How to Delete an Uncategorised Category in WordPress
In WordPress, every post must be assigned a category. If you don’t assign a category when creating a post, it defaults to the “Uncategorised” category. Over time, you may want to delete this category, especially if you’ve created new categories and wish to streamline your site. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete the “Uncategorised” category and best practices for WordPress and SEO.
Step 1: Log into Your WordPress Dashboard
1. Open your web browser and navigate to your WordPress login page (typically `yourdomain.com/wp-admin`).
2. Enter your username and password, then click the “Log In” button.
Step 2: Navigate to Categories
1. In the left sidebar of your dashboard, hover over **Posts**.
2. Click on **Categories** from the dropdown menu. This will take you to the Categories page, where you can view and manage all your existing categories.
Step 3: Understand the Default “Uncategorised” Category
1. On the Categories page, you will see a list of categories. The “Uncategorised” category is usually the first one listed.
2. Before deleting it, ensure that all posts currently assigned to “Uncategorised” are reassigned to other categories.
Step 4: Reassign Posts from “Uncategorised”
1. Click on **Posts** in the left sidebar to view all your posts.
2. Use the filter options or search bar to locate posts assigned to “Uncategorised”.
3. Edit each post by clicking on its title.
4. In the post editor, find the **Categories** section on the right side. Uncheck the “Uncategorised” category and select an appropriate category for each post.
5. Click the **Update** button to save your changes for each post.
Step 5: Delete the “Uncategorised” Category
1. Once all posts have been reassigned, return to the **Categories** page.
2. Hover over the “Uncategorised” category and click on the **Delete** link that appears.
3. Confirm the deletion if prompted. The “Uncategorised” category should now be removed from your list of categories.
Best Practices for WordPress and SEO
1. **Use Descriptive Categories**: Ensure that your categories accurately represent the content of your posts. This helps improve user experience and makes your site easier to navigate.
2. **Limit Category Use**: Aim for a maximum of 5-10 categories. Too many categories can confuse users and dilute your content’s focus, affecting SEO negatively.
3. **Regularly Review Your Categories**: Periodically check your categories to ensure they are relevant and not overly complex. This helps maintain a clean and user-friendly site.
4. **Avoid Duplicate Categories**: Ensure that each category is unique and serves a distinct purpose. This prevents confusion for both users and search engines.
5. **Use Categories for SEO Benefits**: Well-organised categories can improve your site’s SEO by making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your content.
Conclusion
You’ve successfully deleted the “Uncategorised” category from your WordPress site! By following best practices for category management, you can enhance both user experience and SEO. Regularly review and refine your categories to keep your site organised and effective. Happy blogging!