Perplexing Guide: Setting a Featured Image on WordPress

As a website connoisseur, you are certainly privy to the intricate art of SEO to drive unparalleled traffic to your platform. One integral factor of optimization is the addition of a featured image to your blog post. This image takes center stage on the homepage and archive pages of your website, creating a visually stunning aesthetic that captivates your audience and inspires inquisitive minds to read further.

Inconceivable as it may seem, it’s a walk in the park adding a featured image to WordPress. Follow the in-depth guide below to set sail.

Step 1: Login to your WordPress Account

Begin your journey of glorious image-featured blog posts by logging into your WordPress account. By doing so, the WordPress dashboard welcomes you with open arms.

Step 2: Open the Blog Post

To add a featured image to a specific blog post, navigate to the posts section and click on the post that you’d like to add an image to.

Step 3: Locate the Featured Image Box

Lower your gaze to the bottom of your post draft and locate the “Featured Image” box. The design of this box may vary based on your WordPress theme but fret not, you’ll find it with ease.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Set Featured Image’ Button

Begin the process of uploading your featured image by clicking on the button labeled “Set Featured Image.” From here, you can either upload a new image or choose one from your WordPress media library.

Step 5: Choose an Image from Your Media Library, Upload or Add a New One

Once you’ve clicked on the “Set Featured Image” button, WordPress directs you to the “Media Library” page. Here, you have the option to select an existing image, upload a new one, or add an image. Click on the “Select” button once you’ve made your choice.

Step 6: Crop and Resize the Image

Before you set your featured image, WordPress offers cropping and resizing options to match your preferences. Adjust the image to fit within your desired dimensions using the cropping tool. Once satisfied with the modifications, click on the “Crop” button.

Step 7: Click on the ‘Set Featured Image’ Button

With the image cropped and resized to your liking, click on the “Set Featured Image” button situated at the bottommost right corner of the screen.

Step 8: Publish Your Blog Post

Voilà! Finalize the process by clicking on the “Publish” or “Update” button to save the changes made to your blog post.

Congratulations! Your diligent efforts have successfully set your featured image, and if you revisit your blog post, you’ll see the image in its full glory.

Tips for Choosing the Right Featured Image

Bear in mind that choosing the right featured image is essential since it’s the first image users interact with upon landing on your website. Here are a few pointers to help you pick the perfect featured image:

1. Choose an image that’s relevant to your blog post.
2. Ensure that you use high-quality images; nothing captures an audience’s attention like a striking visual.
3. Consider your branding; your featured image should be consistent with your brand’s aesthetics.
4. Optimize the image size to achieve better website speed; a large image could considerably slow your website down. Use a compression tool to optimize your image size.

In Conclusion

Adding a featured image to your WordPress blog post is a significant step towards optimizing your content for search engines and attracting a steady stream of visitors to your website. The guide above is foolproof, and now you’re armed and ready to create visually stunning and captivating blog posts. Don’t forget to select a featured image that’s relevant to your blog post, and optimize your image size for optimal speed. Good luck, fellow traveler!