Logic Web Media is dedicated to providing quality websites. We have experience building custom designed websites, with WordPress being one of the most popular back-end content management systems.
Understanding WordPress terms will help you better understand how useful this powerful platform can be. WordPress terminology can be confusing at first, but this post will allow you to gain clarity and better understand the basics.
Common WordPress Terms Explained
Before diving into complex customization or plugins, it’s important to understand the foundational terms within WordPress. These five key terms — Dashboard, Posts, Pages, Categories, and Tags — form the backbone of how you’ll manage and organize your website. Let’s take a closer look at each one and what they mean for your site.
| Dashboard | The dashboard belongs up top on the terminology list because, well, it’s at the top of your WordPress panel! The dashboard is similar to a website’s homepage in that by clicking on “dashboard,” you’ll always be led back to the home screen of the WordPress back-end. Underneath the Dashboard you can gain access to your blog posts, web pages, profile, settings and whatever else you’ve chosen to include on your site. |
| Posts | A WordPress post is the area you can fill with content in order to populate your WordPress blog. Posts are typically used to write blogs, however it can also be used to create other informative content. Unless customized, the most recent post will always take first place on the blog’s feed. The post system is dynamic in that it can be constantly updated as needed. |
| Pages | WordPress pages are static meaning the content typically stays the same. These pages are usually where the sub-pages of the site are found, such as Services, About us, Contact, etc. You can always edit this content, however static pages are not usually updated often. |
| Categories | Categories are used to organize blog posts, which will enhance the user experience and allow users to filter results at their discretion. If a user is searching an internet marketing blog, but only interested in Search Engine Optimization Tips, they can click on the SEO category in order to filter out results. |
| Tags | Tags are similar to categories, except tags will explain your posts in more detail. Many clients ask who will see my tags? Tags appear in the topics listing, which increases your chance of more WordPress.com users, viewing your posts. |
Breaking Down Each WordPress Term
The Dashboard: Your WordPress Command Center
The Dashboard is your main control hub in WordPress — the first screen you see after logging in. It provides an overview of your site’s activity, from recent comments and updates to site health notifications. Think of it as the cockpit of your website.
Dashboard Quick Tips
- At-a-Glance: View how many posts, pages, and comments your site currently has.
- Updates: Keep track of plugin, theme, and WordPress version updates to maintain security.
- Customization: You can rearrange the Dashboard widgets or hide ones you don’t use.
Mastering the Dashboard allows you to manage your website efficiently, without digging through unnecessary settings. It’s also where Logic Web Media helps clients monitor performance and maintain a seamless user experience.
Posts: The Heart of Your Blog
Posts are the lifeblood of your website’s blog section. They’re time-stamped entries that appear in reverse chronological order, keeping your site’s content fresh and engaging. WordPress automatically sorts them by date, so the newest content appears first.
Why Posts Matter
Publishing consistent blog posts not only keeps your audience engaged but also helps improve SEO. When you publish keyword-rich, valuable content, it signals to search engines that your site is active and authoritative. Posts can also be shared across social media, expanding your reach and visibility online.
For example, if you run a local business on Long Island, publishing regular blog posts about web development or SEO strategies can help attract potential clients searching for digital marketing solutions nearby.
Pages: The Foundation of Your Website
While posts are meant for dynamic, regularly updated content, Pages are static and serve as your site’s backbone. Common pages include Home, About Us, Services, and Contact.
When to Use a Page vs. a Post
- Pages: Use for timeless information — content that doesn’t change often, like your company history or service offerings.
- Posts: Use for ongoing updates — such as blogs, news, or tips.
Understanding the difference between the two helps maintain a logical structure for your site’s visitors and improves your overall SEO organization.
Categories: Organize Your Blog Content
Categories act like folders that group related blog posts together. They’re essential for both user experience and SEO. A well-organized category structure helps search engines understand your site hierarchy and makes it easier for visitors to find relevant information.
Example of Categories in Action
If you manage a blog for Logic Web Media, you might use categories such as:
- Web Design
- Search Engine Optimization
- WordPress Tips
- Digital Marketing
By assigning each blog post to a relevant category, you create a user-friendly navigation system that enhances engagement and encourages visitors to explore more of your content.
Tags: Add Specific Details
Tags are like mini-labels that describe specific topics or keywords within a post. They work alongside categories but are more detailed. Tags are especially useful for helping users and search engines find content related to a specific topic.
How Tags Improve SEO
- Tags create internal links between related content.
- They help search engines identify topic clusters on your website.
- Users can click on tags to find posts with similar subjects.
For instance, if you write a blog about “Improving Website Speed,” you might use tags like WordPress Optimization, Page Speed, and Performance Plugins. These tags make your content easier to find for users looking for those exact topics.
Why Learning WordPress Terms Matters
Learning these foundational WordPress terms can make website management far less intimidating. Whether you’re a business owner updating content, or a marketing professional optimizing posts, understanding these basics empowers you to navigate WordPress confidently.
As Logic Web Media continues to build and manage WordPress websites for businesses across Long Island and beyond, we ensure our clients understand the essential tools available to them. With a strong grasp of these terms, you’ll be better prepared to expand your knowledge in Part 2 of this series.
FAQs About WordPress Basics
What is WordPress used for?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and publish website content without needing advanced coding knowledge. It’s ideal for blogs, business websites, eCommerce stores, and portfolios.
Do I need to know coding to use WordPress?
No, you don’t need to know coding to use WordPress. Many themes and plugins allow you to customize your site easily. However, having a professional web developer like Logic Web Media can help you fully customize your site’s functionality and design.
Are WordPress posts and pages the same?
Not exactly. Posts are dynamic and used for time-sensitive content, while pages are static and contain evergreen information. Understanding the difference helps maintain a clean and organized site structure.
How do categories and tags affect SEO?
Categories and tags improve your site’s organization and help search engines understand your content better. Proper use of both enhances navigation, boosts keyword relevance, and improves user experience.
Can I change these WordPress settings later?
Yes, you can edit, delete, or add new posts, pages, categories, and tags at any time. WordPress gives you full control to update your website as your business grows.