Introduction
Maybe you have a WordPress.com blog with old content on it and you’d be embarrassed if someone found it. Or, maybe you set up a site intending to start a blog and just never got it off the ground. No matter what the reason, you can very quickly permanently delete a WordPress.com site. To be clear, this article will not show you how to delete a WordPress.org site, and if that’s what you’re looking for you need to reach out to your WordPress hosting provider.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Delete WordPress.com Site
- Navigate to your WordPress.com home screen, scroll down the menu displayed on the left side of the screen, and then click “Settings” in that menu. The General Settings window is shown on the right side of the screen.
- Scroll down this screen until you get to the Site Tools section, and then click “Delete Your Site Permanently” in this section. The Delete Site screen is displayed.
- You’ll see an Export Content First section at the top of this screen where you can export your site’s content if you want to keep the site content but delete the site.
After backing up your content if you want to, scroll down to the Delete Site section. You’ll see a note that the URL associated with the site you’re deleting will not be available to you in the future. Additionally, you’ll see a note that deleting your WordPress.com site can’t be undone and will remove all content, contributors, domains, themes, and upgrades for this site.
- Click “Delete Site” in this section to move forward with deleting your WordPress.com site. A Confirm Delete Site window pops up.
- Enter the URL associated with the WordPress.com site you want to delete in the field to confirm it, and then click “Delete this site.” After a few seconds the site will be fully removed and you’ll no longer see it on your WordPress.com homepage.
Reasons Someone Would Want to Delete a WordPress.com Site
1. Website Purpose Served
Sometimes, a WordPress.com site is created for a specific event or project. Once the event concludes or the project wraps up, the site isn’t necessary anymore. Users may not want a dormant site. They may also prefer to avoid maintenance or potential security risks of an unused site. By deleting it, they eliminate these concerns.
2. Rebranding
Change is a constant in business and personal ventures. A website owner might decide on a complete overhaul of their brand or image. In these situations, they might find starting from scratch easier than revamping the current site. Deleting the old WordPress.com site becomes a way to usher in the new brand.
3. Switching Platforms
WordPress.com isn’t the only platform available for creating websites. A site owner might discover another platform that fits their needs better. They might find better customization options, more attractive pricing, or superior support elsewhere. Deleting their WordPress.com site may be a necessary step in moving to a new platform.
4. Unwanted Traffic
Unfortunately, the internet isn’t always a friendly place. A site may attract unwanted attention, spam, or harassment. These issues can prove stressful and difficult to manage. In such scenarios, the easiest solution might be deleting the problematic WordPress.com site.
5. Privacy Concerns
Personal information and privacy are major concerns in the digital world. A website owner might have posted content that they no longer want public. Deleting their WordPress.com site can remove this content from public view, easing privacy concerns.
6. Too Many Sites
Some users may start multiple WordPress.com sites for various reasons. Over time, managing numerous sites can become overwhelming. It might be more beneficial to consolidate into fewer sites. Deleting some WordPress.com sites helps to streamline management and focus on key sites.
7. Cost Considerations
Premium features on WordPress.com come at a cost. For users on a tight budget, these costs might become untenable. Deleting a site can be a step towards reducing expenses. It enables users to focus resources on other priorities.
8. Mistakes during Creation
Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes, these occur during the creation of a WordPress.com site. Maybe the wrong name was used, or unwanted settings were activated. If the errors are numerous or severe, it might be easier to delete the site and begin anew.
9. Discontinuing the Business/Blog
All ventures have a lifespan. A business may close down, or a blog might come to an end. When this happens, the accompanying WordPress.com site can become redundant. Deleting the site can be a practical step towards tying up loose ends.
10. Neglected Website
A neglected site can become outdated or irrelevant. If an owner hasn’t updated a WordPress.com site for an extended period, it might be easier to delete it. This action eliminates the need for extensive updates or revamps. It also avoids confusion for visitors landing on outdated pages.
