learning paths, assignments, or detailed progress tracking.
Pros
Free to use with unlimited video uploads.
Easy access for students from anywhere, which unlocks massive audience potential for global reach.
Built-in SEO capabilities for wider discovery.
Channel memberships with multiple tiers for offering exclusive perks.
Cons
Only suitable for video courses.
Lacks course-specific features like quizzes or certificates.
Not designed for dedicated course management.
Less control over branding and customization.
Pricing: Free
Why I Chose YouTube: I recommend YouTube because it’s a free video-sharing platform with a massive global reach. More than 2 billion people use YouTube every month, so it’s ideal if you’re trying to reach a wide audience. Plus, you can monetize your online courses through the Memberships system.
Teachable is a hosted online course platform that makes it easy to create and sell online courses without worrying about running your own website. Its drag-and-drop course builder helps you get started quickly and easily, allowing you to add videos, quizzes, and downloadable resources.
Since it’s a standalone platform, you don’t have to worry about updates or backups. Teachable will take care of all that, giving you more time to focus on creating content.
Getting started with your first course is simple. Teachable’s AI-powered outline generator helps you develop course materials quickly. Just enter a course title and a brief description, and the AI will immediately make a structured outline for you.
Once the outline is ready, Teachable takes you to the setup guide. Here, you can customize your course layout, add lessons, and make necessary adjustments.
While customizing course design, I found that Teachable offers 2 template options: Simple and Colossal. While this may feel somewhat limiting, you can still adjust these templates to match your brand.
Teachable includes built-in email marketing to help you stay connected with your students. It also generates a sales page automatically, so you can start promoting your courses right away.
I also found that you can track your course performance with analytics, monitor student engagement, and use referral programs to grow your business.
Overall, Teachable is a great choice for course creators who want an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform to build, manage, and sell their courses.
Pros
Hosted platform – no need to manage a website, updates, or backups.
AI-powered tools to generate a structured course outline in just a few clicks.
Built-in email marketing to help you stay connected with students.
Auto-generated sales page for quick promotion of your courses.
Analytics to track course performance and student engagement
Referral programs to help grow your business
Cons
Less control over customization compared to WordPress-based platforms.
Higher transaction fees apply to free and lower-tier plans.
Pricing: Teachable’s free plan is great if you want to try things out before paying. It lets you publish one course, coaching session, or downloadable product, but there’s a $1 + 10% transaction fee on every sale. The Basic Plan, $39/month, billed annually, lets you publish up to five products: courses, coaching, downloads, and the transaction fee drops to 5%.
Why I Chose Teachable:Teachable stands out for its simplicity and power. It’s an ideal platform for course creators who want to build, manage, and sell their courses without technical headaches.
Best Online Course Marketing Tools
Once your online course is ready, it’s time to focus on getting the word out. The right marketing tools can help you attract students, build your brand, and boost enrollment.
Let’s dive into my marketing tool recommendations for your online course.
OptinMonster is a powerful tool for boosting sign-ups to your online courses. It helps you grow your email list and convert visitors into students with features like popups, slide-ins, and lightboxes.
At WPBeginner, we have been using OptionMonster for a while, and it has helped us grow our email lists exponentially. You can learn more about it in our complete OptinMonster review.
With OptinMonster, you can create customized calls-to-action that encourage visitors to sign up and start learning.
With over 400 professionally designed templates, OptinMonster makes it easy to create high-converting popups that match your course branding. You can customize these templates using the simple drag-and-drop builder, and no coding is required.
One of its standout features is the countdown timer, which is a perfect tool for promoting your online courses.
For example, you can use it to create urgency for limited-time discounts, early bird offers, or course enrollment deadlines. This motivates visitors to sign up quickly, helping you boost conversions and fill your courses faster.
Another great feature is content locking. It allows you to gate access to certain content or course previews, asking visitors to sign up for your email list before they can view the material.
It’s a smart way to build your email list while giving potential students a sneak peek at what your course offers.
Additionally, I recommend using OptinMonster’s A/B testing feature to test different popup variations and see which ones resonate most with potential learners. By comparing results, you can fine-tune your strategy to improve sign-up rates.
Pros
Boosts student sign-ups and email list growth.
Customizable calls-to-action with 400+ templates.
Simple drag-and-drop builder, no coding needed.
The countdown timer creates urgency for course promotions.
Content locking to gate course access and grow your email list.
A/B testing for optimized conversion strategies.
Cons
Limited free features.
Pricing:OptinMonster offers four pricing plans starting at $9 per month, with higher plans unlocking more features. It also provides a 14-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to test the plugin and decide if it’s the right fit.
Why I Chose OptinMonster: I love OptinMonster because it’s an incredibly powerful tool that helps you boost course sign-ups and grow your email list. It comes with customizable popups, advanced targeting features, and an easy-to-use editor. Plus, it allows you to create urgency and test strategies to improve your conversion rates.
Canva is a fantastic tool for creating graphics and visuals for your online courses, especially if you’re not a designer. Whether you need eye-catching course thumbnails or custom lesson slides, this design software makes it simple to make professional-level images.
One of Canva’s standout features is its library of customizable templates, which cover everything from lesson slides to social media posts. This makes it easy and quick to create visuals that match your course branding.
I also like that Canva offers a wide range of royalty-free stock photos, illustrations, and icons for your designs.
While some premium resources are available with Canva Pro, the free version offers plenty of options to get started. If you want more unique graphics, though, the paid version could be worth it.
Finally, Canva’s mobile app lets you create and edit designs on the go, making it easy to work on your course visuals whenever inspiration strikes.
Pros
Easy to use for beginners and non-designers.
Tons of customizable templates for course thumbnails, lesson slides, and promotional materials.
Access to an extensive number of royalty-free stock photos, illustrations, and icons.
Design on the go with Canva’s easy-to-use mobile application.
The free version provides plenty of design options.
Cons:
Some resources are only available in the Pro version.
Pricing:Canva‘s free plan includes basic features, such as access to over 250,000 templates and thousands of photos, graphics, and fonts. The pro version starts from $12.99 per month (or $119.99 per year). This plan includes additional features like 100+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio, a brand kit, and more.
Why I Chose Canva: I recommend Canva because it’s an intuitive, user-friendly design tool that allows anyone to create professional-looking course materials. Its vast library of templates and resources, combined with powerful customization options, makes it a top choice for creating engaging visuals for your online courses.
Google Slides isn’t just for presentations. It’s also a powerful tool for designing and delivering your online courses. With its sleek templates and easy customization, you can create visually appealing course previews, lead magnets, and sales materials that attract potential students.
As a course creator, you can use Google Slides to design engaging lesson breakdowns, highlight key takeaways, and create interactive slides that boost student engagement.
Plus, it’s easy to share. You can embed slides on your WordPress site, include them in email campaigns, or use them in free mini-courses to showcase your expertise.
For even more impact, you can repurpose your slides as downloadable PDFs or promotional materials for platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or your own student membership site.
Best of all, Google Slides is free, with a premium version available for extra features and flexibility. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to create and market your online course content, then this tool can be a game-changer.
Pros
Free for personal use with a Google account.
Customizable templates for creating visually appealing course materials easily.
Ideal for creating course previews, lead magnets, sales materials, and interactive lessons.
Simple to embed on WordPress websites, include in email campaigns, or integrate into mini-courses.
Convert slides into PDFs or promotional materials for various platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Cons
Some advanced features are only available with a paid plan of Google Workspace.
Limited offline access without a stable internet connection.
Pricing:Google Slides is free for personal use with a Google account. For businesses, Google Workspace subscriptions start at $6 per user per month, with higher costs for larger packages. A free trial is also available.
Why I Chose Google Slides: While often overlooked, Google Slides is an excellent choice for course creators who want to design professional, engaging learning materials without the need for complex software.
🚨 Alternative: Looking for a way to create beautiful and professional-looking lead magnets for your online course? Check out this detailed Beacon review to learn more about this powerful lead-magnet builder.
Best Online Course Communication Tools
Effective communication is key to creating a successful learning experience. You will need to stay connected with your students, provide support, and keep them engaged throughout their course journey.
Here are my top choices for communicating with students.
Constant Contact is a powerful email marketing tool that can help you engage with your learners. For example, it allows you to personalize course emails and send them at the perfect time for engagement, keeping students informed and motivated throughout their learning journeys.
After thorough testing, I found that Constant Contact is a great choice for engaging students and growing your eLearning business.
With advanced segmentation and detailed reports, Constant Contact makes your email campaigns more targeted. You can group your audience based on course enrollment, progress, or past interactions, ensuring every message feels relevant.
Another standout feature is its automated drip campaigns. You can use this feature to create a welcome series for new students, making onboarding smooth.
Or you can use it to schedule lesson reminders based on the course timeline. It’s also a good idea to trigger follow-ups when someone finishes a module but hasn’t started the next one.
Automating actions based on student behavior is easy, too. For example, if a learner abandons their cart before enrolling, then you can send a follow-up email with a special discount.
Likewise, if someone hasn’t accessed their course in a while, you can send a re-engagement email with study tips or bonus materials to encourage them to return.
Pros
Segment your audience based on course enrollment, progress, past interactions, or other categories to ensure relevant messaging.
Set up automated email sequences like a welcome series, lesson reminders, and follow-ups based on student activity.
Automates actions like sending discounts for cart abandonment or re-engagement emails for inactive learners.
Reports to track email campaign performance and student engagement.
Cons:
Email formatting can be a bit tricky for beginners.
It has basic email analytics compared to some other options.
Pricing:Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial, allowing you to send up to 100 emails and build your email list before committing to a paid plan. Their pricing starts with the Lite plan at $12 per month. This lets you send 10x your contact number in monthly emails and get access to professionally designed templates, automated welcome emails, and engagement reporting.
Why I Chose Constant Contact: I recommend Constant Contact due to its powerful yet beginner-friendly email automation features that can help you re-engage learners. Its 60-day free trial allows you to test its capabilities, and the automated drip campaigns make it easy to communicate with your students.
WebinarJam is a popular tool for hosting live webinars, and I recommend it for course creators who want to connect with groups of their students online.
We actually use WebinarJam for our own WPBeginner live workshops, and we’ve had a good experience. Our team has found WebinarJam’s interface simple to navigate, especially when hosting basic webinars or live learning sessions.
This software offers features such as unlimited live webinars, multiple hosts, live chat, webinar recordings, polls, and surveys. It also has email and SMS marketing tools, which allow you to follow up with learners after the live session has ended.
With WebinarJam, you can also find features like flexible scheduling, attendee handouts, and broadcasting to Facebook and YouTube. Plus, you can register extra team members, making it ideal for organizing online events of any size.
However, it can take some time to learn all the features, especially if you’re new to webinars. That learning curve can be a little intimidating for beginners.
Pros
Interface for hosting basic webinars.
Unlimited live webinars and multiple hosts.
Includes live chat, webinar recordings, polls, and surveys.
Email and SMS marketing tools.
Flexible scheduling and attendee handouts.
Broadcasting to Facebook and YouTube.
Option to add extra team members.
Cons
Learning curve for new users.
Video quality could be better.
Automating webinars requires an extra service (EverWebinar) at an additional cost.
Pricing:WebinarJam is a premium tool. Its plans start from $39/month, billed annually, and they’re great for smaller webinars. The tool allows up to 100 attendees per webinar with one host.
Why I Chose WebinarJam: I recommend WebinarJam because it offers powerful features that make hosting live webinars seamless and engaging. With unlimited webinars, multiple hosts, and interactive tools like live chat and polls, it’s perfect for connecting with students.
Google Meet is a great choice for coaching or one-on-one learning due to its ease of use and integration with Google Workspace. What I love about this tool is that it allows you to set up video calls quickly, share your screen, and collaborate seamlessly using tools like Google Docs and Sheets.
All these tools make Google Meet ideal for personalized coaching sessions or learning experiences where real-time interaction and content sharing are essential.
It’s also free to use for meetings up to 60 minutes and 100 participants, which should be more than enough for many online courses. You can read more about it in our comparison article on Google Meet vs Zoom: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have specific features for online courses, so it’s more of a communication medium.
Pros
Easy to use with quick video call setup.
Seamless integration with Google Workspace – Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.
Free plan for meetings up to 60 minutes with 100 participants.
Ideal for personalized coaching and real-time collaboration.
Cons
Limited to 60-minute meetings on the free plan.
Fewer features compared to some other webinar tools.
Pricing:Google Meet offers a free plan, which allows unlimited one-on-one meetings and group meetings lasting up to 60 minutes with a maximum of 100 participants. For those needing more features, the Google Workspace Essentials plan is available for $8 per user per month. This plan supports group meetings with up to 150 participants and additional features like custom meeting links and file sharing.
Why I Chose Google Meet: I chose Google Meet because it offers a free and easy way to call your students and even host group calls.
A Facebook group can be a great place to connect with your learners, offer support, and create a sense of belonging. You can also engage with new students who are just discovering your course.
For example, we have the WPBeginner Engage Facebook group with more than 98,000 active members. WordPress users can post their questions and get help with WordPress, interact with each other, and more.
Facebook groups let you promote your content, share updates, and even host discussions. For course creators, they’re a great way to build a learning community. You can create a space where your students can interact with each other, ask questions, and get extra help.
It’s also a perfect forum for group learning because it allows you to post lessons, answer queries, and foster engagement in a more personal way. Plus, you can keep your community active and engaged, helping students stay motivated throughout the course.
However, while Facebook Groups are free to create and use, it’s good to keep in mind that you don’t have full control. Since the platform sets the rules, there’s always a small chance your group could be limited or removed.
Pros
Facebook groups are completely free to create and use.
Great for building a learning community where students can get extra help and support.
Gives you a space for content promotion, sharing updates, and hosting discussions to boost the learning experience.
Provides a platform for learners to connect, ask questions, and engage with each other, creating a sense of belonging.
Cons
Subject to Facebook’s terms of use and algorithm.
File sharing limitations.
Pricing: Creating a Facebook group is completely free.
Why I Chose Facebook (Group): A Facebook Group provides an easy, cost-effective way to build a vibrant, engaged community. Plus, it’s free, making it an accessible option for course creators looking to enhance engagement without breaking the budget.
Best Online Course Recording and Editing Tools
If you’re thinking about offering video learning, then creating high-quality videos is key to engaging your audience.
Let’s check out the best camera, microphone, and editing software for your video courses.
We have a professional video team here at WPBeginner, and they consistently recommend the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 for course creators looking to capture high-quality video content. I decided to put it to the test and discovered that it has excellent autofocus. This ensures that your shots stay sharp even if you’re moving around during your recordings.
The ZV-E10 doesn’t impose any time limits on your recordings, so you can film extended lessons or tutorials without interruption. However, keep in mind that your recording time will ultimately be limited by the capacity of your memory card and the battery life of the camera.
For longer sessions, make sure you have a large enough memory card and consider having a spare battery on hand. You can also power the camera via USB-C while filming, which is super handy for those marathon recording days.
I also really like that it can shoot in 4K. This is especially important for online courses, where clear visuals can make a huge difference in the learning experience.
Another feature that I appreciate is the ability to connect the camera to a computer via USB-C and use it as a webcam without any additional software. This is great for live teaching sessions, webinars, or video conferences.
Despite all these pro-level features, the ZV-E10 is still budget-friendly for a starter camera. It’s an excellent choice for course creators who want top-notch video quality without overspending.
Pros
Excellent autofocus for sharp and smooth focus, even during movement.
No recording limits – record continuously without worrying about time constraints.
Stunning 4K video support for professional-quality content.
USB-C charging while recording, perfect for long sessions.
Seamless webcam integration via USB-C without any additional software.
Budget-friendly – great features at an affordable price.
Cons
If you’re filming without a tripod, videos might be a bit shaky because there’s no built-in stabilization.
The camera might get too hot during long 4K videos.
Pricing: Starts at $645, depending on the color option and any addons included at checkout. For example, the white model is priced at $798, and you can bundle it with extras like a microphone, lens, or tripod.
Why I Chose Sony Alpha ZV-E10: Its excellent video quality, combined with user-friendly features for content creators, makes the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 stand out. It offers 4K video recording with reliable autofocus, great for capturing professional videos. Plus, it has a great balance of cost and features, perfect for those who want good value for their investment.
💡 Expert Tip: A stabilizer like the Rode Vlogging Kit can keep your videos steady while also improving sound with its built-in mic.
Good lighting is just as important. The Sensyne 10” Ring Light offers adjustable brightness and colors to enhance your indoor shots.
For a high-quality, budget-friendly wireless microphone, the Hollyland Lark M1 is a top choice for course creators. Our video team uses it for their video content, and it delivers professional sound without the hassle of cords or complex setups.
The Hollyland Lark M1’s built-in noise reduction ensures clear audio in any environment. Whether you’re filming in a busy space or outdoors, your learners will always hear you without distractions.
The charging case keeps your mics powered and ready to go, making it easy to stay charged during long recording sessions. I also like that it is compact and portable, perfect for on-the-go filming.
For live teaching sessions, the 2-transmitter combo lets you mic up two people simultaneously. So, whether you’re teaching with a co-instructor or hosting a webinar with a guest expert, this feature ensures synchronized audio for both speakers.
Plus, the Lark M1 is compatible with many different cameras and smartphones. Whether you’re using a DSLR for polished videos or recording on your phone (both iPhone and Android), you can count on excellent sound.
Pros
Wireless mic with advanced noise reduction for clear, professional audio in any environment.
The portable charging case ensures your mics are always powered and ready for use.
2-transmitter combo allows for simultaneous recording of two people, perfect for interviews or co-teaching sessions.
Broad compatibility with cameras and smartphones (iPhone and Android).
Cons
Limited wireless range may cause audio signal loss in large spaces.
Signal interference in areas with many devices may affect audio quality.
Pricing: The Hollyland Lark M1 offers two microphone setups:
2TX + 1RX (2 Transmitters, 1 Receiver) – Ideal for two-person recordings; starts at $59.00.
1TX + 1RX (1 Transmitter, 1 Receiver) – Best for single-speaker setups; starts at $29.00.
Why I Chose Hollyland Lark M1: The microphone stands out for its affordability and performance. Its compact design and included charging case are convenient, while features like built-in noise reduction help with audio clarity. This makes the Hollyland Lark M1 a practical choice for creators seeking reliable audio without a high price tag.
🚨 Alternative:Røde PodMic is another great option, but it’s more expensive and better suited for advanced users. It delivers professional sound and can be connected to mixers, computers, and your cell phone.
Camtasia is a top video editing choice for online course creation, but it’s also versatile enough for other professionals who need dynamic video content. It stands out for its strong screen recording capabilities, perfect for crafting tutorials, presentations, and screen demos.
During testing, I found Camtasia’s video editor to be intuitive and user-friendly. It supports a variety of basic editing features, such as cutting footage, adding transitions, and incorporating effects or annotations.
Camtasia also includes advanced options like animations, cursor effects, and green-screen capabilities. It even has AI-powered tools to make content creation even easier:
🖼️ AI Image Generation – Create unique images for your videos using artificial intelligence.
🗑️ AI-Assisted Background Removal – Easily remove or replace backgrounds in your videos.
🎙️ Natural-Sounding AI Script and Voice Generation – Generate scripts and voiceovers that sound natural and professional. This ensures high-quality audio without the need for a studio setup.
Additionally, you can make your learning videos interactive with features like clickable hotspots, quizzes, and surveys.
Camtasia is available on both Windows and macOS. And you can easily record your screen, voice, and webcam all at once. Importing existing audio and video is easy, too, giving you even more flexibility in creating your content.
Pros:
Comprehensive editing features, both basic and advanced.
Strong screen recording capabilities, ideal for creating tutorials, presentations, and screen demos.
AI image generation, AI-assisted background removal, and natural-sounding AI script and voice generation.
Interactive learning features such as clickable hotspots, quizzes, and surveys.
Allows for the recording of screen, voice, and webcam simultaneously.
Easy importing of existing audio and video tracks.
Available on both Windows and macOS.
Cons:
It can be a bit expensive for beginner course creators.
It has a learning curve.
Pricing: Starts at $179.88/year.
Why I Chose Camtasia: I recommend Camtasia for its outstanding screen recording and video editing capabilities, perfect for online course creation. Its interactive features, like quizzes and hotspots, boost learner engagement. Plus, cross-platform compatibility and easy media importing add flexibility for producing quality video content.
🚨 Alternatives: If you’re looking for a free solution, then Davinci Resolve is a great option. It comes with professional-grade video editing tools and color correction features, which are ideal for course creators who need advanced capabilities without high costs.
Canva also offers a built-in video editor. It’s easy to use, packed with templates, and works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
For more advanced editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is a top choice. It has AI-powered tools to help automate tasks, making professional-quality video editing more efficient. However, it can be very expensive for beginner course creators.
What Are the Best Course Creation Software and Tools?
When creating and promoting your online courses, choosing the right tools is essential to reaching the right audience and getting more student signups.
The right software can help you design professional-looking courses, engage your students, and even grow your audience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your course to the next level, using the best tools in each area can make all the difference.
Here are some of my top recommendations to help you build, manage, and promote your courses effectively:
MemberPress: MemberPress is a powerful and easy-to-use learning management system (LMS) for managing your courses and students. It lets you create and sell online courses, manage memberships, and even set up different access levels for your students.
OptinMonster: Want to attract more students? OptinMonster helps you create popups and other engaging optins to promote your online courses, increase signups, and grow your email list.
Constant Contact: Keeping your students engaged and informed is crucial for a successful online course. Constant Contact lets you send welcome emails to new students, automated lesson reminders, and personalized announcements to keep everyone on track.
Sony Alpha ZV-E10: A fantastic choice for creators who want professional-looking videos without breaking the bank. Its excellent autofocus ensures your videos stay sharp, even if you move around while filming. Plus, you can easily use it as a webcam for live sessions, making it a versatile tool for any course creator.
FAQ About Course Creation Software and Tools
Let’s go through some answers to some common questions about course creation tools and platforms.
Can I make money selling courses online?
Yes, selling courses can be quite profitable, especially if you target the right audience and provide valuable, high-quality content. Your success largely depends on how well you market your course and engage with your students.
Can I sell my course on Udemy?
Yes, you can sell your course on Udemy. It’s a popular platform for course creators because it provides a large audience and handles payment processing, but it also takes a share of your revenue.
What are the best online platforms for online classes?
Some of the best platforms for online classes include MemberPress, Teachable, and Thrive Apprentice. These platforms offer powerful features for creating, marketing, and selling your courses.
Is Teachable the best platform for offering online courses?
Teachable is a great choice for offering online courses due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set. However, whether it’s the best for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
I know how frustrating it can be when you visit your website and see a big “Not Secure” warning in the browser. It feels like something’s broken—and worse, your visitors can see it too. 😬
That little message can scare people off before they’ve even had a chance to look around. They might leave without reading a word, filling out a form, or making a purchase.
Google shows this warning when your site doesn’t have an SSL certificate. That means your site isn’t using HTTPS, and the browser is letting visitors know their connection might not be private.
Luckily, the fix is straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it step by step. I’ve used the same process on my own websites and helped countless others do the same with WordPress.
🌟Expert Tip: Not confident about fixing errors yourself? Why not leave things to the professionals?
Our team at WPBeginner offers Emergency WordPress Support Services, available 24/7. We can fix everything from SSL errors to plugin issues at affordable prices for small businesses and website owners.
Why Does Google Show “Not Secure” on Your Website?
When I see the “Not Secure” warning pop up on a site, I know it usually means one thing: the site isn’t fully encrypted. Google shows this warning when a website doesn’t use HTTPS or there’s something wrong with its SSL certificate.
For reference, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP. It uses something called an SSL/TLS certificate to encrypt the connection between your website and your visitors.
And the Google “Not Secure” message isn’t just a minor warning you can ignore. Most visitors don’t stick around when they see that alert. It signals a lack of trust, and that affects everything from conversions to your search rankings.
Let me walk you through the four most common reasons I’ve seen this warning appear on WordPress websites.
1. Your Website Doesn’t Have an SSL Certificate
SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your website and your visitors. Without one, browsers assume your site is unsafe, because technically, it is. Any data people enter on your site, like personal or credit card details, could be intercepted.
That’s why Chrome and other browsers flash the “Not Secure” warning for sites that still use plain HTTP. I’ve seen this happen to brand-new sites where SSL just wasn’t enabled yet, or even older sites where it was never installed.
2. Your SSL Certificate Is Expired or Invalid
Sometimes the SSL certificate is there, but it’s expired or wasn’t installed properly. This is one of the first things I check when someone asks why their site suddenly shows a warning.
You can usually spot this SSL issue by clicking the padlock (or the missing padlock) in your browser’s address bar.
Even with a valid SSL certificate, your site can still show as “Not Secure” if it’s loading some content over HTTP. I’ve seen this a lot when people switch their site to HTTPS but forget to update old links to images, scripts, or stylesheets.
This is known as mixed content, and browsers don’t like it. The fix is simple—you just need to update any insecure URLs so everything loads over HTTPS. Later in this tutorial, I will show you how to do this.
4. Your Site Has HTTP URLs in WordPress Settings
Another thing I always double-check is the site URL settings inside WordPress. If the WordPress Address or Site Address is still set to HTTP, your site may continue to trigger security warnings even if SSL is working fine.
You can find these settings by going to Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard. Then, switch both URLs to use HTTPS to ensure that every page loads securely. I will show you how to do this later on.
Now that I’ve covered what causes the “Not Secure” warning, let’s take a look at how to fix it and prevent it from coming back.
How to Fix the “Not Secure” Warning in Google Chrome
Seeing the “Not Secure” warning on your site can be frustrating. You want your visitors to feel safe, not greeted with a warning label.
Luckily, the fix usually isn’t complicated. In most cases, it comes down to enabling an SSL certificate, updating a few WordPress settings, or cleaning up what’s known as mixed content.
I’ve gone through this troubleshooting process on dozens of sites—both my own and for others—and I’ll show you exactly what to do to secure your site and get rid of that warning for good.
Step 1. Get a Free SSL Certificate for Your Website
The first thing I do when fixing a “Not Secure” warning is check if an SSL certificate is installed. This small piece of security tech encrypts data between your website and visitors—and it’s what enables HTTPS.
Years ago, SSL certificates could be expensive. Some companies still charge a premium, but the good news is you don’t need to pay for one, especially if you’re just starting out.
Most WordPress hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates with their plans. I’ve used this option on dozens of websites, and in most cases, enabling it only takes a couple of clicks from your hosting dashboard.
If you’re using Bluehost, just log in to your account and head to your website settings. Then click the ‘Security’ tab.
From there, you’ll see the option to enable the free SSL certificate. Just toggle it on, and you’re good to go.
Note: The screenshots above show the Bluehost dashboard. If you’re using a different host, then things might look slightly different, but the SSL setting is almost always in the security section.
For hosts that use cPanel, you’ll need to launch it from your hosting dashboard. Scroll down to the ‘Security’ tab and click on the SSL/TLS icon.
And if your host doesn’t offer free SSL, don’t worry—you can still get one through Let’s Encrypt.
Even with an SSL certificate, your site might still load as “Not Secure” if the WordPress settings are incorrect. You can fix this by updating your site’s URL.
Simply go to the Settings » General page in your WordPress dashboard.
Then, make sure both the ‘WordPress Address (URL)’ and ‘Site Address (URL)’ fields use https:// instead of http://.
Don’t forget to click on the ‘Save Changes’ button to store your settings.
WordPress will now start using https:// for all URLs across your website. However, some HTTP URLs may still be stored in your WordPress database, which may cause issues moving forward.
Next, I will show you how to fix those URLs easily.
Step 3. Fix Mixed Content Issues in WordPress
One reason for the ‘Not Secure’ warning is mixed content issues. This happens when some parts of your website load using an HTTP (insecure) URL.
Almost all of these URLs are stored in your WordPress database and added by your WordPress theme or plugins. You may also have http:// URLs in your blog posts and pages.
To fix this, you will need a search and replace plugin to find http URLs and replace them with https://. The best plugin for the job is Search & Replace Everything.
I use Search and Replace Everything because it is fast and efficient. More importantly, it is super easy to use even for beginners.
First, you need to install and activate the Search and Replace Everything plugin. For details, you can see this guide on how to install WordPress plugins.
Upon plugin activation, go to the Tools » WP Search & Replace page to start using the plugin.
In the ‘Search for’ field you need to enter http:// and in the ‘Replace with’ field add https://.
After that, you need to click on ‘Select All’ to ensure all tables in your WordPress database are included in the search.
Finally, click on the ‘Preview Search & Replace’ button.
The plugin will then perform the search and show you a preview of the results. This allows you to review the data before it is permanently changed.
Carefully review the results, and once you are satisfied, click on the ‘Replace All’ button.
The plugin will then make changes to your WordPress database and replace all HTTP URLs with HTTPS.
Step 4. Set Up an HTTP to HTTPS Redirect in WordPress
After switching a site to HTTPS, one of the steps I never skip is setting up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS. Without it, people might still land on the insecure version of your site through old links or bookmarks.
The most reliable way to fix this is by adding a redirect rule to your .htaccess file. Here’s the snippet I use on most WordPress websites:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
You’ll want to place this block above the existing HTTPS server block in your site’s Nginx config file—usually found in /etc/nginx/sites-available/ or /etc/nginx/conf.d/.
Once you’ve added the redirect, don’t forget to reload Nginx for the changes to take effect:
After making these changes, you should test your website to ensure everything is working correctly.
You can use the SSL Labs SSL Test to check your certificate and confirm your site is fully secured. Simply enter your domain name, and it will check the SSL implementation on your domain name.
Another alternative tool that I have often used is Why No Padlock? What I like about it is that it explains issues in plain language, which is helpful for beginners.
Finally, try visiting your site in Incognito mode. If you still see the “Not Secure” warning, you need to clear your WordPress cache or wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
Make Your Site Feel Safe for Every Visitor
No one wants their site to scare away visitors with a browser warning. The biggest damage is losing the trust of your customers and visitors.
I hope this guide helped you fully secure your WordPress site with HTTPS so that your visitors won’t have to think twice about trusting it.
Bonus Resources
I follow this WordPress security guide on all websites I work on. This step-by-step guide offers an easy action plan to properly secure your WordPress website.
The following are a few additional resources that I think you’ll find helpful:
Running a car rental business without a proper website is like trying to drive with the parking brake on – you’re just making things harder for yourself. I learned this firsthand when helping a friend create a website for his rental company.
Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing rental business, creating a professional website doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With WordPress, you can build a fully functional car rental site that handles everything from showing off your vehicles to processing bookings.
In this guide, I’ll show you the exact steps to create your car rental website in WordPress. I’ve done all the research and testing, so you can skip the headaches and get straight to growing your business.
Why Build a Car Rental Website with WordPress?
Are you fed up with juggling multiple phone calls and emails from customers who are trying to get information about your car rentals?
A WordPress website can be a game-changer for your business, providing a one-stop shop where customers can find everything they need.
A good website can handle all the heavy lifting: customers can browse your fleet of vehicles, compare different packages, read reviews, and even reserve a car directly through your site. This not only saves you time but also improves the overall customer experience.
Plus, a car rental website is your chance to get seen by a whole new crowd.
Think about it: people are constantly searching online for things like ‘car rentals near me,’ ‘affordable SUVs,’ or ‘weekend car deals.’ If you don’t have a website, then these people won’t find you. It’s that simple.
A car rental website acts like a 24/7 billboard, showing off your fleet and prices to potential customers who are actively looking for what you have to offer.
That said, let’s help you create a car rental website. I cover a lot in this guide, so feel free to use the quick links below to jump straight to the section you want to learn about:
You’ll notice I have some “optional” steps, but I highly recommend you try them if you really want your website to drive sales and boost revenue.
✋If you’re a busy business owner, then creating a website might feel like too much to handle. WPBeginner is here to help!
Our team of experts can handle every step of creating a custom car rental website, from design to development. That way, you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent service to your customers and growing your car rental business.
First things first, before building a car rental website, you’ll need a powerful platform that can handle lots of traffic and give your customers a smooth ride. That’s why I recommend WordPress.
There are lots of different website builders out there, but WordPress stands out for business owners seeking a user-friendly, reliable, and budget-friendly solution.
In the car rental industry, every cent counts. The awesome thing about WordPress is that it’s open-source and totally free to use. That means more money to spend elsewhere – whether that’s marketing, keeping your fleet in tip-top shape, or buying new vehicles.
Here’s where it gets really good: WordPress has a massive plugin library, with over 59,000 plugins on WordPress.org alone.
Think of plugins as little add-ons that do specific things. For your car rental website, you might use car plugins to manage bookings, showcase customer reviews, and display eye-catching photos of your fleet.
With the right plugins, you can really streamline your business and boost those bookings.
And get this: according to our blogging statistics, WordPress powers almost 43% of all websites. That’s a huge number, proving just how reliable and scalable it is. Perfect for growing your business online!
Now, let’s get a bit more technical: there are two types of WordPress software, so it’s important to pick the right one.
First up is WordPress.com, which is a blog hosting platform. Then there’s WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress. For a car rental website, I recommend WordPress.org because it gives you the freedom to use all those must-have WordPress plugins without an expensive plan.
☝ Have you already created a site on WordPress.com? Don’t worry! I have a step-by-step guide on how to migrate your website from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress, ensuring a smooth transition for your car rental business.
Step 2: Set Up Your Website Hosting
Before you can create a professional and user-friendly car rental website, you’ll need a few things in place.
First up, you need a domain name. This will be your online address, where potential customers can see your cars, check your rates, and book rentals.
You’ll also need a web hosting plan, which is where your website lives online. You’ll want to make sure you pick a reliable host that keeps your site running 24/7. After all, if your car rental website experiences downtime, you’ll almost certainly miss out on bookings.
To make your life easier, we’ve hand-picked some of the best WordPress hosting you can buy.
☝ While WordPress itself is free, domain names and hosting costs can add up quickly. To help you budget, we’ve created a guide on how much it costs to build a WordPress website, so you can avoid any unexpected expenses.
A domain name typically costs $14.99/year, and hosting costs start from $7.99/month. This may sound manageable, but it tends to add up over time.
Here’s the good news: WPBeginner has an exclusive deal with Bluehost. They’ve agreed to offer WPBeginner readers a huge discount on web hosting, plus a free domain. You can click the button below to get started for as little as $1.99 per month.
For a car rental website, I recommend picking either the ‘Basic’ or ‘Choice Plus’ plan, as they have everything you need.
After choosing a plan, go ahead and click ‘Continue.’
Next, it’s time to choose a domain name for your car rental website.
Remember that a domain is your online address, so it should be easy to remember and say, and fit your brand. The name of your car rental business is usually a good option.
For example, if your rental business is called Speedy Rides, then speedyrides.com is a solid choice.
However, if that domain name isn’t available, then you can experiment by adding helpful information like location or the type of vehicles you rent.
For instance, if you specialize in luxury cars in Austin, then you could try SpeedyLuxuryRides.com or SpeedyRidesAustin.com.
The key is keeping it relevant and easy to understand. Play around with different combinations until you find something you like.
Now, go ahead and click the ‘Next’ button after choosing a domain name.
Bluehost will now ask for your account information, such as your name and email address. You’ll also get a chance to buy some optional extras.
I typically don’t recommend buying these extras right away if you’re trying to keep costs down. Plus, you can always buy them later if your car rental business needs them.
That done, simply type in your payment information to complete the purchase.
After a few moments, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to log in to your web hosting control panel. This is the dashboard where you can manage your car rental site, including setting up email notifications and asking for WordPress support.
Step 3: Install WordPress on Your Web Hosting
When you sign up using the Bluehost discount link, Bluehost will install WordPress on your domain name automatically.
Give it a few minutes to load, and then click the ‘Edit site’ button so you can set up your new website.
At this point, a window will appear asking if you want to migrate a WordPress site or start a new setup.
Since you’re creating a new car rental site, click the ‘Start Setup’ button.
The setup wizard will now ask for some basic information, such as the type of website you’re building.
You can now choose the category that best fits your site. For a car rental site, you’ll typically select ‘Business,’ but you can choose any category you want. After that, click ‘Continue Setup.’
Once you’ve gone through the entire Bluehost WordPress setup wizard, click on ‘Complete Setup.’
Bluehost will now take you to the WordPress admin area.
You can also log in to the WordPress dashboard by heading to yoursite.com/wp-admin/ directly in your web browser.
Now that the setup is out of the way, you’re ready to start building your car rental website.
Step 4: Select a WordPress Car Theme
So, you’ve got your domain and hosting – now it’s time to make your website look fantastic.
After all, it’s the first thing potential customers will see, so it’s important to make a great first impression.
WordPress comes with a default theme, but it’s not ideal for a professional car rental site.
When choosing a theme for your rental website, you should look for something that reflects your brand identity. Are you aiming for a luxurious and sophisticated feel, or do you specialize in budget-friendly vehicles?
You should also think about the content you’ll be showing.
Do you have a ton of car photos taken by a professional photographer? Then, make sure your WordPress theme can handle a big gallery.
Want to display your cars in a listing format? Look for a theme that supports this layout and perhaps even has built-in searching and filtering options.
Many of these themes have features designed specifically for the automotive industry, such as a built-in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder.
Don’t worry if you’re not technical! We’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress theme, so your car rental website will look great in no time.
After installing your theme, you can customize it by heading over to Appearance » Customize in the WordPress dashboard. This will launch the theme customizer, where you can fine-tune the theme settings and see your changes in the live preview.
Are you using one of the newer full-site editing (FSE) themes? Then you’ll need to go to Appearance » Editor instead. This launches the full site editor, where you can add, remove, and edit the blocks in your WordPress theme. It’s super intuitive.
Another option is using a website and landing page builder plugin like SeedProd.
SeedProd is a drag-and-drop page builder that’s super popular and easy to use. We’ve used it to build many of our partner websites, including the Duplicator, WPForms, and WP Charitable websites.
It also comes with ready-made templates designed specifically for the automotive industry.
There’s even a dedicated car rental template that you can use.
As you can see, this template has a ready-made section where you can display your fleet.
You can easily upload your own photos and details, so it’s super simple for customers to find what they’re looking for.
The template also has a ‘Reserve Now’ call to action button that you can customize to seamlessly integrate with your booking or inventory management system (more on that later!)
Alternatively, you can use SeedProd’s AI website builder to create a completely custom theme in just a few seconds. For details, see our guide on how to make a WordPress website with AI.
Step 5: Create a Custom Home Page
WordPress has two default content types called posts and pages. Website owners typically use posts to create articles and blogs, but this creates a bit of a problem for you.
By default, WordPress will display a list of blog posts on your homepage. Regardless of your blogging plans, you don’t want a list of posts to be the first thing potential customers see.
That’s why I recommend creating a custom home page that includes a quick rundown of your company, a peek at your vehicles (think pictures and specs), your rates, and other important information.
You might even include customer testimonials and reviews to build trust and credibility (more on that later!) Basically, you want to wow your visitors, and a list of blog posts just won’t cut it.
To help you out, we’ve created a complete guide on how to create a custom homepage. Simply follow this guide, and you’ll have the perfect ‘welcome mat’ for your visitors and potential customers.
Once you’re happy with how the page looks, you can set it as your homepage. To do this, head over to Settings » Reading in the WordPress dashboard.
Here, scroll to the ‘Your homepage displays’ setting and select ‘A static page.’
Next, open the ‘Homepage’ dropdown and select the page you created earlier.
Now, your customers will see a welcoming home page that includes all the essential information about your car rental business.
Step 6: Add More Pages
When designing your car rental website, it’s important to share as much information as possible. This will help potential customers understand what your business has to offer, so they can make an informed decision about whether you’re right for them.
Want to show off your fleet of vehicles? No problem. Need to share your rates and pricing? Easy. FAQs, maps, and other key details? WordPress can handle it all.
But before you start adding all that awesome content, let’s talk about organization. Your website must be easy to navigate so that customers can find what they need quickly. That means setting up different pages for different types of information.
For example, you might create a dedicated page for your vehicles where you display photos and descriptions. Another page might focus on rates and pricing, including any deals you’re currently running.
Thankfully, it’s super easy to add more pages to WordPress. Just head over to Pages » Add New Page.
This opens the WordPress content editor, where you can add a title, type in the body text, add a featured image, and more.
Once you’re happy with a page, just hit the ‘Publish’ button to make it live.
Want to help customers get in touch? A contact form is your answer!
It’s the simplest way for visitors to ask questions, voice concerns, or make requests—whether they are about booking, rates, or just providing helpful feedback.
The easiest way to add a contact form to your WordPress website is by using the WPForms plugin.
We use WPForms to power all our forms across WPBeginner, including our contact form, so we’re confident it’s a great fit for your car rental website.
To learn more about this popular contact form plugin, check out our detailed WPForms review.
After installing the plugin, you’ll notice that it comes with a ready-made Simple Contact Form template. You can quickly customize this form in WPForms’ drag-and-drop editor.
Then, just add the form to any page, post, or widget-ready area using the WPForms block. It’s that simple!
Step 8: Add a Click-to-Call Button
Have you already added a contact form to your site? Great!
But sometimes, customers need you now. Think: car trouble, accidents – all times when waiting for a response just won’t cut it.
That’s where a click-to-call button comes in. It lets folks dial your number in one click from their phone or computer, no typing needed.
Even when it’s not an emergency, some people may just prefer a phone call.
A click-to-call button makes it easier for these people to call your business, and more calls mean more bookings and more money in your pocket.
☝ If you don’t have a business phone number, then I recommend using Nextiva. We use it at WPBeginner for our business phone needs, and we have been very happy with it.
This might be the most important step for your car rental website. If you really want to grow your business, then you absolutely need to let visitors book vehicles directly on your website.
This is typically much quicker and easier than calling customer service or visiting your rental lot in person. It’s better for the customer and for you.
There are a few ways to add online reservations, but I highly recommend the free VikRentCar plugin. Why? Because it’s designed specifically for car rental websites.
It’s packed with features you won’t find in generic booking plugins. This includes the option to define pickup and dropoff locations, dates, and times for smooth bookings.
You can also show off your vehicles in a grid or list, making it easy for customers to browse your entire fleet.
The first thing you need to do is install and activate the VikRentCar plugin on your website. There’s also a premium version of the VikRentCar plugin that comes with extra features like rental restrictions, seasonal pricing, an integrated payment system for 60+ payment gateways, and more.
Upon activation, select ‘VikRentCar’ from the left-hand menu.
Here, you’ll see a setup wizard that will walk you through all the steps to get your online reservations up and running. Now, let’s go over these steps.
Set Up Your Pricing Plans
The first step is setting up your pricing plans. Make sure to think about the plan options you’d like to offer before you continue.
For instance, you’ll likely want a ‘Base Plan’ and then maybe another that comes with rental insurance or other add-ons.
When you’re ready, click the ‘Configure’ button under ‘Types of Price.’
You’ll need at least one pricing plan in order to show rates to your customers.
With that in mind, go ahead and click on the ‘New Price’ button.
Now, fill in the details for your first price type. You can also add attributes, but that’s optional.
When you’re happy with the information you’ve entered, click the ‘Save’ button.
Just repeat these steps for all the pricing plans you want to offer.
Once that’s done, click the ‘Dashboard’ icon to return to the main setup wizard.
List Your Rental Cars
Now it’s time to create a profile for each car model in your fleet. Think of it as a little info sheet for each type of car you have.
To start, click the ‘Configure’ button under ‘Cars.’
Once again, this takes you to a new screen.
Here, click on the ‘New Car’ button.
Now, fill in all the details for this car. This includes:
The name of the car.
The total units you have.
Whether it’s available or not.
Additional information you want to show potential customers, like images.
Simply work your way down this page and fill in all the info.
Don’t forget to click ‘Save’ to store your changes.
Customize Your Car Rental Fares
When you click ‘Save,’ VikRentCar will ask you to enter the daily rental cost for each pricing plan you created earlier.
Just type in the price for each plan, then click ‘Insert Fares’ to save this information.
After you hit ‘Insert Fares,’ you’ll see a table where you can adjust your prices for specific rental periods for each price level.
There are options for ‘Daily Fares, ‘Extra Hours Charges,’ and ‘Hourly Fares.’
If you keep scrolling through, you’ll see the standard pricing.
By default, VikRentCar multiplies the daily rate by the number of rental days.
However, you can customize this by scrolling back up to the ‘Daily Fares,’ ‘Extra Hours Charges,’ and ‘Hourly Fares’ tabs and making some changes.
For example, you might offer a discount for rentals longer than 3 days and then an even bigger discount after 7 days.
In that case, you’d need to set specific prices for daily ranges 1-3, 3-7, and so on.
You might also add hourly rates in order to attract more customers.
As you type in different prices, the list of fees below will update instantly.
This makes it easy to play around with different pricing to see how it affects your total costs.
I recommend taking some time to explore the table and the different tabs. This will help you find that sweet spot – pricing that’s competitive for customers but also covers your costs and makes you money.
Once you’re happy with your pricing, click ‘Quit Inserting’ to return to the main dashboard.
Now, simply repeat these steps to add all the cars and pricing information to your site.
Choose Pickup & Dropoff Times & Locations
With that done, let’s set up your pickup and dropoff times by selecting the calendar icon in the toolbar. Then, click ‘Calendar’ in the dropdown menu.
Here, you can set your pickup and dropoff times.
Once you’re happy with the times, click the ‘Back’ button.
Next up, let’s add your locations.
Click the key icon in the toolbar, then select ‘Pickup/Dropoff Locations.’
On the next screen, click on the ‘New Location’ button.
Now, you can enter all the details for each pickup and dropoff location you offer.
When you’re ready, just click ‘Save’ to store your changes.
There are more settings you can explore, but this is enough to create a simple car rental system.
Add Your Booking Calendar to Your Website
That said, it’s time to add your car rental booking calendar to your site using VikRentCar’s built-in shortcode generator. Click the car icon to return to the main dashboard.
Then select the ‘Shortcodes’ button.
On the next screen, select ‘New.’
This takes you to the shortcode builder.
The easiest way to create a shortcode is to select the content you want to display from the ‘Type’ dropdown menu.
For example, you can select Locations List, Search Form, General Availability, Promotions, and more.
Typically, though, you’ll want to start by showing your available cars, so in that case, you’d need to select ‘Cars List’ from the ‘Type’ dropdown menu.
VikRentCar will then show some settings under ‘Details’ where you can make some customizations.
Simply work through these options and adjust them to your liking.
You can choose to display your vehicles in a list or a grid. You can also pick the order in which they appear and how many cars VikRentCars shows per page.
When you’re happy with how the shortcode is set up, give it a descriptive name. This will help you identify the shortcode later in your dashboard.
Then, click on ‘Save & Close.’
With that done, VikRentCar will display a dashboard with all the shortcodes you’ve created.
To add this content to an existing page or post, click the icon under ‘Shortcode.’
You can now copy the shortcode and paste it into any page, post, or even a widget area on your site. If you’re not sure how, then check out our guide on how to add a shortcode in WordPress.
Alternatively, if you want to add this content to a brand new page, then click the ‘Create page’ button.
This will automatically create a new page and insert the shortcode for you. Super easy!
By following these steps, you’ll have your car rental system up and running on your WordPress site in no time.
🚨 Important Legal Requirements for Your Car Rental Website
Before you start accepting bookings through your website, you need to make sure you’re following all the legal requirements. This protects both your business and your customers.
Here are some key legal elements your car rental website needs:
Privacy Policy: If you collect any customer information (and you will for bookings), you need a privacy policy. This should explain what data you collect and how you use it.
Terms and Conditions: This outlines the rules for using your service, including booking policies, cancellation rules, and payment terms.
Rental Agreement: Display your rental contract terms clearly on your site. This should cover insurance requirements, fuel policies, mileage limits, and damage policies.
Cookie Notice: If your site uses cookies (most do), then you need to tell visitors about this. I recommend WPConsent to manage cookie consent banners, secure data storage, and more.
⚠️ While I aim to provide helpful information, this is not legal advice. I strongly recommend consulting with a legal professional to ensure your website complies with all local, state, and federal regulations.
Step 9 Alternative: Use a Simple Car Rental Booking Form
If you want a quick and easy way to rent out your cars, then you can also create a rental form using WPForms. This way, visitors can enter all their requirements, and you can review each request manually.
WPForms even has a ready-made Truck Rental Agreement form template that you can customize and add to your site with just a few clicks.
This approach tends to work best when you have a smaller fleet of vehicles. You could even accept payments directly through the form or process the rental request before sending customers to a dedicated WordPress payment form on your website.
Photos are a great way to impress potential customers with the sheer variety and quality of your car rental options. You should already have high-quality photos of all your vehicles. Now it’s time to show them off!
But here’s the catch: too many big photos can really slow down your site. And a slow site? That’s a surefire way to frustrate visitors and may even drive potential customers away.
That’s why smart business owners use a slider plugin that’s optimized for performance. Envira Gallery is our pick because it lets you upload unlimited photos, create slick sliders, and organize your vehicles into albums.
This means customers can scroll through your entire fleet, seeing every detail without your site malfunctioning or slowing down. It’s the perfect way to show off your vehicles and give customers a better understanding of what you have to offer.
Want to learn more? Check out our detailed Envira Gallery review, where we downloaded this popular plugin and put it to the test.
It’s essential to clearly communicate your pricing, packages, and any additional fees to customers. Being upfront makes you seem more trustworthy and helps customers avoid any nasty surprises.
For the best results, your pricing table should display all the rental options with their prices right next to them. You might also create tables for different car types (such as economy, compact, luxury) and different rental durations (like daily, weekly, monthly).
That way, customers can compare their options quickly and find the right package for them.
Ready to create an easy-to-read pricing table without writing a single line of code? Head over to our complete guide on how to add pricing tables in WordPress.
Step 13: Display Customer Reviews
When was the last time you bought a product or signed up for a service without checking the reviews first? Before you buy anything, you probably want to know what others think, and so do your car rental customers.
If you already have reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile, Facebook, or Yelp, then you can display them directly on your site using Smash Balloon Reviews Feed.
This plugin can fetch testimonials from all the top review platforms and embed them on your site. It will even fetch new reviews automatically.
You can customize the review feed to perfectly fit your website so everything looks professional and consistent.
Now that you’ve added some useful content to your car rental website, it’s time to make it easy for customers to find what they need.
A well-organized navigation menu will help customers quickly locate the information they’re looking for, such as your location, vehicle inventory, or rental policies.
Don’t worry – adding menus and even sub-menus in WordPress is surprisingly straightforward.
This can keep your site fresh and dynamic, even when you’re busy with other tasks. This way, your visitors will always see your latest social content, even if they’re not following you on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
It’s perfect for keeping visitors engaged and informed.
Displaying social media content directly on your website also directs traffic to your social profiles, so you may get more followers, too!
Want to learn more before downloading Smash Balloon? Just check out our in-depth Smash Balloon review.
Step 16: Publish Valuable Content (Optional)
It’s not essential, but starting a blog is a great way to show off your expertise, get new customers, and keep existing customers coming back to your business.
You might keep things straightforward and use your blog to share company updates or industry news. This is an easy way to build a relationship with your audience. Plus, you can add relevant industry keywords to your website so people can find your services more easily.
If you have more time to blog, then you could get creative and produce high-quality, original content.
For example, you might review different types of vehicles, sharing your thoughts on their pros and cons, features, and performance. This can help your customers make informed decisions when choosing a rental vehicle.
You might even offer advice on related subjects, like what to pack for a road trip or how to stay safe while traveling.
This valuable content increases your chances of appearing in search results and being shared on social media. This means more visitors, more bookings, and more revenue.
Step 17: Use FOMO to Drive Car Rental Reservations (Optional)
As a car rental business, increasing bookings is always a top priority, and FOMO can be your secret weapon.
FOMO, or ‘fear of missing out,’ is a term for anxiety about missing out on something exciting and trendy. If visitors think that your cars are in high demand, then they’re more likely to book immediately rather than delay.
TrustPulse can display real-time user activity notifications on your car rental website. For example, it can show a popup every time someone rents a vehicle from you. You can even display the total number of bookings within a certain time frame to really prove your popularity.
TrustPulse also tracks customer activity on individual listings, so you can show how many people viewed a particular vehicle. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging visitors to book before the vehicle is gone.
Essentially, TrustPulse highlights the popularity of your rentals, motivating people to book right now.
We’ve seen firsthand how this strategy can convince visitors to make a purchase. To learn more, see our complete TrustPulse review.
Ready to get started? Check out our guide on how to use FOMO on your WordPress site. It will show you how to set up TrustPulse and start boosting your bookings.
Bonus Tips: How to Grow Your Car Rental Website
Congratulations! You now have a professional-looking car rental website. Now, let’s get that website working hard for you, bringing in more traffic and turning visitors into paying customers.
Here are some extra tips to really boost your car rental business:
Use AIOSEO to climb those search engine rankings. This plugin can help people find your website when they’re searching for things like ‘car rentals near me,’ ‘rent a car today,’ or any other phrases you want to target. See our ultimate WordPress SEO guide for details.
A slow-loading website can frustrate visitors and make a terrible first impression. To make your site lightning fast, check out our guide on how to boost WordPress speed and performance.
Understanding customer behavior is crucial for driving bookings and revenue. MonsterInsights lets you monitor your website’s performance by tracking visitor numbers, engagement, and conversion rates. You can then use these insights to fine-tune your car rental site and watch your revenue soar. For details, see our guide on how to install Google Analytics in WordPress.
I hope this article has helped you learn how to make a car rental website with WordPress. You may also want to check out our expert picks of the must-have WordPress plugins for all business websites or our guide on how to sell car parts in WordPress.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
“Help! I’m locked out of WordPress!” This is one of the most common emergency requests I get from my friends who are WordPress beginners. And I get it – being unable to access your WordPress dashboard can feel like being locked out of your own house.
Fortunately, I’ve learned that there’s always a way back in. Whether it’s through FTP, password reset emails, or resetting the password via the database, I’ve developed a foolproof system for bypassing WordPress login issues.
In this guide, I’ll share the expert methods I’ve learned over the years of WordPress troubleshooting. These aren’t just random tips from the internet – they’re proven solutions that have helped many website owners regain control of their sites.
When Do You Need to Bypass WordPress Login?
Sometimes, logging into WordPress isn’t as simple as entering your username and password. Things can go wrong, and access gets blocked.
Here are some common situations when you may need to bypass the login screen:
🔑 Forgotten Password: If you can’t remember your password and the reset email never arrives, you won’t be able to log in. This can happen if your email settings are misconfigured or if emails are being filtered as spam.
⚙️ Plugin Conflicts: Some security or login plugins may be incompatible with other software on your site, causing login problems. A misconfigured setting, a plugin update, or even a caching issue could cause WordPress errors that block user access.
🚨 Hacked Website: Hackers might lock you out by changing your login details. In this case, bypassing login is necessary to regain control and secure your site.
🚫 Too Many Failed Login Attempts: Many security plugins block login attempts after multiple incorrect passwords. If you’ve been locked out due to too many failed logins, you’ll need to bypass this restriction to regain access.
🛠️ Broken Login Page: A faulty theme or plugin update can sometimes break the login page. If the login form isn’t loading correctly or is showing errors, then standard login methods won’t work.
🔄 Custom Login URL Issues: Some security plugins allow you to change the default login URL for extra protection. If you forget the new URL, you can’t access the login page.
The good news is that there are ways to bypass the issue and get back in safely. I will walk you through several different WordPress troubleshooting tips.
You can use the jump links below to skip to any section:
Having said that, let’s take a look at some easy ways to bypass WordPress login.
Tip 1. Use the Direct Login URL
Sometimes you might not be able to find the WordPress login screen.
In that case, the simplest fix is to use the direct login URL. WordPress has a default login page that you can access even if there are minor issues with your site.
To access this login page, you can try the following URLs:
www.example.com/wp-admin/
www.example.com/wp-login.php
www.example.com/admin/
www.example.com/login/
However, don’t forget to replace ‘example.com’ with your own domain name.
Typing any of these URLs into your browser will take you to your login screen.
Now, you might be wondering how accessing the login screen can help you bypass it.
Well, if your WordPress session is still active (you’re still logged in), then the wp-admin/ URL might even take you to your WordPress dashboard without requiring a password.
If the login page doesn’t load, then you can also try adding a redirect URL. Entering this in your browser might force WordPress to redirect you to the login screen:
If none of these URLs work, then you can try my next trick.
💡 Note: If you’ve changed your login URL using a security plugin, these default URLs may not work. In that case, you’ll need to enter the custom login URL you set up.
Tip 2. Reset Your Password via Email
If you can’t log in because of a forgotten password, then WordPress offers a built-in way to reset it via email. This is often the quickest and easiest way to regain access.
To do this, go to the WordPress login page (https://example.com/wp-login.php) and click on the ‘Lost your password?’ link.
Once you do that, you will need to enter your username or email address and click the ‘Get New Password’ button.
WordPress will then send a password reset link to your email. Here, click the given link, and follow the instructions to set a new password.
If you don’t receive the email, then check your spam folder. Some hosting providers or email settings may block WordPress emails.
If that happens, you may need to reset your password manually through the database (more on this in the next section).
⚠️ Important Warning: The following steps (tips 3-6) involve more technical troubleshooting methods. Some of these solutions require modifying your database, accessing server files, or making direct changes to your WordPress installation.
Before proceeding with any of these methods, please create a full site backup. If possible, back up your website files and database before making any changes. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong. (I know this might not be possible if you can’t log in, but it’s worth mentioning.)
When working with FTP, cPanel, or PHPMyAdmin, always ensure you’re using a secure connection to avoid exposing sensitive site data.
A small mistake in the database or file structure could lead to bigger issues, so take your time and ensure you’re following the instructions carefully.
If the password reset email isn’t working, then you can manually reset your password through your website’s database. This method requires access to your hosting control panel.
For this tutorial, I will be using Bluehost, but keep in mind that these steps will differ slightly depending on your hosting provider.
Simply open your hosting panel and switch to the ‘Advanced’ tab. Then, locate the ‘PHPMyAdmin’ section and click the ‘Manage’ button.
📌 Quick Explanation: phpMyAdmin is a tool to manage your website’s stored information (like a filing cabinet for your site).
Once phpMyAdmin launches on your screen, you need to select your database from the left column. You will now see the list of tables in your WordPress database.
Here, look for the wp_users table in the list and click the ‘Browse’ link next to it
Keep in mind that the table names in your database may have a different prefix than the one I am showing in my screenshot. The prefix is the group of letters before the underscore (_) in the table name.
Sometimes, a security plugin can accidentally block you from logging into your WordPress site. If you suspect this might be the issue, you can manually disable the plugin using FTP.
📌 Quick Explanation: FTP is a program that helps you upload and download files to your website (like a bridge between your computer and website).
First, you will need to connect your website with an FTP client like FileZilla. If you don’t know how to do that, see this tutorial on how to use FTP to upload WordPress files.
Once you have done that, navigate to the/wp-content » plugins folder.
This will open a new folder with a list of all the downloaded plugins on your site.
From here, you need to find the folder of the security plugin you want to disable. For example, if you’re using Wordfence, look for a file with its name.
When you find it, right-click the plugin folder and select the ‘Rename’ option. Then, change the folder’s name to wordfence-disabled.
This will deactivate the plugin immediately as WordPress won’t be able to find it. You can now try logging in to your website to see if the issue has been fixed.
Tip 5. Create a New Admin User via phpMyAdmin
Another way to bypass the login is to create a new admin user directly from the database using phpMyAdmin.
Go ahead and open your hosting company’s dashboard, switch to the ‘Advanced’ tab, and select the ‘PHPMyAdmin’ section.
Once it opens up, you need to click on the wp_users table. This will take you to a new screen where all the users on your website will be listed in a row.
Here, click the ‘Insert’ tab at the top to add the information for a new admin user.
Once you have completed the process, you can try logging into WordPress with the new admin credentials.
Tip 6. Restore Your Site From Backup
If you backed up your site before getting locked out, then you can restore it to regain access.
Most backup plugins let you restore your site by uploading a backup file or using an external restore feature.
For example, if you’re using a backup plugin like Duplicator, then you can upload your backup package and installer file to your server to restore your site in just a few clicks.
With the paid version of the Duplicator plugin, you’ll also have access to one-click backup restores.
This allows you to restore your backup almost immediately.
However, if you backed up your site manually, then you will need to restore it using your database and files. You can either create a new database and import your backup to it, or you can empty your existing database and import the backup.
These methods will be a bit complex, which is why I don’t recommend them to beginners.
Once restored, you can log in to your site as usual and reconfigure any settings if needed.
The Fastest and Easiest Way to Bypass WordPress Login 💡
Dealing with login issues, especially if they’re caused by hacks or server problems, can be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s where WPBeginner Pro Services can help.
Our Hacked Site Repair service is designed to clean up malware, fix vulnerabilities, and restore access to your site quickly.
If your login issue is due to a security breach, we’ll remove any malicious code, strengthen your site’s defenses, and get it back in working condition.
Alternatively, WPBeginner also offers an On-Demand Emergency Support Service. Our team can help with any errors on your WordPress website, and we charge an affordable, one-time fee.
I know that getting locked out of your WordPress site can be frustrating. Here are a few simple steps that can prevent it from happening again:
Use a Password Manager: Forgetting passwords is one of the most common reasons for login issues. I recommend using a password manager like 1Password to securely store your credentials so you don’t have to remember them.
Set Up an SMTP Plugin: Sometimes, WordPress doesn’t send password reset emails due to server restrictions. Installing an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP ensures your site sends emails reliably, including password reset links.
Keep a Backup of Your Login URL: If you use a security plugin to change your default login URL, then make sure you save it somewhere safe. This prevents confusion when trying to log in later.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security prevents unauthorized logins and keeps your site safe. Use a plugin like WP 2FA or Google Authenticator to require a verification code during login.
Have an Alternative Admin Account: If your main account gets locked out, having a secondary administrator account can be a lifesaver. Just be sure to keep it secure and limit access to trusted users.
Create Regular Backups: Having a recent backup ensures you can restore your site quickly if you ever get locked out. Duplicator makes it easy to create and restore full backups, so you always have a recovery option.
By following these steps, you can avoid future lockouts and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.
Looking to boost your online store’s conversion rates? You’re not alone. When we first started selling products online, we noticed that many visitors would abandon their carts right at checkout.
The reason? They weren’t sure if they could trust our website with their payment information.
That’s when we discovered the power of trust badges. After adding them to our checkout pages, we saw an immediate improvement in sales. These small but powerful symbols help reassure customers that their transactions are secure and legitimate.
And fortunately, adding trust badges to your WordPress checkout pages isn’t complicated at all. Whether you’re selling physical products or digital downloads, this step-by-step guide will show you how to set up trust seals in WordPress.
You’ll learn which badges work best and where to place them for maximum impact. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have everything you need to boost your store’s credibility and increase your sales.
Before we dive into the beginner’s guide, here are some quick links to help you navigate to the sections that you’re interested in:
Trust badges are visual elements or icons designed to reassure visitors that your website or online store is secure, reliable, and credible. You have probably seen them on checkout pages, product pages, or even website footers.
They often include badges like ‘Secure Checkout,’ ‘Money-Back Guarantee,’ ‘Verified Seller,’ or ‘Free Shipping.’ These symbols act as subtle but powerful signals that help customers feel safe making a purchase from your store.
Trust badges are especially important for online stores because customers are sharing sensitive information like credit card details.
A well-placed trust badge, such as one showing your site uses SSL encryption or is backed by a reputable payment processor, can ease concerns and help to reduce cart abandonment.
Even small design choices, like adding a PayPal or Stripe logo, can have a big impact on customer confidence.
WordPress makes it easy to add trust badges using plugins, widgets, or even custom code.
Whether you run a WooCommerce store or sell digital products with Easy Digital Downloads, adding trust badges is a simple step that can directly affect your sales.
The Benefits of Using Trust Seals in Your Online Store
Adding trust badges to your WordPress site is about more than looking professional. It also gives your customers the confidence to take the next step.
When visitors trust your site, they are more likely to stick around, make a purchase, and even return for more.
Here are some key benefits of using trust badges on your site:
✔️Reduce Cart Abandonment: One of the biggest reasons customers abandon their carts is fear of fraud or security concerns. Displaying trust badges like ‘Secure Checkout’ or ‘SSL Secured’ reassures them that their information is safe.
✔️Boost Conversions: Trust badges directly impact your sales. When customers see that your store is verified or offers guarantees, they feel more confident buying from you. In fact, a study found that adding trust badges to checkout pages increased conversions by up to 42%.
✔️Build Credibility: Badges like ‘Verified Seller’ or those from well-known payment processors (like PayPal or Stripe) make your site look more credible.
✔️Encourage Repeat Purchases: When customers have a positive, trustworthy experience, they are more likely to come back. Badges like ‘Money-Back Guarantee’ or ‘100% Satisfaction Guaranteed’ tell buyers that you stand by your products and can build long-term loyalty.
✔️Improve Perceived Value: Trust badges also improve how customers view your products and services. A badge like ‘Free Shipping‘ has a psychological boost because users love the idea of getting more value without additional cost.
Types of Trust Badges That You Can Use
You must keep in mind that not all trust badges are created the same, and each serves a specific purpose to address different customer concerns. From security to shipping guarantees, the type of trust badge you use can make a big difference in how customers perceive your store.
Here are some of the most common types of trust badges used on WordPress sites.
Secure Checkout Badges
One of the biggest concerns for customers when it comes to online shopping is whether their personal and payment information is safe. This is where secure checkout badges come into play.
These badges, often displayed as a padlock icon or labeled with ‘SSL Secured,’ let shoppers know your site is using SSL encryption to protect sensitive data.
In WordPress, secure checkout badges can be automatically added if you are using a reliable SSL certificate.
Pairing this with a visible badge on your checkout page makes it clear to customers that their payment details are safe from hackers or breaches.
Payment Processor Badges
Another layer of reassurance comes from using payment processor badges. Logos from trusted payment providers like PayPal or Stripe tell customers that their transactions are being handled by well-known and secure systems.
For instance, we use a ‘PayPal Verified’ logo on the MonsterInsights checkout page. This immediately ensures customers that they have the option to pay securely through a trusted platform.
This simple addition can make all the difference when a hesitant shopper is deciding whether or not to complete their purchase.
Credit Card Logo Badges
Another idea for trust badges is to display credit card logo badges on your checkout page. These badges, like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and others, let customers know that they can securely make payments using their preferred card.
It helps visitors feel more confident about sharing their payment information since they recognize these major payment brands. It is a simple way to show that your website supports safe and secure transactions.
We recommend placing these card logos where they are easy to spot, like near the payment options or checkout button.
Customer Satisfaction Badges
Customer satisfaction badges are a great way to boost confidence and encourage people to make a purchase. These badges signal to potential buyers that your store values their experience and offers reliable services.
For instance, Money-Back Guarantee is a customer satisfaction badge that reassures customers that if they are not happy with their purchase, they can get their money back.
Similarly, a Free Shipping Badge can instantly make your store more appealing. It is an easy way to increase conversions by highlighting a benefit that many customers look for when shopping online.
You can also add a Verified Seller Badge if you have a store on a platform like Etsy. This will allow you to show that your store is credible and trustworthy.
Client and Partner Logo Badges
Displaying your clients’ logos on your website is a powerful way to build credibility and trust.
When potential customers see that well-known brands or companies work with you or are using your product, it gives your business a stamp of approval.
For example, at OptinMonster, we show a list of logos of all the famous brands that are using our product.
Third-Party Endorsement Badges
Third-party endorsement badges are another tool for improving your credibility. They show that your business has been recognized or approved by an external organization or expert.
These badges act as independent validation that your products or services meet certain standards, making potential customers feel more confident about their purchase decisions.
For instance, seals from trusted organizations, like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or security certification seals (like Norton or McAfee), can go a long way in reassuring customers that your site is safe.
If your business has won any industry awards or been featured in top publications, then you can also show these badges. They will serve as proof that experts or influencers in your field recognize your business’s quality and success.
Method 1: How to Add Custom Trust Badges to Checkout Pages in WooCommerce (Custom Code)
If you’ve already designed your WooCommerce checkout page and want to add trust badges to it, then this is the method for you. It’s also a free method if you don’t want to invest in a dedicated WooCommerce plugin like FunnelKit (Method 2).
We’re going to be working with custom code here, which can be a bit risky and even break your website. That’s why we’re going to use WPCode.
It is the best WordPress code snippets plugin on the market. After thorough testing, we have concluded that it is the easiest and safest way to add custom code. To learn more, see our WPCode review.
Note: Keep in mind that you will also need to add your own trust seal images to the WordPress media library. For details, see our guide on how to properly add images in WordPress.
Note🚨: The plugin also has a free version that you can use for this tutorial. However, upgrading to the pro plan will give you access to smart conditional logic, block snippets, and a cloud library of code snippets.
Upon plugin activation, head over to the Code Snippets » + Add Snippet page from the WordPress dashboard.
Here, click the ‘Use Snippet’ button under the ‘Add Your Custom Code (New Snippet)’ option.
You will now be directed to a new screen where you must add a code snippet name. This name will only be for your identification and will not be shown to any users.
Then, choose ‘HTML Snippet’ as the ‘Code Type’ from the popup.
Go ahead and add the following custom code into the ‘Code Preview’ box:
After that, be sure to replace the placeholder image URL with the URL of your trust badge image to display it correctly on the checkout page.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to upload the trust badge image to your WooCommerce store and retrieve its URL from the WordPress media library. If you’re unsure how to do this, check out our tutorial on how to get the URL of images you upload in WordPress.
You can add as many trust badge images as you like.
Now, scroll down to the ‘Insertion’ section and choose the ‘Shortcode’ option.
Then, toggle the ‘Inactive’ switch to ‘Active’ and click the ‘Save Snippet’ button.
Once you do that, WPCode will generate a shortcode that you will be adding to your WooCommerce checkout page.
Simply click the ‘Copy’ button and store the shortcode somewhere safe.
Now, open your store’s checkout page in the WordPress block editor.
Related Post🔍: If you are just getting started with creating a store, then see our WooCommerce made simple guide for in-depth instructions.
Here, you need to choose a suitable place within the checkout block to display your trust badge, ensuring it’s highly visible to customers.
While the ‘Shortcode’ block isn’t available in this section, the trust badge shortcode will still work correctly when placed inside a ‘Paragraph’ block.
Finally, click the ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ button to store your changes.
Now, visit your WooCommerce store to see the trust badges in action.
Method 2: How to Add Trust Badges to WooCommerce Checkout Pages (Plugin Method)
If you want to add trust badges to your WooCommerce checkout page without using custom code, then FunnelKit Funnel Builder is a great option.
It comes with professionally designed checkout templates that already include trust badges, helping you create a high-converting checkout experience with minimal effort.
Keep in mind that this version will involve creating an entirely custom WooCommerce checkout page. So, if you just want to add trust badges to your existing checkout page, then please go to Method 1.
We’ve tested FunnelKit a lot over the years, and it’s a great tool for improving your WooCommerce store. For details, see our complete FunnelKit review.
Method 3: How to Add Trust Badges to Checkout Pages for Digital Products
If you sell digital goods with Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), then it’s actually super easy to add trust badges to your checkout pages. You’ll just need to make sure that you first have a functional store for selling digital downloads in WordPress.
You’ll also need the WPCode plugin because it comes with built-in EDD locations that make it even easier to add trust badges to your store.
Note🚨: Keep in mind the EDD specific locations are only available in the pro version of WPCode. If you use the free plan, then you can use the shortcode method instead.
Important: Keep in mind that you will also need to add your own trust seal images to the WordPress media library. For details, see our guide on how to properly add images in WordPress.
Once you do that, make sure to add the URL of your trust badge image from the media library. If you’re not sure where to find it, then please see our guide on how to get the URL of images you upload in WordPress.
Then, scroll down to the ‘Insertion’ section and choose the ‘Auto Insert’ mode.
After that, you need to expand the ‘Location’ section and switch to the ‘eCommerce’ tab.
Next, scroll down to the ‘Easy Digital Downloads’ section and select the ‘After the Checkout Cart’ option. Now, your trust badges will automatically be added to your EDD checkout page.
If you’re using the free version of WPCode, then you’ll need to copy the WPCode shortcode and paste it into your checkout page. For details, see our guide on how to add shortcodes in WordPress.
Go ahead and toggle the ‘Inactive’ switch to ‘Active’ from the top.
Then, click the ‘Save Snippet’ button to store your settings.
Now, visit the checkout page in your digital downloads store.
Here, you will notice that the trust badges are showing in your chosen location.
Bonus Tips for Using Social Proof in Your Online Store
Using random icons on your checkout page won’t automatically boost conversions. Instead, you need the right trust signals in the right places.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of social proof in your WordPress store:
🎨Match the Badges to Your Store’s Design: Trust badges should stand out just enough to grab attention without clashing with your design. Avoid oversized, pixelated, or mismatched badges that make your checkout page look cluttered.
🔥Test and See What Works Best: Not all badges work the same for every store. Try different placements, designs, and messaging to see what resonates with your customers. A/B testing can help you find the perfect combination.
⭐Show more social proof with customer reviews. Showing positive reviews from happy customers can also convince shoppers to complete their purchases. For details, see our guide on how to show Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews in WordPress.
💰Show real-time purchase notifications. Showing users that other customers are buying your products can convince them to do the same. Learn how to do this in our guide on how to create a live sale notification in WooCommerce.
Recently, we discovered something alarming while auditing one of our clients’ websites. Email addresses and phone numbers were showing up in their Google Analytics reports, exposing sensitive visitor information that they never intended to collect.
Collecting personally identifiable information from users can be a major issue. Not only does it violate privacy regulations like GDPR, but it also puts your business at risk of hefty fines and losing the trust of your customers.
But here’s the good news: preventing personally identifiable information (PII) from ending up in your analytics is actually quite straightforward once you know how.
We’ve spent years working with Google Analytics across hundreds of websites, and we’ve developed a foolproof system to keep sensitive data out of your reports. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to protect your visitors’ privacy while still getting all the valuable insights you need from your analytics data.
What Is Personally Identifiable Information, and Why Should You Protect It?
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is any data that, when combined, can reveal a person’s identity.
The problem is that PII often sneaks into Google Analytics through URLs.
Let’s say that users submit personal details on contact forms or login pages on your WordPress site. This data can be embedded in the URL of the next page they visit.
In that example, we can see that the URL shows the user’s email address.
Why Should You Keep Personal Info Out of Analytics?
Privacy laws like GDPR are serious about protecting personal data. That’s one reason why Google doesn’t allow businesses to collect or store PII.
If your Google Analytics account is capturing PII, you could end up in trouble, facing hefty fines or having your account suspended.
And it’s not just a technical issue – it can have real consequences for your business. Users expect businesses to respect their privacy. But if they feel their data isn’t safe, they might take their business elsewhere.
That’s why it’s so important to keep PII out of your Google Analytics data.
With that in mind, we’ll show you how to keep personally identifiable information (PII) out of Google Analytics. Here’s a quick overview of the 2 methods we’ll share with you:
Method 1. Using a Plugin to Keep Personally Identifiable Info Out of Google Analytics
Google Analytics can be overwhelming to navigate, especially when trying to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Managing cookie consent, anonymizing IP addresses, and adjusting privacy settings can quickly become overwhelming. For many people, sorting through these settings and ensuring compliance is no easy task.
If you’re a WordPress user, then we have good news for you.
MonsterInsights is the best WordPress analytics plugin, and it integrates seamlessly with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). With its Privacy Guard feature, it offers privacy-friendly tracking that you can manage directly from your WordPress dashboard.
ℹ️ Quick note: MonsterInsights powers our conversion tracking at WPBeginner, helping us monitor traffic, forms, buttons, referral links, and more with ease. See why we love it in our detailed MonsterInsights review!
Step 1. Install and Activate the MonsterInsights Plugin
First, let’s get started by creating a MonsterInsights account. Just head over to the website and click the ‘Get MonsterInsights Now’ button.
You can then go ahead and choose a plan. For this tutorial, we recommend the Plus plan or higher, as it includes the Privacy Guard feature to help with compliance.
After selecting a category, simply click ‘Save and Continue’ to proceed.
On the next screen, you can click ‘Connect MonsterInsights’ to start the connection process.
Then, you can follow the prompt to sign in to your Google Analytics account.
Upon signing in, you can select the website you want to track from the dropdown menu.
From here, go ahead and click the ‘Complete Connection’ button. MonsterInsights will then automatically install Google Analytics on your WordPress website.
Keeping Personally Identifiable Information (PII) out of your tracking doesn’t have to be complicated.
With MonsterInsights’ Privacy Guard, you can do it in just a few clicks!
This feature automatically scans your website for sensitive information. It checks for any private details and prevents them from being stored in your analytics reports.
These details can be:
Form submissiondata, such as personal information entered in contact or registration forms.
URL data, which is the full web address of the page, including the domain name, path, and any additional information.
Query parameters, which are the bits of data in URLs, like “?id=1234.” They often track specific user actions or provide extra information to the website.
To do this, let’s navigate to the Insights » Settings»Engagement tab.
From here, you can go ahead and turn on the ‘Privacy Guard’ switch – that’s it!
MonsterInsights will now help protect personally identifiable information and keep you compliant with privacy laws.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: No plugin can guarantee 100% legal compliance because every website is different. We strongly recommend consulting an Internet law attorney to ensure your site meets all legal requirements for your location and specific use case.
This is not legal advice – just a friendly heads-up to help you stay informed!
Method 2. Keeping Personally Identifiable Info Out of Google Analytics
In this method, we’ll guide you through configuring the settings that you need to keep PII out of Google Analytics directly from its dashboard.
This option is best for advanced users, as it gives you full control over the setup.
Additionally, since this method isn’t limited to WordPress, you can follow along even if you made your website with a different website builder.
First, you’ll need to sign in to your Google Analytics account.
Go ahead and click on the ‘Sign in to Analytics’ button.
In the dashboard, let’s hover over the sidebar and click the ‘Admin’ menu.
Once inside, you’ll want to locate the ‘Data collection and modification’ section.
After that, let’s click on ‘Data streams.’
This will take you to the table, which lists all your data streams.
Now, you can select your website from the list.
This will open the ‘Web stream details’ slide-in.
From here, let’s scroll down to the ‘Events’ section and click ‘Redact data.’
On the next screen, you will see the ‘Redact data’ menu.
The ‘Choose what to redact’ section of this slide-in has two switches at the top.
Let’s first redact email addresses by flipping the switch. Google Analytics will then automatically exclude email addresses from the data it collects.
Then, you can filter out other PII by entering query parameters.
To do this, you’ll need to enable the switch for ‘URL query parameter.’ Then, you can enter your query parameters in the respective field.
For example, here, we added ‘name,’ first_name,’ ‘last_name,’ and ‘ip_address.’
Once everything looks good, you can save your settings.
Google Analytics will now help protect PII and keep your site privacy-compliant.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Configuring settings manually in the GA4 dashboard requires precise knowledge of which data needs to be redacted.
This can be tricky, and even a small mistake may result in sensitive information being collected.
We recommend thoroughly reviewing your data collection settings to ensure all PII is properly excluded. Always take the necessary precautions, as improper configuration could lead to compliance issues.
Bonus Tips for Privacy Compliance on Your Website
Keeping personal info out of analytics reports is just one way to comply with privacy regulations. We also recommend following these tips:
Create GDPR-compliant forms. With a form plugin like WPForms, you can easily add GDPR agreement fields to your forms, disable user cookies and details, and delete user data when requested.
FAQs About Keeping Personally Identifiable Info Out of Google Analytics
Keeping PII out of Google Analytics is important for privacy and compliance. If you still have questions, feel free to take a look at some quick answers to common questions:
How does Google handle user data and privacy concerns?
Google takes privacy seriously. It anonymizes data and complies with strict regulations like GDPR.
While Google provides tools to help businesses protect user privacy, it’s ultimately up to the businesses to make sure they don’t collect personally identifiable information (PII).
Does Google Analytics collect personally identifiable information?
Not by default. But if you’re not careful, PII can sneak in through URLs, form submissions, or custom tracking settings. That’s why it’s important to set things up correctly.
Do all sites with analytics need cookie warnings?
Yep! If your site tracks users with cookies (like Google Analytics does), then privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA require you to show a cookie notice and get user consent.
Further Reading: More Analytics and Tracking Guides
Understanding how to keep PII out of Google Analytics is just the beginning! If you want to fine-tune your tracking, improve data accuracy, and stay compliant with privacy laws, then check out these helpful guides:
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