"10 Hidden WordPress Features You’re Probably Not Using (But Should)"

WordPress powers over 40% of websites worldwide, yet many users stick to its basic features without exploring its full potential. Beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of hidden tools and functionalities that can make your workflow more efficient and your website more powerful. In this article, we’ll uncover 10 lesser-known WordPress features that can save you time, boost your site's performance, and enhance user experience. Let’s dive in!

1. Revisions History: Never Lose Important Edits

Have you ever accidentally deleted content or wanted to restore a previous version of a post? WordPress has a built-in Revisions History feature that saves every edit you make to a post or page.

• How to Use It:
  • Open a post or page in the editor.
  • Click on Revisions in the right-hand sidebar under "Post Settings."
  • Compare changes and restore the desired version.
• Why It’s Useful: Perfect for undoing mistakes or retrieving older versions of content.

2. Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts

For frequent bloggers and editors, WordPress offers keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.

• Examples of Keyboard Shortcuts:
  • Ctrl + B (Windows) / Cmd + B (Mac): Bold text.
  • Ctrl + K / Cmd + K: Insert links.
  • Alt + Shift + U: Create an unordered list.
• Enable Comments Moderation Shortcuts:
  • Navigate to Users > Your Profile and enable "Keyboard Shortcuts." You can then use shortcuts for approving, deleting, or marking comments as spam.

3. Distraction-Free Writing Mode

Do you get distracted by WordPress's cluttered interface while writing? Use the Distraction-Free Writing Mode for a minimalist experience.

• How to Activate:
  • Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the editor.
  • Choose Fullscreen Mode for a clean writing space.
• Why It’s Useful: Helps you focus solely on content creation.

4. Site Health Tool

The Site Health Tool helps you monitor your website's performance and security.

• How to Access:
  • Go to Tools > Site Health in the WordPress dashboard.
  • Check for critical issues and get improvement recommendations.
• Why It’s Useful: Keeps your site optimized and secure.

5. Quick Post Embedding

WordPress makes embedding media and content from other platforms seamless with oEmbed. Simply paste a URL (e.g., from YouTube, Twitter, or Spotify) into the editor, and it will automatically display the content.

• Supported Platforms: Instagram, Vimeo, Reddit, and more.
• Why It’s Useful: No need for third-party plugins or manual coding.

6. Customizable Permalinks

Improve your site’s SEO and user experience by customizing your permalinks (URLs).

• How to Customize Permalinks:
  • Go to Settings > Permalinks in the dashboard.
  • Choose a structure like “Post Name” or create a custom one.
• Why It’s Useful: Clean and keyword-rich URLs rank better in search engines.

7. Scheduled Posts

Consistency is key for content creators. WordPress allows you to schedule posts to publish at a later date.

• How to Schedule a Post:
  • In the editor, click on the Publish Immediately option.
  • Set your desired date and time, then click Schedule.
• Why It’s Useful: Automates your publishing process and keeps your site active even when you’re away.

8. Sticky Posts

Highlight important content on your blog by pinning it to the top of your posts list with the Sticky Post feature.

• How to Enable:
  • While editing a post, go to Visibility in the "Post Settings" and check the Stick to the top of the blog box.
• Why It’s Useful: Keeps your most valuable posts prominently displayed.

9. Password-Protected Pages and Posts

WordPress allows you to restrict access to certain pages or posts by enabling a password-protection feature.

• How to Enable:
  • While editing a post, go to the Visibility settings.
  • Select Password Protected, enter a password, and save.
• Why It’s Useful: Ideal for private content, client deliverables, or exclusive resources.

10. Multisite Functionality

For those managing multiple WordPress sites, the Multisite feature can save time and effort. It allows you to manage multiple websites from a single dashboard.

• How to Enable:
  • Edit your wp-config.php file and add this line:

define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );

• • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the network.
• Why It’s Useful: Streamlines management of multiple sites, ideal for agencies and large organizations.

Final Thoughts

WordPress is more than just a platform for creating blogs or websites; it’s a robust tool packed with features that cater to all kinds of users. By leveraging these hidden features, you can enhance your productivity, improve your site’s performance, and deliver a better experience to your visitors.

If you’re looking for professional WordPress hosting or services, check out Vercaa.com. They offer top-notch solutions tailored to meet the needs of WordPress users, ensuring your site runs smoothly and securely.

Start exploring these features today and unlock the full potential of your WordPress website!