People usually shy away from letting another person publish articles on their website or blog because they really do not want to let strangers into the back end of their WordPress website. I struggled with this as well. I have worked hard and did not want to let people see the ins and outs of my WordPress website. Therefore I like to limit what a guest blogger can see and do in my WordPress dashboard.
The first thing I do, when considering giving a guest blogger access to my website, is to let them know the rules of the website. I have made a Guest posting page that outlines some of the requirements for a guest writer.
Then if we are clear on all that, I will make a user account for my new contributor.See the screen shot below showing how to choose a role for the new user. Also see my earlier post on How to create a new WordPress user account?
Should I make my guest posters or writers a contributor or an author?
I would personally make a guest blogger a contributor so you get the chance to see the posts they are submitting to your WordPress website and approve them yourself. An author may have a completely different view on what is an acceptable post for your website. You can also see it they are sticking to your rules and providing your readers with valuable content.
If you decide to make your guest writer an author instead of a contributor this will mean that they can publish their own posts whenever they want.
What does a contributor see when they login to my WordPress website dashboard?
A contributor will see a skimmed down dashboard. They will see the number of posts on the blog, however when they press on the posts button or link they will only see their posts only.
A contributor can also change details in their own profile. Also in the dashboard they can see the comments coming in but cannot approve or edit them in any way.
What is the difference between an author and a contributor role in WordPress?
There is a big difference between an author and a contributor and you should really think about which one will suit your needs.
Role of a WordPress Author:
A WordPress author can create a post, upload pictures to go in it, and publish it any time they like. After the post is published they can still edit it and they can even delete the post if they like. I am not happy about that fact alone, being able to delete a post they have already published.
Role of a WordPress Contributor:
A WordPress contributor can create a post, edit that post, and then submit it for approval by you. They can only delete a post if it has not been submitted for approval. Once the post is published they will no longer be able to edit the post or delete it.
I feel that it is just a smart business move to make all your guest posters contributors as apposed to letting them have an authors role. I do not like the fact that they can delete an already published post.
- If you are interested in submitting an article to this website please see our guest post page. We usually have bonuses and competitions in the the guest posting section.
My REPORTS are already FREE so you only need to sign up here if you are:
- Serious about building websites and making money.
- An action taker!
- Not a time waster.
- A positive person.
This post was written by...
mitz – who has written 197 posts on Lets Build Websites.
I am addicted to internet marketing and making money online. Who wouldn't want to live that life? I started out with one website as a hobby and now have over 20. Building websites and making money online is not that hard. You have to actually take action to make money...that is the biggest hurdle! :)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m new to accepting guest bloggers/asking for contributions to my blog. Like you, I did not want to give “outsiders” control of my blog (and still don’t). so thanks for the tidbits of info and guidance. It’s mucho helpful… ~JMW~
I was very Confused for my guest posts then after searching on the internet i came across this Wonderful post. Everything is explained here in a very good manner.
Now i will make Guest Post at my Blog as contributor only.
I am looking for good Guest Contributors for my blog. If anyone interested he/she can mail me at
kulwantnagi2003@yahoo.com
Hi Mitz,
I’m considering of accepting guest post in my blog and apparently our webmaster is still on leave. This is definitely what we need – a detailed explanation and a guide on how to do it. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!
This is just what i needed to know. I’m setting up my first blog about dogs. i want people to have a place to post pictures and tell the story of their dog. i didn’t know the difference between author and contributor. i think I’ll take your lead and make them a contributor when they register. I can always bump trustworthy people up to author if desired.
Thanks for the good explanation of the differences between Author vs. Contributor role in Wordpress.
Was adding a guest blogger to a new site of mine and didn’t know the difference. Thx again!
Cheers,
Missy
Missy recently posted..Contributor Vs Editor Vs Author in Wordpress
{ 2 trackbacks }