WordPress lets you assign authors to your posts and pages, which helps differentiate content from various writers or contributors. Changing an author’s name can be more beneficial than it seems. For example, it can give the impression of having more contributors than you do. In this piece, we’ll walk you through how to change the author name in WordPress.
Benefits of Changing Author Names
a). Enhanced Credibility
By using different author names, you can establish multiple credible identities, each with its unique expertise and perspective. This promotes trust and authority among your audience.
b). Content Diversification
Changing author names allows you to present diverse content that caters to different audiences. Each author can specialize in a specific niche or writing style, broadening the appeal of your publications.
c). Author Recognition
By attributing content to specific authors, you grant them recognition for their contributions. This encourages authors to excel in their writing and build their brand.
d). SEO Optimization
Search engines prioritize content with clear authorship. Changing author names allows you to optimize your content for multiple keywords and domains, improving visibility in search results.
e). Increased Reach
By using different author names, you can tap into multiple target audiences. Each author’s reputation and following can extend the reach of your content and attract a wider readership.
f). Enhanced Collaboration
Changing author names facilitates collaboration among multiple writers. Authors can contribute to different sections of a project while maintaining their identities and expertise.
g). Increased Flexibility
By having multiple author names, you can adapt to changing project requirements or unforeseen circumstances. If an author becomes unavailable, you can easily transition to another without disrupting the flow of content creation.
h). Protected Privacy
In some cases, changing author names can protect the privacy of writers who prefer to remain anonymous or avoid potential conflicts of interest.
i). Avoidance of Bias
By concealing the true identity of authors, you can minimize potential biases or preconceptions that may influence the reader’s perception of the content.
j). improved Accessibility
By using diverse author names that represent different cultural backgrounds or perspectives, you can make your content more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience.
How to change the Author’s name in WordPress
Method 1: Changing the Author Name via the User Profile
1. Log In to Your WordPress Admin Dashboard
Go to `yourwebsite.com/wp-admin` and enter your admin credentials.
2. Go to the Users Section
In the left-hand menu, hover over or click on Users
Select All Users.
3. Edit the User Profile
Find the user whose name you want to change.
Click on their username or the Edit link that appears when you hover over their name.
4. Update the Display Name
On the user profile page, scroll down to the Name section. You’ll see fields for First Name, Last Name, and a drop-down menu for Display Name Publicly.
Change the Display Name Publicly field to the desired author name. This is the name that will appear on posts and other content.
5. Save Changes
– Scroll down and click the Update User button to save your changes.
Method 2: Changing the Author for Individual Posts
This method is ideal for scenarios where you need to reassign a specific post to a different author.
1. Access the Posts Section
Begin by logging into your WordPress dashboard. From the main menu on the left-hand side, select Posts.
This will display a list of all your posts.
2. Choose the Post to Edit
Find and click on the title of the post you wish to reassign.
This action will open the post editor, where you can make various modifications to the post.
3. Locate the Author Field
Within the post editor, locate the Author field. Depending on your WordPress setup, this field may be found in the right sidebar, or it might be situated below the main content editor area. The exact placement can vary based on your theme and plugins.
4. Select a New Author
Click on the dropdown menu in the Author field. A list of available authors will appear. Scroll through the list and select the author to whom you wish to assign the post.
5. Save Your Changes
After selecting the new author, ensure you save the changes by clicking the Update button located in the upper-right corner of the post editor. This action will apply the new author assignment to the post and preserve all other modifications you’ve made.
Method 3: Using a Plugin
WordPress plugins provide a simple alternative for individuals who prefer a more organized approach to author management. These programs have user-friendly interfaces for managing author details efficiently.
Choosing and Installing an Author Management Plugin.
Identify Suitable Plugins
Conduct research and choose a plugin that meets your specific requirements. Popular plugins include
a). Co-Authors Plus
It is great for websites with numerous contributors on a single post.
b). PublishPress Authors
This is the best plugin for adding authors, co-authors, multiple authors, and guest authors to WordPress posts.
Access the plugin directory
Go to your WordPress dashboard, then to Plugins > Add New.
Look for the Plugin
Use the search bar to locate the desired plugin (for example, Co-Authors Plus).
Install and Activate
For the chosen plugin, click Install Now, then Activate once installation is complete.
Configuring and Using the Plugin
Plugin Setup
After activation, most plugins offer a configuration screen. Access this page to customize settings based on your preferences.
✔Create author profiles using the plugin’s interface.
This normally includes the author’s name, bio, website, and other pertinent information.
✔Assigning Authors to Posts
Use the plugin’s features to add authors to specific posts or pages. Some plugins support multiple writers per post.
✔Managing Author Information
Access the plugin’s management area to update author information such as names, bios, and website URLs.
Additional Considerations:
✔Plugin Features
Investigate the exact features provided by your preferred plugin. Examples may include author archives, personalized author templates, or social media integration.
✔Plugin Support
If you have any problems or inquiries, consult the plugin’s manual or the support forums.
✔Compatibility
Confirm that the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version and other current plugins.
✔Performance
Think about how the plugin may affect the performance of your website, especially if it receives a lot of traffic.
Conclusion
Changing the author name in WordPress is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods depending on your needs. Whether you choose to update author names via the WordPress dashboard, use a plugin for more extensive changes, or directly edit user profiles, the key is to ensure that the change is consistent and accurately reflects your site’s content and authorship. By carefully following these steps, you can maintain the integrity of your site’s authorship and improve the overall user experience. Regularly reviewing and updating author information can also contribute to a more professional and organized website.
