If you’ve just started your own WordPress website, you may be wondering whether to use categories or tags for your blog posts, or both. This is a common dilemma for many bloggers, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between categories and tags, why they’re important, and how to use them effectively.
What are WordPress Categories and Tags?
WordPress categories and tags are taxonomies used to organize and classify your content. Categories are like broad groupings of your posts, while tags provide more specific organization. For example, if you have a food blog, your categories could be lunch, dinner, and desserts, while tags could include quick and easy meals, one pan dinner ideas, or vegan meals.
The Difference Between Categories and Tags
While categories and tags serve the same purpose, there are a few differences between them. Categories are more general and hierarchical, while tags are more specific and cannot have subtags. You must assign at least one category to each post, but adding tags is optional.
Why Use Categories and Tags in WordPress?
The main reason to use categories and tags is to organize and classify your content so that it’s easier for readers to navigate your blog. You can add your main categories to your navigation or sidebar, making it easier for readers to find topics they’re interested in. This results in readers spending more time on your site.
How to Add and Manage Categories and Tags in WordPress
Adding categories and tags to your WordPress posts is easy. To assign a category, click on the Categories panel in the post editor and create a new category if necessary. To add a tag, expand the Tag panel and type in the tag. You can manage categories and tags by going to Posts > Categories or Posts > Tags.
How Many WordPress Categories and Tags Should You Have?
There are no limits on how many categories and tags you can have in WordPress. However, it’s better to have fewer categories with lots of content than to have many categories with only one or two posts. Similarly, it’s better to have fewer tags with multiple posts than to have many tags with only one post.
WordPress Categories or Tags: What’s Better for SEO?
Both categories and tags are important for organizing your content and improving website usability, which plays a role in SEO. Each category and tag acts as a landing page for that particular topic, providing visitors with the best possible experience. Categories and tags also prevent posts from competing for the same keyword.
Final Thoughts
WordPress categories and tags help you organize your content effectively. Use categories to group posts that talk about the same topic together, and use tags to further describe each post. By following these tips, you can use categories and tags in WordPress correctly and make your blog more user-friendly.
