Okay, here’s a problem you might have: I sit down with a cup of coffee in hand with the intent to write a terrific blog post: one that’s going to grab people’s attention and maybe bring in a million bucks! With laser focus, I open up my WordPress admin, move my cursor up to click New Post… but then I pause. I notice the Updates badge with a big red “3” indicating there’s three updates available.
“Jinkies! There’s three updates for my plugins. I’d better stop what I’m doing and update them.” – Me
So like a good WordPress user, I update my plugins. While I’m waiting, I look at my phone to see what’s happening on Facebook.
A few seconds later, the updates are finished… wait, the updated plugins are showing alerts about the new bells and whistles.
“Thanks for updating Super Awesome Plugin 1.0.3. Click here for details on the new bells and whistles!” – Super Awesome Plugin
Well, I might as well find out what’s been updated, so I click the details link. After all, that will just take a few minutes more to read. While I’m reading, I wonder to myself “Maybe, there’s a better plugin that does a better job?” So I spend a few more minutes looking at the plugin directory for something else. I also search for “Best WordPress plugins 2016 with bells and whistles”.
And then my phone alerts me. It’s time to go. I lost my opportunity to write.
Does that happen to you? Do you find yourself getting distracted by the WordPress administration section?
The WordPress admin section: My best friend and fiend
If you do, you may be having the same problem I have: I end up reaching fewer people because it’s taking me more time and effort than necessary, all because I’m distracted.
Here’s a solution I’ve found: the free WordPress.com app. This app requires a free WordPress.com account, but you can use it for your self hosted site.
Restrictive like a pair of blinders
Here’s what I like about the WordPress.com app. It’s limiting. Yes, you heard me. Limiting, meaning it restricts my focus to the content. It doesn’t do a good job of updating plugins or making major changes to the site, but it does a good job of forcing me to write.
If you’re struggling with writing on your WordPress blog, give the WordPress.com app a try. Here’s what you need to do:
- If you don’t have a WordPress.com account, go to WordPress.com and create one. You don’t need to create a blog yet, just an account. WordPress.com is operated by Automattic, the same company that manages the open source (free) software of WordPress.
- Once you’ve got an account, click the Add Site button to connect your current WordPress site to your WordPress.com account. During this process, you’ll need to install the JetPack plugin for your WordPress site, which comes with a ton of features, but is mostly used for connecting the accounts together.
- Finally install the WordPress.com app on your computer, tablet and/or phone. Use your WordPress.com login to access for the first time. I recommend getting the two-factor identification set up with your WordPress.com account so you’ll get a text-message with a number to improve security.
Once you have the app installed, you’re able to post directly from the app without touching the WordPress admin at all. Think of how much time you can save!
Previews of the WordPress app on different devices
Would you like me to dive more deeply into what the WordPress.com apps do? Let me know, and don’t forget to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get more WordPress tips sent to your inbox every Tuesday.