Understanding WordPress user roles is crucial for managing your website effectively. Each role comes with a unique set of permissions and capabilities, defining what users can and cannot do. From Administrators with full control over the site to Subscribers who can only manage their own profiles, knowing these roles helps you assign appropriate permissions and maintain site security. Additionally, SEO-specific roles like SEO Manager and SEO Editor ensure that your site’s search engine optimization is handled efficiently.
Updated Table with Simplified Titles and Ranked by Privileges
| User Role | Capabilities | What They Can Do | What They Cannot Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrator | – Full access to all administrative features. – Can install and manage plugins and themes. – Manage all content and settings. – Can add, edit, and delete users. | Everything | N/A |
| Editor | – Can publish and manage posts and pages by any user. – Moderate comments. – Manage categories and links. | Manage all content | Access site settings |
| SEO Manager | – Access to all SEO settings. – Manage SEO for all content. – Access SEO tools and features. | Manage all SEO settings | Edit or delete other users’ posts |
| Author | – Can publish and manage their own posts. – Upload files. | Publish and manage their own posts | Edit or delete others’ posts, access site settings |
| SEO Editor | – Can edit SEO settings for their own posts. – View SEO analytics. | Edit SEO for their own posts | Manage site-wide SEO settings |
| Contributor | – Can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them. – Submit posts for review. | Write and submit their own posts for review | Publish posts, edit or delete others’ posts |
| Subscriber | – Can manage their own profile. – Read content. | Manage their own profile, read content | Create, edit, or delete posts, access site settings |
Best Job Titles for Each WordPress User Role
Administrator
Best for: IT Manager, Website Administrator, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Administrators have the highest level of access and control over the WordPress site. They can manage all content, settings, users, plugins, and themes. This role is ideal for individuals responsible for the overall maintenance, security, and functionality of the website.
Editor
Best for: Content Manager, Senior Editor, Editorial Director
Editors can publish and manage posts and pages by any user, moderate comments, and manage categories and links. This role is perfect for those who oversee the creation and management of content across the site, ensuring consistency and quality.
SEO Manager
Best for: SEO Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, SEO Director
SEO Managers have access to all SEO settings and can manage SEO for all content. This role is essential for individuals focused on improving the site’s visibility and performance in search engines.
Author
Best for: Content Writer, Blogger, Staff Writer
Authors can write, edit, publish, and manage their own posts. This role suits individuals who are responsible for producing content but do not need to manage posts by other users.
SEO Editor
Best for: Junior SEO Specialist, Content Marketer
SEO Editors can edit SEO settings for their own posts and view SEO analytics. This role is ideal for those who need to optimize their own content for search engines but do not require access to site-wide SEO settings.
Contributor
Best for: Freelance Writer, Guest Blogger
Contributors can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them. They can submit their posts for review by an Editor or Administrator. This role is suited for individuals who create content but need approval before it goes live.
Subscriber
Best for: Registered User, Site Member
Subscribers can manage their own profile and read content. This role is suitable for users who need to access restricted content or features available only to registered members without creating or managing content.