This guide will walk you through the process of creating new users in WordPress. It’s written with simplicity in mind, so even if you’re new to WordPress or not very technically skilled, you’ll be able to follow along easily.
What You Need Before Starting
- Access to the WordPress Dashboard: You’ll need an administrator account to create new users.
- Details of the New User: Their email, name, and role (we’ll explain roles later).
Step 1: Log in to the WordPress Dashboard
- Open your web browser and go to your WordPress login page. Usually, it’s located at:
yourwebsite.com/wp-admin - Enter your username and password, then click Log In.
Step 2: Navigate to the Users Section
- Once logged in, look at the left-hand menu in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on Users, then select Add New from the dropdown or the top of the page.
Step 3: Fill Out the User Information
- On the Add New User page, you’ll see several fields. Here’s what to enter:
- Username: This is the unique name the user will use to log in. Avoid spaces or special characters.
- Email: Enter the user’s valid email address. They’ll use this for password recovery and notifications.
- First Name and Last Name: Optional but helpful for identifying users.
- Website: Leave this blank unless the user has a personal website.
- Password: WordPress will auto-generate a secure password. You can use it or create your own.
- Send the New User an Email: Check this box to email the user their login credentials.
Step 4: Assign a Role
Before you save, choose a role for the new user. Roles determine what they can do on your site:
- Administrator: Full access to everything on the site (only give this to trusted users).
- Editor: Can manage and publish all content, including posts and pages created by others.
- Author: Can write and publish their own posts.
- Contributor: Can write posts but not publish them.
- Subscriber: Can only read content and manage their profile.
Step 5: Save the User
- Double-check the details you’ve entered.
- Click the Add New User button at the bottom of the page.
Step 6: Inform the New User
The new user will receive an email with their username, password, and a link to log in to your WordPress site. Make sure they check their inbox (and spam folder, just in case).
Troubleshooting Tips
- Didn’t Receive the Email?
Resend it by going to the Users section, finding their account, and clicking Edit. Update their email and save changes. - Forgot Their Password?
The user can reset it via the login page by clicking Lost your password?.
Best Practices
- Use Strong Passwords: WordPress generates secure passwords; encourage users to use them.
- Limit Admin Roles: Only assign the Administrator role to trusted individuals.
- Regularly Review Users: Periodically check the Users section to remove inactive accounts.
By following these steps, you can confidently add new users to your WordPress site.