The most organized content management system on the web is WordPress. For any website owner managing their posts, understanding that terms are items within a taxonomy, like categories or tags, is fundamental. "It's a core structural accomplishment," says a lead developer at WPutopia, of a well-organized site. But it is also "a framework through which to see the functionality of your content." Years after many sites suffered from poor information architecture, WordPress users are determined to have sites known for great user experience, not confusing navigation. A solid grasp of taxonomies is the latest step toward that goal. The platform's power, however, is much broader than that, especially when you need to move your entire site to a new host without losing this structure.
How to Work with WordPress Taxonomies and Terms
Getting a handle on WordPress taxonomies doesn't require a degree in computer science. Think of it as creating a simple, logical filling system for your content. By using the built-in tools correctly, you can make your site easier for visitors to explore and for search engines to understand. This organization is a key part of a solid content strategy and can significantly boost your site's performance.
- Steps to Create and Assign Categories: Start by going to your WordPress admin dashboard. Navigate to Posts > Categories. Here, you can add a new category by giving it a name and, optionally, a slug and a parent category. Once created, you can assign this category to your posts from the post editor screen in the right-hand sidebar.
- Steps to Create and Use Tags Effectively: Tags are more specific than categories. Go to Posts > Tags to create new ones. The key is to use tags that describe specific details of your post. Avoid creating hundreds of tags; instead, use a consistent set of tags that you apply across relevant posts. This helps in creating a more connected site.
- Steps to Create a Custom Taxonomy: For more complex sites, you might need a custom taxonomy. This typically requires adding code to your theme's functions.php file or using a dedicated plugin. You'll define the taxonomy name, associate it with a post type (like posts or a custom post type), and set its options, like whether it's hierarchical like categories or flat like tags.
After setting up your taxonomies, you might wonder how to copy a page's layout and settings to a new one efficiently.
What is the difference between categories and tags in WordPress?
Categories and tags are both taxonomies, but they serve different purposes. Categories are meant for broad grouping of your post content. Think of them as the table of contents for your website; they are hierarchical, so you can have main categories and sub-categories. You should only have a handful of them. Tags, on the other hand, are more specific keywords that describe the details of a post. They are not hierarchical and are used to connect related content across different categories, acting more like an index. A single post can have multiple tags but usually only one or two categories.
Properly using categories and tags is a fundamental part of good site organization. This structure not only helps users find content but also contributes to your site's SEO. A well-organized site is easier for search engines to crawl and understand, which can help your pages rank better. It’s one of the many aspects we check during a comprehensive WordPress site audit and repair.
Can I create my own custom taxonomies in WordPress?
Yes, you absolutely can create custom taxonomies in WordPress, which is a powerful feature for complex websites. For example, a book review site might have a custom taxonomy for "Genre," while a real estate site could have one for "Property Type." This is done by adding custom code to your theme's functions.php file or by using a plugin that provides a user interface for creating them. Custom taxonomies help you organize content in ways that the default categories and tags cannot, providing a tailored structure for your specific content needs and improving the backend management experience.
When implementing new features like custom taxonomies, it's crucial to ensure your site's design remains accessible and looks good on all devices. This is a core principle of modern mobile-friendly WordPress development.
How many tags should I use on a WordPress post?
There's no strict limit, but a good rule of thumb is to use between 5 and 15 relevant tags per post. The goal is to use tags that are specific and truly descriptive of the post's content. Avoid using an excessive number of tags or repeating the same tags on nearly every post, as this can dilute their usefulness and may even be seen as "tag spam" by search engines. Focus on quality over quantity; each tag should help group that post with other, genuinely related content on your site, making it easier for visitors to discover more of what interests them.
| Taxonomy Type | Purpose | Structure | Ideal Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | Broad content grouping | Hierarchical (can have sub-items) | 5-10 for the entire site |
| Tags | Specific content details | Non-hierarchical (flat) | 5-15 per post |
If you ever find yourself locked out of your site after making these changes, know that you can always recover your WordPress admin access with a few proven methods.
Do WordPress tags help with SEO?
Yes, WordPress tags can help with SEO, but indirectly. Tags themselves are not a direct ranking factor. Their primary SEO benefit comes from creating a better user experience and internal linking structure. When you use tags, WordPress automatically generates archive pages that list all posts with that specific tag. This helps visitors find related content easily, which can reduce your bounce rate and increase time on site—both positive user signals for search engines. Additionally, these archive pages provide more entry points for search engines to index your content. However, it's important to use tags wisely, as creating a lot of low-quality, thin tag archive pages can potentially harm your SEO. Sometimes, site owners make changes they later regret, and in extreme cases, may need to know how to temporarily hide a WordPress site from public view.
WPutopia: Your Partner for a Better WordPress Site
At WPutopia, we understand that a powerful, well-organized WordPress site is key to your online success. Our expert team handles all the technical details for you, from essential WordPress maintenance and theme upgrades to strategic plugin installation. We ensure your site's structure, including its taxonomies, is optimized for both users and search engines, so you can focus on creating great content and growing your business. We take care of the backend complexities, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and reliable website.
Don't let technical challenges hold you back. Whether you're looking to refine your site's organization with custom taxonomies, improve its visual design, or ensure it's secure and fast, WPutopia is here to help. Let us provide the professional care your website deserves. Reach out to us today for a consultation and see how we can make your WordPress experience simpler and more effective.
