Organizing your content is key to running a successful WordPress site. You can add categories and subcategories to help your visitors find what they need more easily.
This structure not only improves navigation but also betters the overall user experience.
Creating categories allows you to group similar posts, making your blog more organized and accessible. You can even create subcategories for more specific topics.
This way, your readers can easily locate related content without going through unrelated posts.
In this blog, you will learn how to add categories and subcategories in WordPress. With just a few clicks, you can improve the navigation of your site and keep your content well-structured.
Let’s get started!
What are Categories in WordPress?
Categories are a way to organize your content in WordPress.
When you publish a blog post, you can assign it to one or more categories based on the topic it covers. This categorization helps users find relevant content without manually searching through all your posts.
For example, a food blog might have categories like Recipes, Healthy Eating, and Kitchen Tips, allowing readers to browse topics that interest them.
Categories also improve site navigation by creating archive pages where visitors can see all posts under a specific category.
What are the benefits of using Categories?
- Improved SEO: Well-structured categories can help your site rank better in search engines. As search engines find it easier to index your posts.
- User-Friendly: Categories make your site easier to use. Visitors can find related content without navigating through all your posts.
- Navigation: Using categories improves navigation. Visitors can quickly see what topics you cover, improving their experience on your site.
How to Add Categories in WordPress?
You can easily add categories from your WordPress dashboard itself.
To do so, go to your WordPress admin area. Navigate to Posts and then click on Categories.
In the Add New Category section, you’ll see the following options:
- Name – Enter the category name.
- Slug – Fill in the slug, which is the part of the URL for this category.
- Description – You can add a description of a category for better clarity on your site.
Once you’ve filled in these fields, click on Add New Category. This newly created category will now appear in the list and is ready for use in your posts.
Recommended Read: Discover the best free SEO plugins for your WordPress website.
What are Subcategories in WordPress?
In WordPress, subcategories are a way to organize and structure content within a category.
They allow you to create a hierarchy of categories, making it easier for users to navigate your site and find related content.
Subcategories help you organize content more effectively in WordPress. They allow you to create a structured way to group your posts, making it easier for readers to find related content.
How to Add Subcategories in WordPress?
To add a subcategory, start by navigating to the Categories section in your WordPress dashboard. Click on Add New Category. Enter the name of your subcategory in the name field.
Below this, you will see an option for Parent Category. Select the category that you want this subcategory to belong to. This creates a hierarchy among your categories.
Be specific and clear when naming subcategories. For example, if your main category is “Fruits,” a good subcategory could be “Citrus” for posts about oranges and lemons.
This organization helps users locate specific topics quickly.
Below is the screenshot of adding the ‘Citrus’ subcategory to the parent category – ‘Fruits.’
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How to add Subcategories to posts?
Once you have created your subcategories, assigning posts to them is easy.
While editing a post, look to the right side of the screen for the Categories panel. You will see the list of existing categories and subcategories you’ve created.
To add a subcategory to a post, check the box next to the desired subcategory. You can select multiple subcategories if needed. This allows for greater flexibility in organizing your content.
After you save or update your post, it will appear under the selected subcategory. This makes it easier for your audience to find related articles.
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Wrapping Up
Adding categories in WordPress is straightforward and improves your site’s organization and user experience. By effectively categorizing your posts, you make it easier for visitors to navigate your content and find topics of interest.
Plus, if you have an Elementor-based website and want to display your categories beautifully, we have something for you – Dynamic Category Listing by The Plus Addons for Elementor.
With this, you can display categories in grid or masonry listing options for any type of your custom posts. You can also check the demos available in the widget.
Dynamic Category is just one of the 120+ widgets provided by The Plus Addons for Elementor.
The plugin provides more useful widgets like Listing with Ajax Search Bar & 15+ Filters, Testimonial Grid, Testimonial Carousel, and more that can help you display your posts in a more presentable way and make your website more functional.
Check out the Complete List of 120+ Widgets and Extensions here. Start building your dream website without coding!
FAQs on Adding Categories and Subcategories in WordPress
Is it possible to edit or delete categories in WordPress?
Yes, you can edit or delete categories by going to the Categories section in your dashboard. Hover over the category you want to edit or delete, and you will see options to do so.
How do categories affect SEO in WordPress?
Properly using categories can improve your site’s SEO by helping search engines understand the structure of your content and making it easier for users to navigate your site.
How many categories should I create for my blog?
There is no strict limit, but it’s recommended to keep your categories focused and relevant. Aim for a manageable number that covers your main topics without overwhelming your readers.
Can I assign multiple categories to a single post?
Yes, you can assign multiple categories to a single post. This allows you to categorize your content more precisely and helps readers find related posts more easily.
How do I display categories on my WordPress site?
You can display categories in various ways, such as using the Categories widget, adding a category menu to your navigation, or including category links in your posts.
What is the difference between categories and tags in WordPress?
Categories are meant for broad grouping of your posts, while tags are more specific and describe the details of your posts. Categories are hierarchical, allowing for subcategories, while tags are non-hierarchical.
Can I change the name of a category after it has been created?
Yes, you can change the name of a category. Go to the Categories section, find the category you want to edit, and click on the “Edit” link. You can then update the name and description.
How do I delete a category in WordPress?
To delete a category, navigate to the Categories section, hover over the category you wish to delete, and click the “Delete” link. Be cautious, as this action may remove all posts assigned to that category.
Will deleting a category delete the posts assigned to it?
No, deleting a category will not delete the posts assigned to it. The posts will remain on your site but will no longer be categorized under that specific category.
