Spam is real
Everyone gets Spam, except maybe people who 1) don’t have email or 2) have never been on the Internet.
And you know this, because your mailbox gets flooded with discounted pharmacy offers or special requests to receive an African inheritance in your bank account, blablablah.
No matter how many policies in place to avoid spam and junk mail, this trend is not going to stop (ever?). It’s terrible to be forced to put energy into cleaning up stuff you didn’t ask for in the first place. The nerve!
For every problem there is a solution however, and luckily there are great tools available to reduce or eliminate the quantity of spam we are getting. Gmail is great for filtering your emails for Spam, although some may slip through the net. Here’s an article with applicable tips to help screen emails for Spam.
Thanks to WordPress plugin developers who created tools to help keep the comments area of your site safe and spam-free too. If you don’t have one in place yet, don’t wait any longer because spam is not only a nuisance, but hackers can use it as a tool to get into your site and create havoc!
Anti-spam filters for WordPress
Some plugins to keep spam out are easy to install and set up, others may require registration or payment. The decision will depend on the type of website you run and that is up to you. If you’re a hobby blogger, then I’d suggest to go for the easy and free to use options. On the other hand, if you provide services or sell products, you may be better off investing a bit in your anti-spam solution.
Make sure to use a plugin that is up to date and well supported. This tip applies to any WordPress plugin by the way. I’ve used various plugins that worked well in the past, but were no longer supported or updated. If this is the case you’re better off finding another solution. Once you’ve installed the new one, deactivate and delete the outdated plugin. Leaving outdated plugins on your site is asking for trouble. Developers update plugins to close any loopholes that may be exploited by hackers; don’t become a victim!
4 plugins for anti-spam
- Akismet is the top plugin created by Automattic, the makers of WP and comes pre-installed. You can get the free or paid version of Akismet, but will be required to register for an API number to activate the plugin for screening your comments. Go to Akismet
- Anti-spam Bee is an alternative to Akismet, but you don’t have to register to use the plugin. This Bee is one of the most popular plugins that will keep your site buzzing, just not with spam. Learn more about Anti-spam Bee
- Anti-spam by Webvitaly is very easy to use, but blocks spam in the comments section only. This plugin has a paid version as well. Visit Anti-spam by Webvitaly
- Anti-spam by CleanTalk seems to be fairly new. It is a comprehensive plugin that covers contact form and registration spam, as well as the comments area. This plugin offers a very reasonable paid solution after a free trial. Go to: Anti-spam by CleanTalk
We’ve had great experiences with the first two listed, but after doing some research we found number 3 & 4 to be good options as well.
Now go check out these plugins and/or let us know in the comments below what you are using to keep your website free of spam.
Have a great week!
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