When creating a new post in WordPress it can be frustrating to find that it defaults to the Uncategorized category. This can harm SEO and make it difficult for users to navigate your site. The Uncategorized category is a default setting in WordPress that is used when a post is not assigned to a specific category.
The Uncategorized category can negatively impact your site’s SEO because it can make it difficult for search engines to understand the content and structure of your site. This can lead to lower search engine rankings and fewer visitors to your site.
Setting a default category
To set a default category in WordPress go to the Settings menu and click on Writing. From there, you can select the default category for new posts. This will ensure that all new posts are assigned to a specific category, rather than defaulting to Uncategorized.
Bulk-editing legacy posts
If you have a large number of legacy posts that are currently categorized as Uncategorized you can use the bulk edit feature in WordPress to quickly and easily reassign them to a new category. To do this, go to the Posts menu and select the posts you want to edit. Then, click on the Bulk Actions dropdown menu and select Edit. From there, you can select a new category for the posts and click Update to save the changes.
Creating a clean taxonomy
A clean taxonomy is essential for good SEO and user navigation. To create a clean taxonomy, start by reviewing your current categories and subcategories. Remove any categories that are no longer needed or that are duplicates. Then, create new categories and subcategories as needed to organize your content in a logical and consistent way.
Quick checks to prevent future mislabeling
To prevent future mislabeling, make sure to regularly review your posts and categories. Check for any posts that are still categorized as Uncategorized and reassign them to a new category as needed. You can also use the WordPress Category widget to display a list of categories on your site and make it easy for users to find related content.
