If you’ve just started a blog, then you may not aware of comment and trackback spamming. But these things can destroy your blog with spam comments and trackbacks.
Now the good news is, WordPress comes up with a pre-installed plugin called Akismet which stops spam.
You need to activate the plugin and set up an API key to get started with Akisment.
Many folks thought that they have to pay money to get the API key. But you can get it for FREE if you are running a personal blog, not a corporate blog/site.
Here I’ll show you how to setup Akismet plugin with a free API key.
Before going to the tutorial, here are some FAQs about Akismet.
What is Akismet?
Akismet is a WordPress plugin that filters comments and trackbacks spamming. It is founded by WordPress.com.
What does Akismet do?
Akismet checks blog comments & pingbacks and filters out the ones that look like spam. Then it lets you review the spam it detects.
Do I need Akismet?
Yes, you need Akismet if your blog comments are enabled. This plugin will help you to get rid of spam comments.
Can I get Akismet for free?
Yes, you can get it for free. I’ll show how to get it for free on this tutorial.
Do I need Akisment with Disqus?
No, Disqus has its own spam-fighting filters.
Now let’s dive to the tutorial.
How To Setup Akismet Plugin For Free
Setting up Akismet plugin is very easy. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Sign Up for Akismet
At first, visit Akismet Signup Page and select the first plan (Personal).
Here Akismet will ask you pay some money to get started. But it’s not essential. You can set it to $0/year.
Now enter your email address, name, and site URL; and check the boxes. Then click on the ‘Continue With Personal Subscription’ button.
Akismet will send you a confirmation code to your email address. Copy and paste the code. And click on the ‘Continue’ button.
Akismet will send you an API key. Go to your email inbox and copy that code.
Now go to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins and click on ‘Settings’ under the Akismet Anti-Spam.
I hope this post helped you to get started with the Akismet WordPress plugin. If you have faced any difficulties, feel free to let us know via comment. However, if you found this post useful, help me by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
20 Comments
Thanks Istiak. Very helpful post :)
Thanks bro. Very to good info.
I have installed JetPack plugin and now wondering how to use Akismet, but after going through the article I found the answer…Thx
Dear, Istiak Rayhan
Thanks for ur Tutorial, this is very help me :-D
Glad I could help. Let me know if you need any other bits of help.
Thank you I have one question Hot To Add “Confirm you are Not a Spammer ” check box. Plus how your Subscribe to Roadtoblogging Updates is always checked ????
Use these two plugins:
https://roadtoblogging.com/newsletter-sign-up-wordpress-email-marketing-plugin/
http://wordpress.org/plugins/growmap-anti-spambot-plugin/
Thank You :)
Hi Istiak,
Thanks for sharing this two awesome plugin. I am also looking for it. Thanks :)
I am looking for the Akismat API key for the self hosted WordPress Blog, As this is for the free WordPress blog.
You can get a free Akismat API for your self hosted WordPress blog by using the above method.
Yes! Akismet is absolutely a great anti spam plugin. But The free version is used only for Non commercial or personal use. Few days ago My blog was also bombered with hundreds of spam comment. So, I have put a captcha in the comment form and its helps me lot. now spam comments are down to zero.
Thanks for helpful tips
great article as usual…can I install this my site its on blogger now
see it please and tell me about it what to do get this
http://www.howtoread.co.in/
It’s a WordPress plugin. You can’t upload it on Blogger. In fact Blogger doesn’t support any kind of plugin.
Thanks i am also using same Akismet Plugin and Thanks God that save my precious time from spam mails.
Thanks for the tip,Just did it,I thought i have to buy it therefore i never used it….
Hi Istiak,
Before reading this article i thought akismet was only a paid service. Thanks for letting us know how can we use it free without any cost.
Sarah
Istiak,
Akismet is really a very useful plugin.Initially i didnot know of this plugin and faced lot of problems,but then one of my friends told me about this and i installed it.It is excellent tool to control spamming….
Akismet is the best AntiSpam tool that can be used for Blogs.
Thanks for sharing nice and informative article..