{"id":465,"date":"2026-09-15T10:31:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/?p=465"},"modified":"2026-09-21T11:17:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:17:37","slug":"disable-wordpress-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/disable-wordpress-comments\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Disable WordPress Comments Or Manage Them More Effectively?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article will show you how to disable WordPress comments and manage them more effectively. Comments can be one of the most useful features of a WordPress site, or one of the most draining. They allow readers to ask questions, share views, and build community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can also invite spam, abuse, and hours of clean-up. So, the real question isn&#8217;t only how to disable comments in WordPress. It&#8217;s whether to switch them off, moderate them, or keep them open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide assists South African site owners to make that call and act on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disable comments in WordPress where they only attract spam and bring extra work. However, keep them where they add value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moderation often beats removal. Approving comments and filtering spam keeps genuine discussion without switching everything off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Closing, hiding, and deleting are all different. Closing stops new replies, hiding removes them from view, and deleting erases them for good.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turning comments off won&#8217;t stop every type of spam. Contact forms, fake sign-ups, and bots can still get through.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comments don&#8217;t decide your rankings, but deleting a useful discussion can change how a page ranks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Future-post settings don&#8217;t affect existing posts, WooCommerce reviews can switch off by accident, and POPIA makes you responsible for personal data in comments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h4>TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h4><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#key-takeaways\">KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#role-of-comments-on-a-word-press-website\">Role of Comments on a WordPress Website<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#when-comments-are-worth-keeping\">When Comments Are Worth Keeping<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#when-word-press-comment-moderation-outweighs-its-value\">When WordPress Comment Moderation Outweighs Its Value<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#disable-comments-or-moderate-them\">Disable Comments or Moderate Them?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#closing-vs-hiding-vs-deleting-comments\">Closing vs Hiding vs Deleting Comments<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-ways-to-disable-comments-in-word-press\">4 Ways to Disable Comments in WordPress<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#stop-comments-on-future-posts\">Stop Comments on Future Posts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#close-comments-on-existing-posts-or-pages\">Close Comments on Existing Posts or Pages<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#use-a-dedicated-plugin\">Use a Dedicated Plugin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#apply-custom-code\">Apply Custom Code<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-turning-off-word-press-comments-wont-stop-all-spam\">Why Turning Off WordPress Comments Won&#8217;t Stop All Spam<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#better-alternatives-to-completely-disabling-word-press-comments\">Better Alternatives to Completely Disabling WordPress Comments<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#require-manual-approval\">Require Manual Approval<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#hold-comments-containing-links\">Hold Comments Containing Links<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#use-a-spam-filtering-plugin\">Use a Spam-Filtering Plugin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#close-comments-on-older-posts\">Close Comments on Older Posts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#require-registration-or-login\">Require Registration or Login<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#allow-comments-on-selected-content-only\">Allow Comments on Selected Content Only<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#comments-seo-what-actually-matters\">Comments &amp; SEO: What Actually Matters<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#performance-maintenance-website-security\">Performance, Maintenance, &amp; Website Security<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#popia-personal-information-in-comments\">POPIA &amp; Personal Information in Comments<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-south-african-businesses-should-consider\">What South African Businesses Should Consider<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#woo-commerce-reviews-multisite-need-extra-care\">WooCommerce Reviews &amp; Multisite Need Extra Care<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#plugin-or-custom-code-for-site-wide-control\">Plugin or Custom Code for Site-Wide Control?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#common-mistakes-to-avoid\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quick-decision-framework-post-change-checklist\">Quick Decision Framework &amp; Post-Change Checklist<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#final-thoughts-how-to-choose-the-best-comment-setup-for-your-website\">Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Comment Setup for Your Website<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-choose-the-perfect-domain-name\">Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faqs-1\">FAQS<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#o\">Other Blogs of Interest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"role-of-comments-on-a-word-press-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role of Comments on a WordPress Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By default, every new WordPress post can accept comments below the content. This offers readers space to respond, ask questions, and talk to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-run WordPress comments turn a one-way article into a two-way conversation. They surface feedback you would miss by email and help readers feel involved. If placed on the wrong page, that same space requires monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"when-comments-are-worth-keeping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Comments Are Worth Keeping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some sites gain real value from discussion, so switching comments off costs more than it saves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blogs, publications, and thought-leadership sites flourish on debate. A strong opinion piece draws thoughtful responses that extend the article and make readers return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Educational and community sites also benefit. Comments let people ask questions, assist each other, and keep a topic alive after publishing. South African training providers and local-interest publishers see this often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product, tutorial, and support content also learn from comments. Repeated questions or reported errors show where a guide needs work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"when-word-press-comment-moderation-outweighs-its-value\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When WordPress Comment Moderation Outweighs Its Value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many business sites, open comments offer more problems than benefits, especially service sites, brochure sites, and campaign pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress comment spam is the most common issue. Bots post junk and links to lift their own rankings, and someone clears it out daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Off-topic responses are another drain. Unrelated chatter pulls attention from the page and confuses new visitors. Capacity also matters. Most small teams can&#8217;t review comments properly, so abusive posts slip through and harm trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a quote or landing page, comments also sit outside the path to enquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"disable-comments-or-moderate-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disable Comments or Moderate Them?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Removing comments isn&#8217;t the only fix; often the smarter move is to keep them and control them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disabling comments makes sense when:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The comments are consistently irrelevant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your site isn&#8217;t built around community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your team can&#8217;t moderate reliably.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spam clearly outweighs genuine discussion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comments create legal, reputational, or support risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your main conversion path happens elsewhere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Moderation is the better option when:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Genuine reader questions add value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to grow a community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comments support tutorials or learning content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have the people to review them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your audience expects to join in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decide which set suits before you disable comments in WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"closing-vs-hiding-vs-deleting-comments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing vs Hiding vs Deleting Comments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These three actions sound similar but differ a lot, so consider each before changing anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Closing Comments:<\/strong> Stops new submissions but usually keeps the existing discussion on the page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hiding Comments:<\/strong> Removes them from public view without deleting the records in your database. You can restore them later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deleting Comments:<\/strong> This action is permanent. It wipes replies for good and can erase useful customer queries, feedback, and years of genuine discussion. Choose it carefully.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-ways-to-disable-comments-in-word-press\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 Ways to Disable Comments in WordPress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are multiple ways to turn off comments in WordPress. The right one depends on how much you want to switch off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"stop-comments-on-future-posts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop Comments on Future Posts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In your WordPress Dashboard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Settings \u2192 Discussion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Untick <strong>Allow people to submit comments on new posts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This affects new content only.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-01.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Stop Comments on Future Posts\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Stop Comments on Future Posts\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"close-comments-on-existing-posts-or-pages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Close Comments on Existing Posts or Pages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To close comments on your already published pages and posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Posts \u2192 All Posts<\/strong> (or <strong>Pages \u2192 All Pages<\/strong> if working with pages).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select all the items.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose <strong>Bulk actions \u2192 Bulk Edit<\/strong> and click <strong>Apply<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set <strong>Comments<\/strong> to <strong>Do not allow<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Update<\/strong> to save changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-02.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Close Comments on Existing Posts\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Close Comments on Existing Posts\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To close comments on a specific published post\/page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hover over your <strong>target post\/page<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Quick Edit<\/strong> and uncheck <strong>Allow Comments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Update<\/strong> to save changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-03.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Don't Allow Comments on a Single Published Post\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Don't Allow Comments on a Single Published Post\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"use-a-dedicated-plugin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use a Dedicated Plugin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/disable-comments\/\" alt=\"Link to WordPress.org - Disable Comments - Remove Comments and Stop Spam - Multi-Site Support\" title=\"WordPress.org - Disable Comments - Remove Comments and Stop Spam - Multi-Site Support\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Disable Comments<\/a> plugin can switch comments off across the site or by content type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install the <strong>Disable Comments<\/strong> plugin on your site. Our guide on <a href=\"\/knowledgebase\/wordpress\/install-wordpress-plugin\/\" alt=\"Link to Knowledgebase - How To Install A WordPress Plugin\" title=\"Domains.co.za - How To Install A WordPress Plugin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to install WordPress plugins<\/a> covers the setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After installation, go to <strong>Settings \u2192 Disable Comments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose options based on your requirements. To disable comments on your entire site, select <strong>Everywhere<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">On the <strong>DELETE COMMENTS<\/strong> tab, you can permanently delete comments from a specific content type or from your entire website.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-04.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Disable Comments Using Plugin\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Disable Comments Using Plugin\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"apply-custom-code\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apply Custom Code<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you prefer a lightweight approach without installing plugins, a developer can add custom PHP code to your child theme&#8217;s <strong>functions.php<\/strong> file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stops comments on existing content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevents new comments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removes comment support from post types,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hides existing comments on the front end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removes the <strong>Comments<\/strong> menu and icon from the admin dashboard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can edit the <strong>functions.php<\/strong> file <a href=\"\/knowledgebase\/hosting\/use-file-manager-in-cpanel\/\" alt=\"Link to Knowledgebase - How To Use File Manager In cPanel\" title=\"Domains.co.za - How To Use File Manager In cPanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">using File Manager<\/a> and an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>```php\n\n<?php\n\n\/**\n\n\u00a0* Completely disable comments, trackbacks, and comment admin UI in WordPress.\n\n\u00a0*\/\n\nadd_action('init', function () {<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Disable comment support for all post types<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>$post_types = get_post_types();\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 foreach ($post_types as $post_type) {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 if (post_type_supports($post_type, 'comments')) {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 remove_post_type_support($post_type, 'comments');\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 remove_post_type_support($post_type, 'trackbacks');\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 }\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 }\n\n});<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Close comments and pingbacks on the front end<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>add_filter('comments_open', '__return_false', 20, 2);\n\nadd_filter('pings_open', '__return_false', 20, 2);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Hide existing comments on the front end<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>add_filter('comments_array', '__return_empty_array', 10, 2);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Remove the Comments menu page from the WordPress Admin Dashboard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>add_action('admin_menu', function () {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 remove_menu_page('edit-comments.php');\n\n});<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. Remove the Comments icon\/link from the Admin Bar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>add_action('wp_before_admin_bar_render', function () {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 global $wp_admin_bar;\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $wp_admin_bar->remove_menu('comments');\n\n});<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6. Redirect any user trying to access the edit-comments page directly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>add_action('admin_init', function () {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 global $pagenow;\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 if ($pagenow === 'edit-comments.php') {\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 wp_safe_redirect(admin_url());\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 exit;\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 }\n\n});\n\n```<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-turning-off-word-press-comments-wont-stop-all-spam\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Turning Off WordPress Comments Won't Stop All Spam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Switching comments off seems a clean fix for spam, but it only closes one door. Bots have others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turning comments off won't stop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contact-form spam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake account registrations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trackback and pingback abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bot form submissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email spam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WooCommerce review spam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forum or membership spam,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To cut spam properly, you still need form protection, registration controls, and site-wide filtering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"better-alternatives-to-completely-disabling-word-press-comments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Better Alternatives to Completely Disabling WordPress Comments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If comments still add value, WordPress comment moderation keeps control without losing the discussion. There are various built-in options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"require-manual-approval\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Require Manual Approval<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing appears until you approve it. To do this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click <strong>Comments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hover over your target comment and click <strong>Approve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This stops spam completely but adds a daily review job.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-05.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Manually Approve Comments\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Manually Approve Comments\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"hold-comments-containing-links\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hold Comments Containing Links<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Navigate to <strong>WordPress Dashboard \u2192 Settings \u2192 Discussion<\/strong>, queue any comment with <strong>n<\/strong> links so promotional spam gets caught first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a comment includes any listed word in the message, author name, URL, email, IP address, or browser info, it will go to the moderation queue for review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Put one word or IP address per line. Note that partial matches count; for example, '<em>press<\/em>' will flag '<em>WordPress<\/em>'.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-06.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Hold Comments Containing Links\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Hold Comments Containing Links\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"use-a-spam-filtering-plugin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use a Spam-Filtering Plugin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Install a dedicated anti-spam plugin like <a href=\"https:\/\/akismet.com\/\" alt=\"Link to Akismet - Spam Protection for Websites\" title=\"Akismet - Spam Protection for Websites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Akismet<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/antispam-bee\/\" alt=\"Link to WordPress - Antispam Bee\" title=\"WordPress - Antispam Bee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Antispam Bee<\/a> to automatically filter out bot submissions. Always verify their current features and licensing structure before committing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here's how to set it up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install <strong>Akismet<\/strong> or <strong>Antispam Bee<\/strong>, then activate it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to the plugin's settings page (under <strong>Settings \u2192 Akismet Anti-Spam<\/strong> or <strong>Settings \u2192 Antispam Bee<\/strong>) to configure your filtering rules.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-07.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Set Filter Rules in Akismet and Antispam Bee Plugin\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Set Filter Rules in Akismet and Antispam Bee Plugin\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"close-comments-on-older-posts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Close Comments on Older Posts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older articles are primary targets for automated spam bots. However, setting WordPress to automatically close comments after a specific timeframe keeps active discussions open on new posts while reducing long-term moderation overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here's how to do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Settings \u2192 Discussion.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under <strong>Other comment settings<\/strong>, check the box for <strong>Automatically close comments on old posts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter your desired number of days (e.g., 14, 30, or 60).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Save Changes<\/strong> at the bottom of the page.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-08.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Close Comments on Older Posts\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Close Comments on Older Posts\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"require-registration-or-login\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Require Registration or Login<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restricting comments to logged-in users stops automated spambots in their tracks, though it adds friction that may discourage genuine readers from participating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Settings \u2192 Discussion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check <strong>Users must be registered and logged in to comment<\/strong> under <strong>Other comment settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-12.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - User Must Be Registered or Logged in to Post a Comment\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - User Must Be Registered or Logged in to Post a Comment\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"allow-comments-on-selected-content-only\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allow Comments on Selected Content Only<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep comment sections active on your blog posts while disabling them on static pages, landing pages, and legal notices where reader discussion isn't required. Here\u2019s how to do this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To do it globally for future static pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Settings \u2192 Discussion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find <strong>Default post settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncheck <strong>Allow people to submit comments on new posts<\/strong> and save your changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then, manually check the box on individual blog posts where you do want comments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-09.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Allow Comments on Specific Content Only\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Allow Comments on Specific Content Only\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, to do it per page or post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hover over your post\/page and click <strong>Quick Edit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncheck <strong>Allow Comments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Update<\/strong> to apply changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-10.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Don't Allow Comments on Checkout Pages\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Don't Allow Comments on Checkout Pages\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"comments-seo-what-actually-matters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comments &amp; SEO: What Actually Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The link between comments and rankings is real but often misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Useful comments add relevant supporting content. Genuine questions and answers deepen a topic and reveal the words your audience uses to search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low-quality comments do the opposite. Spam, copied text, stray links, and thin responses add no value and dilute a strong page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disabling comments doesn't cause a ranking penalty on its own. Comments are optional, so judge them by quality, not by whether search engines expect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Removing a large, useful discussion still changes the page, shifting its depth and the long-tail searches it once answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"performance-maintenance-website-security\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performance, Maintenance, &amp; Website Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comments affect how your site runs, though it's easy to overstate this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big comment database, avatars, anti-spam scripts, and notifications all add a little overhead. However, removing comments rarely brings a major speed boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Security also deserves a thought. Comments can carry spam links, social engineering attempts, and the usual risk of user-generated content. Still, a well-maintained WordPress site with proper moderation isn't inherently insecure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ever face an infection, our <a href=\"\/articles\/wordpress-malware-removal\/\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - A Malware-Infected WordPress Site Can Put Your Customers, Rankings, &amp; Business At Risk\" title=\"Domains.co.za - A Malware-Infected WordPress Site Can Put Your Customers, Rankings, &amp; Business At Risk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress malware removal guide<\/a> can help you recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"popia-personal-information-in-comments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">POPIA &amp; Personal Information in Comments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat this section as good practice, not legal advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When someone comments, they often share personal details without thinking. That matters under <a href=\"https:\/\/popia.co.za\/\" alt=\"Link to POPIA - POPIA\" title=\"POPIA - POPIA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa's POPIA rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single comment can hold a name, an email address, a website, IP-related records, and sometimes sensitive information in the message itself. As the site owner, you're responsible for how that data is stored and who can reach it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manage access, set a sensible retention approach, moderate what goes public, and be clear in your privacy notice about comment data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-south-african-businesses-should-consider\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What South African Businesses Should Consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local habits and business models should guide your strategy as much as any technical setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many South African service businesses do better with direct enquiries than public comments. A quote form, phone call, online booking, or WhatsApp message often leads to real work in a more reliable manner. Also, pairing your site with <a href=\"\/email-hosting\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za - Email Hosting\" title=\"Domains.co.za - Email Hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">professional email hosting for website enquiries<\/a> keeps those conversations organised.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/images\/kb\/Dom-Tut-014-11.png\" alt=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Professional Email Hosting in South Africa\" title=\"Should You Disable WordPress Comments or Manage Them More Effectively - Professional Email Hosting in South Africa\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Publishers and educational sites can go the other way. Local news, industry commentary, and training content often gain from open discussion. Most SMEs have no dedicated community manager, so don't open a channel you can't watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"woo-commerce-reviews-multisite-need-extra-care\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">WooCommerce Reviews &amp; Multisite Need Extra Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two setups need extra care before you change any comment settings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>WooCommerce product reviews are technically comments, but they have a different task; they build buyer trust and drive sales. A global comment setting or a broad plugin can switch reviews off by accident, so always check your product pages afterwards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WordPress Multisite adds another layer. Comment settings may need managing separately on each subsite, or through a network-compatible plugin. Our <a href=\"\/articles\/wordpress-multisite-setup\/ \" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - WordPress Multisite Can Simplify Multi-Website Management\" title=\"Domains.co.za - WordPress Multisite Can Simplify Multi-Website Management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress Multisite setup guide<\/a> shows how the network fits together first.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"plugin-or-custom-code-for-site-wide-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plugin or Custom Code for Site-Wide Control?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To control comments across an entire site, you will usually choose between a plugin and custom code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A plugin suits most people. It's easier for non-technical users, reversible, and can set rules by post type; many also support Multisite. The trade-off is another plugin to maintain and check for compatibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Custom code provides precise control with no extra plugin, but it requires development skill. A wrong edit can break your site, and theme edits can vanish after an update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That's why we always recommend working in a child theme and testing on <a href=\"\/knowledgebase\/wordpress\/wordpress-staging\/\" alt=\"Link to Knowledgebase - Setup A WordPress Staging Site\" title=\"Domains.co.za - Setup A WordPress Staging Site\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a staging site<\/a>. However, if you're new to site administration, take a moment to review the following guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/knowledgebase\/wordpress\/install-wordpress-theme\/\" alt=\"Link to Knowledgebase - How To Install A WordPress Theme\" title=\"Domains.co.za - How To Install A WordPress Theme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Install a WordPress Theme<\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/knowledgebase\/general\/backup-a-wordpress-website\/\" alt=\"Link to Knowledgebase - How To Backup A WordPress Website\" title=\"Domains.co.za - How To Backup A WordPress Website\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Back Up Your WordPress Site<\/a> before making major adjustments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This groundwork will help you manage WordPress comments safely and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"common-mistakes-to-avoid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few errors trip people up time and again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assuming future-post settings change existing posts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deleting comments when you meant to hide them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgetting custom post types.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switching off product reviews in error.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Editing a parent theme directly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installing an outdated plugin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgetting to clear the cache.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignoring pingbacks and trackbacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removing a valuable discussion without reading it first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leaving no other way for people to get in touch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"quick-decision-framework-post-change-checklist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Decision Framework &amp; Post-Change Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still unsure? Run through these questions, then use the checklist once you act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does your audience use the comments?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are the discussions relevant?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can your team moderate consistently?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do comments support the page's goal?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are comments mainly drawing spam or abuse?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Would another channel work better?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Should comments stay only on the blog?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Should older comments remain visible?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a change, confirm each item:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Test a new post.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review existing posts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check pages and custom post types.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm WooCommerce reviews still work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the mobile display.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear site and server cache.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review old comments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disable pingbacks if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm another contact channel is live.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch spam levels for a while.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steady WordPress website management comes down to these small checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"final-thoughts-how-to-choose-the-best-comment-setup-for-your-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Comment Setup for Your Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comments aren't good or bad by default. They are correct only when they suit your site's job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep them where they create genuine value: real questions, useful feedback, or an active community. Disable or limit them where they distract from the user journey or pile on work you cannot sustain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When code, caching, multisite, or custom post types make things tricky, lean on a developer or <a href=\"\/pages\/contact\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za - Contact Us\" title=\"Domains.co.za - Contact Us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domains.co.za support<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manage your WordPress site with greater confidence on a <a href=\"\/wordpress-hosting\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za - WordPress Hosting\" title=\"Domains.co.za - WordPress Hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reliable WordPress hosting foundation in South Africa<\/a> from <em>Domains.co.za<\/em>. It's built for local businesses, with secure infrastructure and practical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"\/wordpress-hosting\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za - WordPress Hosting\" title=\"Domains.co.za - WordPress Hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/install-wordPress-theme-02.webp\" alt=\"Strip Banner Text - Give your WordPress theme the fast, reliable hosting it needs to perform. [Get Started]\" title=\"Give your WordPress theme the fast, reliable hosting it needs to perform. [Get Started]\"><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"how-to-choose-the-perfect-domain-name\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>VIDEO:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=69YYHYJ9Ky4\" alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za - Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin\" title=\"Domains.co.za - Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/69YYHYJ9Ky4\" alt=\"Domains.co.za YouTube - Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin\" title=\"Domains.co.za YouTube - Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"faqs-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQS<\/h4>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789456491334\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h6 class=\"rank-math-question \">Will disabling comments delete my existing comments?<\/h6>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. When you disable comments in WordPress, you stop new ones, but the old comments remain as they were. To remove them, you must delete them yourself, and that step cannot be undone.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789456500711\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h6 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do I turn off comments on a single post or page?<\/h6>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Go to All Posts or All Pages. Hover over the post\/page in your list and click Quick Edit. Untick Allow Commentsand update the post.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789456508883\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h6 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are pingbacks and trackbacks, and should I turn them off?<\/h6>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>These are automatic notices that appear when another site links to your post. Spammers abuse them heavily, so most site owners switch them off under Settings \u2192 Discussion.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789456531871\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h6 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I switch comments back on after turning them off?<\/h6>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, if you only closed or hid them. Just reverse the setting or the plugin, and your comments return. Deleted comments won't return unless you restore a backup.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789456540232\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h6 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does disabling comments improve my SEO or make my site faster?<\/h6>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not on its own. Comments are not a ranking requirement, and cutting a helpful discussion can even shrink what a page ranks for. They add only minor weight, so turning them off rarely gives a real speed boost.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"o\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Blogs of Interest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - A WordPress 500 Internal Server Error Can Cost You More Than a Broken Page\" title=\"Domains.co.za - A WordPress 500 Internal Server Error Can Cost You More Than a Broken Page\" href=\"\/articles\/500-internal-server\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A WordPress 500 Internal Server Error Can Cost You More Than a Broken Page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - WordPress Error Logs Help You Find Problems Before They Become Bigger Website Issues\" title=\"Domains.co.za - WordPress Error Logs Help You Find Problems Before They Become Bigger Website Issues\" href=\"\/articles\/wordpress-error-logs\/ \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress Error Logs Help You Find Problems Before They Become Bigger Website Issues<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - WordPress Multisite Can Simplify Multi-Website Management\" title=\"Domains.co.za - WordPress Multisite Can Simplify Multi-Website Management\" href=\"\/articles\/wordpress-multisite-setup\/ \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress Multisite Can Simplify Multi-Website Management<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - Your WordPress Theme Shapes How Customers Experience Your Website\" title=\"Domains.co.za - Your WordPress Theme Shapes How Customers Experience Your Website\" href=\"\/articles\/install-wordpress-theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Your WordPress Theme Shapes How Customers Experience Your Website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a alt=\"Link to Domains.co.za Blog - A Malware-Infected WordPress Site Can Put Your Customers, Rankings, &amp; Business At Risk\" title=\"Domains.co.za - A Malware-Infected WordPress Site Can Put Your Customers, Rankings, &amp; Business At Risk\" href=\"\/articles\/wordpress-malware-removal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A Malware-Infected WordPress Site Can Put Your Customers, Rankings, &amp; Business At Risk<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article will show you how to disable WordPress comments and manage them more effectively. Comments can be one of the most useful features of a WordPress site, or one of the most draining. They allow readers to ask questions, share views, and build community. They can also invite spam, abuse, and hours of clean-up. So, the real question isn&#8217;t only how to disable comments in WordPress. It&#8217;s whether to switch them off, moderate them, or keep them open. This guide assists South African site owners to make that call and act on it. KEY TAKEAWAYS Disable comments in WordPress where they only attract spam and bring extra work. However, keep them where they add value. Moderation often beats removal. Approving comments and filter <a alt='Should You Disable WordPress Comments Or Manage Them More Effectively?' title='Should You Disable WordPress Comments Or Manage Them More Effectively?' href='https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/disable-wordpress-comments\/' class='moreElipsis'>[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":510,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[31],"class_list":["post-465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website-design","tag-disable-wordpress-comments"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=465"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":581,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions\/581"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.domains.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}