How to Stop Spam Comments on WordPress – Easy and Effective Methods

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Last updated on March 26th, 2024 at 07:14 am

Do you want to know “How to Stop Spam Comments on WordPress”?

Imagine your blog is like a beautiful garden, and spam comments are like unwanted weeds trying to grow in it.

Now, stopping spam comments on WordPress is like putting up a strong fence to keep those weeds out.

Did you know that around 85% of all comments on the internet are spam?

That’s a lot! So, it’s crucial to tackle this issue.

Think of it this way – just like you wouldn’t want weeds taking over your garden, you don’t want spam cluttering up your blog.

It’s not just about tidiness, it’s about creating a space where your readers can focus on your valuable content without distractions.

10+ Ways to Stop Spam Comments on WordPress

how to stop spam wordpress comments

1. Enable Comment Moderation

Think of comment moderation like having a bouncer at the entrance of a party.

By enabling comment moderation on your WordPress site, you get to approve or disapprove comments before they appear.

It’s like making sure only the invited guests get in.

Did you know that websites that actively moderate comments experience a 72% reduction in spam?

2. Utilize CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA

Imagine having a puzzle at the entrance of your favourite store.

CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA are a bit like that puzzle, but for your website.

They’re like asking your visitors to solve a little riddle to prove they are real people, not spam bots.

Around 68% of websites using CAPTCHA notice a significant drop in spam entries.

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3. Implement a Reliable Anti-Spam Plugin

Think of an anti-spam plugin as your personal bodyguard for your website.

It’s like having a security system that recognizes and kicks out unwanted guests (spam comments).

Websites with anti-spam plugins witness a remarkable 85% reduction in spam.

It’s an effective way to keep your online space clean and secure.

Forget Spam Comment is the plugin that I use and Recommend.

4. Disable Comments on Older Posts

Imagine your blog as a library.

If some old books rarely get visitors, it might be a good idea to close off the comments section after a while.

Disabling comments on older posts is like saying, “This book has been on the shelf for a while, let’s keep it quiet now.”

Did you know that by doing this, you can significantly reduce the chance of spam accumulating over time?

5. Set Comment Permissions

Setting comment permissions is like deciding who gets the microphone at your speaking event.

By controlling who can and cannot comment, you ensure that only the right people have a say.

About 63% of websites that carefully manage comment permissions experience a decrease in spam.

6. Use the Akismet Plugin

Think of the Akismet plugin as your blog’s superhero.

It’s like having an expert security team that scans every comment to identify and eliminate spam.

Akismet catches about 7.5 million spam comments every hour!

It’s a powerful tool to keep your blog clean and focused on genuine interactions.

7. Require User Registration

Requiring user registration is like having a VIP club for your blog.

It’s saying, “If you want to join the discussion, become a member first.”

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By doing this, you ensure that only genuine individuals, not random strangers, can leave comments.

Did you know that websites with user registration see a 60% reduction in spam?

8. Employ Honeypot Technique

Think of the honeypot technique as setting a trap for unwanted guests.

It’s like having a hidden pitfall that only spam bots fall into.

This technique helps identify and filter out automated spam.

Implementing the honeypot method can result in a remarkable 80% decrease in spam comments.

9. Customize Comment Blacklist

Customizing your comment blacklist is like having a list of unwanted guests for your party.

It’s saying, “If your name is on this list, you’re not welcome.”

By tailoring your blacklist to specific keywords or IP addresses associated with spam, you prevent those comments from showing up.

Websites that use customized comment blacklists often experience a 70% reduction in spam.

10. Add a Math Question or Quiz

Imagine adding a little brain teaser to your comment section.

It’s like saying, “If you’re a real person, show us you can do some basic math!”

Adding a math question or quiz can be a fun way to filter out automated spam bots.

Websites that use this method often notice a 75% decrease in spam.

11. Monitor Comment Activity Regularly

Monitoring comment activity is like keeping an eye on your garden.

Regular checks help you spot and remove any weeds (spam comments) before they take over.

Did you know that blogs with consistent comment monitoring experience a 67% reduction in spam?

It’s an effective way to maintain a healthy and spam-free comment section.

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12. Limit Hyperlinks in Comments

Think of limiting hyperlinks as controlling the advertising in your comment section.

It’s like saying, “You can mention your website, but don’t turn this into a billboard.”

By restricting the number of hyperlinks allowed in comments, you reduce the chances of spammy promotional activities.

Websites that set hyperlink limits often witness a 55% drop in spam.

13. Use CommentLuv for Genuine Interaction

Think of CommentLuv as a friendly handshake in the comment section.

It’s like saying, “If you leave a comment, we’ll highlight your latest blog post too!”

CommentLuv encourages genuine interaction by rewarding commenters with a link to their latest blog post.

Blogs that use CommentLuv often experience a 50% increase in meaningful discussions.

14. Cloudflare Turnstile

Imagine Cloudflare Turnstile as your blog’s security checkpoint.

It’s like having a bouncer at the entrance, checking everyone who wants to leave a comment.

This feature helps filter out spam bots and ensures that only legitimate users can participate.

Websites that use Cloudflare Turnstile notice a significant drop in automated spam attempts.

Conclusion – How to Stop Spam Comments on WordPress

“I Recommend Forget Spam Comment Plugin or Cloudflare Turnstile”

Preventing spam comments on WordPress is like building a strong fortress with different tools.

First, use good plugins and keep them updated to stop spam.

Also, encourage real people to join your community by letting them register.

Make sure to check comments before they show up and use things like CAPTCHA to verify users.

Stay alert and act quickly if you see anything suspicious.