In WordPress website management, user roles are vital for defining user capabilities. There are two main categories: frontend (Customer and Subscriber) and backend (Admin, Shop Manager, Editor, and Author). Based on permission levels, backend roles can edit posts, settings, and user accounts. Frontend roles solely interact with the public-facing site and may log in if available.

Frontend User Roles

Subscriber

Subscribers have limited access, mainly for interacting with content. They can subscribe to newsletters or comment on posts, but their role is only to access the frontend. Subscriber is the primary default role for non-backend users on a WordPress website.

Customer

Customers can make purchases, leave comments, and interact with content. Their role is essential for e-commerce sites. Customer is the default role assigned upon account creation in a WordPress WooCommerce website.

Backend User Roles

Admin

Admins have the highest level of access. They can manage all aspects of the site, including settings, users, and content. Customizations to a website can alter their permissions.

Admins must activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for increased security. This recommended for all backend user roles, but it is especially important for Admins, and increasingly important for Shop Managers and Editors. Read our article, 2FA - How to Activate to learn how to set it up.

Shop Manager

Shop Managers control e-commerce aspects, making them vital for online stores. They can manage products, orders, and customer information.

Editor

Editors can create, edit, and publish content. While they lack administrative powers, they have substantial control over the site's content.

Author

Authors can create and publish their content. Their role is ideal for individuals contributing articles or blog posts.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Backend Roles

Two-factor authentication is advisable to enhance the security of backend roles, particularly Admins and Shop Managers. It adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

In this article, we have delved into the default capabilities of WordPress user roles; however, WordPress website customizations, whether through manual coding or plugins, have the potential to impact user role permissions significantly. By modifying the site's functionality and appearance, customizations can redefine each user role's capabilities and access levels, tailoring the user experience to specific needs and requirements.

In conclusion, understanding WordPress user roles is fundamental for effective website management. Whether you're on the frontend or backend, each role serves a specific purpose. Customizations can tailor permissions to meet the unique needs of your website. Ensure the security of your backend roles by implementing two-factor authentication. Learn how to set it up in our article, 2FA - How to Activate.