Step 1: Go to Add New User

In your WordPress dashboard, look at the left-hand navigation menu and hover over “Users.” A small menu will appear with three options: All Users, Add New, and Your Profile. Click Add New.

Step 2: Fill In the User’s Information

You’ll land on the Add New User page. Fill in the required fields including their username, email address, first and last name, and website if applicable. The username and email address are the most important ones since that’s what they’ll use to log in and receive notifications.

Step 3: Set a Password

Once the basic info is filled in, click Show Password. WordPress will automatically generate a strong, randomized password for the new user. You can use that one or replace it with your own. If you want the new user to receive a login email with their credentials, make sure the “Send the new user an email about their account” checkbox is checked.

Step 4: Choose a User Role

This is one of the most important steps. Scroll down to the “Role” dropdown and select the right level of access for this person. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each role can do:

• Subscriber – Can only manage their own profile. Good for members or customers.
• Contributor – Can write and submit posts but cannot publish them.
• Author – Can write, edit, and publish their own posts.
• Editor – Can manage and publish posts and pages, including content from other users.
• Administrator – Has full access to everything on the site. Only assign this to people you fully trust.

If you’re adding a developer or your web agency, Administrator is usually the right choice. For blog contributors or content writers, Author or Editor works best.

Step 5: Click Add New User

Once everything looks good, scroll down and click the Add New User button. The account will be created right away and the new user will receive a welcome email with their login details.

A Quick Note on Security

It’s a good idea to review your user list every now and then. If someone no longer needs access to your site, remove their account. Keeping your user list clean helps protect your site from unauthorized changes.

Need help managing your WordPress site? We’re here for you.