WordPress is one of the most widely used content management systems in the world. The ease of use of the software as well as the fact that the CMS is completely free are just some of the advantages that speak for WordPress. However, one feature that is often underestimated is the user management of WordPress.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system. Once installed, the software offers you the complete framework of a websitewithout any programming knowledge or expertise in languages like HTML, CSS or PHP. All you need to do after installation is insert the content and configure WordPress. Supported content includes text, videos or images. This content is easily entered via an editor, similar to MS Word, using the keyboard and can also be changed as desired. So updates of the website are also possible without having to change the code of the website.
WordPress and users
WordPress was designed as a blogging software and is also considered a multi-user program. That means WordPress supports the use of multiple users with the software. In general, two types of users must be distinguished: the so-called frontend users, who can access functions such as login, downloads or special information via the homepage, and the backend users, who can make changes to the page, content and configuration via a special administration environment. Any number of users can be created.
User groups in WordPress
WordPress generally divides users into different user groups. A user group serves as a rough way to divide users into certain categories. For example there are administrators, authors and the registered user. Depending on the website and the installed extensions, there can also be other groups, for example for special users with subscription, which gives access to certain functions that are not available for ordinary users. You can assign rights, possibilities and functions to each user group, which are then applied to all users in that group. Examples could be special menus, such as a download section for registered users or the ability to create new posts.
User administration with WordPress
WordPress already allows a simple user administration from the start, which should be sufficient for many websites. You can divide users into groups and restrict access to your site according to the group. For example, you can allow a registered "regular" user to comment on your posts or you can specify that such a user receives your newsletter. Users in the Authors group, on the other hand, can be allowed to add their own contributions to your site. This is useful for news articles, a blog, etc. User groups also give users certain rights that other groups do not have. You can define this according to your needs. For example, you could use a moderator group to review and approve posts by authors. Only with this approval do such articles become visible.
The WordPress user administration, which comes with the software, is relatively easy to use and limited in its functionality. Do you want a reliable software for User administrationwhich can be used in complex situations and can be configured as freely as possible, then add-ons are available for this purpose. In addition, some add-ons, such as the Magento Shop extension, extend the user groups and their rights so that the software works accordingly.
Advantages of the user administration
The advantages of user administration are obvious: Once you have configured your user groups correctly, you can control access to your site individually. You can define exactly what he can see or download and who can do what on or with your website. Appoint authors who create content, other administrators who help you manage it, etc. In this way you can create a complex team of users for your individual requirements and needs. User management also guarantees a certain security for your website, as you can not only restrict access and functions, but also release them as required. For example, you can appoint an author who has access to a certain category of texts without having to worry about the rest of your website, for example because you would have to give administrator rights to the user.
