This article explains WordPress user roles and how to assign the right permissions to different people who access your website.
What Are WordPress Roles
WordPress roles determine what someone can do on your website. Each role has different capabilities - like publishing posts, editing pages, or changing settings. When you add someone to your website, you assign them a role that matches what they need to do.
Think of it like keys to different rooms in your business. An administrator gets keys to everything, while a contributor only gets access to write content.
The Five Main WordPress Roles
Administrator
This is you - the website owner. Administrators can do everything: install plugins, change themes, add users, delete content, and modify all settings. Only give this role to people you completely trust with your business website.
Editor
Editors can create, edit, publish, and delete any posts or pages on your website. They can also manage comments and upload images. This role works well for marketing managers or content managers who need full control over your website's content but shouldn't access technical settings.
Author
Authors can write, edit, and publish their own posts. They cannot edit other people's content or manage pages. This role suits guest writers or staff members who contribute regular blog posts.
Contributor
Contributors can write posts but cannot publish them. Their content stays as drafts until an Administrator or Editor reviews and publishes it. Use this role for occasional writers or when you want to approve all content before it goes live.
Subscriber
Subscribers can only log in and view their profile. They cannot create any content. This role is useful if you have a members-only section or want customers to create accounts for purchases.
How to Change Someone's Role
- Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
- Click "Users" in the left menu
- Find the person whose role you want to change
- Click "Edit" under their name
- Find the "Role" dropdown menu
- Select the new role from the list
- Click "Update User" at the bottom
Adding New Users with Specific Roles
- In your WordPress admin, click "Users" then "Add New"
- Fill in their username, email, and create a password
- Choose their role from the "Role" dropdown
- Click "Add New User"
- WordPress will email them their login details
For more detailed guidance on managing users, see our Managing WordPress Users and Permissions article.
When to Use Each Role
Use Administrator for: Yourself and maybe one trusted business partner Use Editor for: Marketing staff, content managers, or virtual assistants who handle your website content Use Author for: Regular guest writers, staff members who write blogs, or freelance content creators Use Contributor for: Occasional writers whose work you want to review first Use Subscriber for: Customers who need accounts, members-only access, or people who just need to comment
Security Tips
Never give someone more access than they need. If someone only writes blog posts, make them an Author, not an Administrator. You can always upgrade their role later if needed.
If you're still stuck or need help setting up user roles for your specific situation, contact Web60 support and we'll walk you through it.
FAQ
Q: Can I create custom roles with different permissions?
A: WordPress allows custom roles through plugins, but the five standard roles cover most small business needs. Start with these before considering custom roles.
Q: What happens if I accidentally give someone Administrator access?
A: You can change their role back immediately using the steps above. If they changed important settings, you might need to restore from a backup.
Q: Can someone have multiple roles on the same website?
A: No, each user can only have one role at a time. Choose the role that gives them the minimum permissions they need to do their job.
Q: Do I need to create accounts for everyone who visits my website?
A: No, only create accounts for people who need to log in - like staff who create content or customers who need member access. Regular visitors don't need accounts.
Q: Can I see what each user has been doing on my website?
A: WordPress shows some activity in the admin area, but for detailed logging you'd need a plugin. Most small businesses don't need this level of monitoring.
Q: What's the difference between Editor and Administrator for content?
A: Both can manage all content, but only Administrators can install plugins, change themes, or modify technical settings that could break your website.
Q: Should I make my web designer an Administrator?
A: Only if you completely trust them with your business website. Many designers work fine as Editors, and you can temporarily upgrade their access when they need to install themes or plugins.
Last updated: 1 March 2026