How to Allow Users to Submit Posts to Your WordPress Site (In-Depth Guide)

Want to supercharge your WordPress site by letting users create content and join your community?

Enabling user post submissions can significantly grow your site‘s readership, engagement, and authority. But it takes the right approach.

In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share how to safely and effectively allow user-generated content based on my 15 years of experience running WordPress sites.

The Powerful Benefits of User Post Submissions

Before we dig into the how-to, let‘s look at some of the data around why you should consider allowing user posts:

• Sites that incorporate user generated content see up to 86% more site traffic than those that don‘t according to statistics from SocialReport.org.

• User generated content results in up to 4x more conversions because of increased trust and engagement.

• The content volume on your site can easily double or triple with regular user contributors.

• User generated posts help diversify the topics and perspectives covered on your site.

• It helps build a sense of community when users can actively participate.

If you want faster content growth, search engine optimization (SEO) benefits, and an engaged audience – then letting users submit posts is a proven way to make that happen.

Step 1: Choosing the Best Plugin for User Post Submissions

The first step is installing and configuring the plugin you‘ll use to accept posts from users. Let‘s compare the top two options:

WPForms

WPForms is the premium choice used by over 5 million websites. The Post Submissions addon enables powerful submission forms.

Pros:

• Custom drag-and-drop form builder
• Flexible form fields including images, categories, etc.
• Robust entry moderation options
• Spam protection with CAPTCHA
• Email and SMS form notifications
• Seamless integration and support

Cons:

• Paid plugin starting at $199 per year

User Submitted Posts

User Submitted Posts is a basic free plugin that adds a post submission form to your site.

Pros:

• Quick and easy basic setup
• Allow users to upload images
• Free to use

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Minimal spam protection
• No email notifications
• Lack of support

Plugin Comparison

Feature	WPForms	User Submitted Posts
Customizable submission form	Yes	No
Drag and drop form builder	Yes	No
File upload support	Yes	Yes
Spam protection	Yes	Limited
Email notifications	Yes	No
Conditional logic	Yes	No
Pricing	$199+/year	Free

As you can see, WPForms is the superior option if you‘re willing to invest in a premium tool. But the free User Submitted Posts works fine for basic needs.

My recommendation would be…

Step 2: Configuring Your Submission Plugin

Once installed, you need to dive into your plugin‘s settings and configure the key options for user post submissions.

General Settings

• Set submitted posts to "Pending Review" status instead of published. This allows you to moderate all content before it goes live.

• Enable reCAPTCHA for human verification on all submissions to prevent spam and bots.

• Require user login – This adds accountability by tracing posts back to registered users.

• Limit image uploads to 3 per post at max 2MB each. This prevents overload.

• Turn on email notifications to receive submission alerts. Set notifications to go to [email protected]

Form Builder

• Minimize form fields to only those needed: title, content, categories, tags, featured image, etc.

• Set default post author to "Site Admin" or the guest user you create.

• Add helper text and instructions in each field so users know what to enter.

Take the time to thoroughly configure your plugin settings upfront before accepting submissions.

Step 3: Placing the User Post Submission Form on Your Site

To actually add the submission form to your site, there are a couple options:

Option 1) Add the plugin‘s shortcode to an existing page. For example, with WPForms:

[wpforms id="1322"]

Option 2) Create a new Forms page and use the plugin‘s block in the editor to display the form.

Either way works great, so use whatever fits best with your site. I‘d suggest adding a link in your main menu so users can easily find and access the form.

Step 4: Reviewing, Moderating, and Publishing User Posts

Once your form is live, submitted posts will need to be moderated and approved before going fully public. Here are some tips on managing user-generated content:

• Check your pending submissions at least 2-3 times per week. The frequency will depend on volume.

• Quickly scan each submission and reject any clearly unacceptable posts.

• For good posts, read the full content and polish any spelling/grammar issues if needed.

• Feature strong posts prominently on your blog, social media, etc. This encourages users to keep submitting content.

• Reply to users when you publish or reject their posts so they get feedback and feel part of the community.

• If you build up a base of trusted users, consider automating publishing of their posts.

Finding the time to properly moderate and publish user generated content is crucial. But it leads to massive benefits for your site.

Advanced Tips to Further Drive User Engagement

Once you have the basics of user post submissions covered, here are some powerful tips to take it to the next level:

• Enable user profiles so contributors get recognition for their posts and bio pages on your site. Popular plugins like Ultimate Member or WP User Avatar make profiles easy to add.

• Build a vibrant community forum using bbPress where users can discuss post topics.

• Let users upload images/files to their own media galleries with plugins like User Media or User Photo Galleries.

• Send weekly digest emails highlighting top user posts and activity on your site.

• Feature a "contributor of the week" profile on your homepage or social media accounts.

• Provide small incentives for top contributors like discounts or prizes.

The more engaged users feel with your brand, the more they‘ll contribute high-quality content. Think about ways to spotlight your audience.

Common User Post Submission Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions around allowing users to submit posts:

What are the risks of enabling user generated content?

The main risk is low-quality or inappropriate content getting published if submissions aren‘t moderated. That‘s why a manual review process is so important for maintaining standards. Limiting user roles also helps minimize risk.

How do I motivate users to submit posts?

Let your audience know about the opportunity through emails, social media, and directly on your site. Make it quick and simple to submit posts. Highlight and recognize top contributors. Consider small incentives for active users.

How do I prevent spam and abuse?

Use CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA to verify users are human. Akismet also helps block spammy submissions. Limit frequency of submissions per user. Require user login/registration to add accountability.

What if I‘m not getting any user submissions?

Give it time after launching as it takes a while to gain traction. Promote the opportunity across all your channels. Make the form visible on your site. Offer incentives to your email list for initial submissions.

Can I allow submissions to a custom post type?

Yes! Most submission plugins let you configure the post type where submissions get saved – including any custom types you have registered.

Conclusion

Adding user generated content is one of the best ways to supercharge your WordPress site. You‘ll massively grow your content and build an engaged user community.

Just make sure to take the time to properly configure your chosen plugin, moderate all submissions, and recognize your contributors.

Have you enabled user post submissions on your site? I‘d love to hear your experience or any questions below!