Yep, most everyone starts getting spam once their WordPress websites are launched. It sounds funny, but that is actually a good sign that you are getting “seen” through searches. Yet, they’re not the results you want, right?. Though it is annoying, please keep in mind there is an option in your WordPress settings that requires an admin to approve all comments prior to publishing (this means that none of the comments are actually available for the public to see on your site until you actually approve them). Regardless of hiding the actual spam, the redundant emails are still annoying.
As listed in the WordPress codex about spam, there is no “one size fits all” solution. Here are a few potential solutions:
- One option is to manually go in and remove the unwanted comments weekly. You can select all and then choose a bulk action to delete the spam. Just schedule it on your calendar to go in and bulk delete spammy comments.
- If you are tired of the comments and would like to invest in some spam-reducing options, there are some spam blocking options you can implement. Some require a monthly fee and some just take time to add and test. Most will require a recent update of WordPress prior to installation, which should be done by your webmaster to ensure that none of your site customization goes awry.
- Review other options listed in the WordPress codex to be sure that you are combatting the type of spam you are actually receiving.
Again, there is no blanket solution to the spam dilemma, however there are some ways for you to combat the spam and keep your comments from backlogging.