TRY OUR FULLY SEO-OPTIMIZED WORDPRESS THEME FOR AFFILIATE MARKETERS!

No need to hire SEO experts anymore to fix your site technical SEO issues

IMPROVE YOUR SITES RANKING TODAY

WordPress Basics 101: What Is A Static Front Page?

by Jay | Updated on November 1st, 2022

WordPress started life as a content management system based on blogging. In the decade and a half since then, it has developed into a full-fledged content management system tailored to every kind of platform, including business pages and eCommerce stores.

But WordPress still has its blog-engine DNA, and when it’s first installed, it’s configured to publish a list of blog posts on its homepage.


website

What is a static front page?

Controls to create a static homepage can be found in the Reading section of the Admin Settings menu object.

By default, WordPress is designed to display your new blog posts.

When you select Use a static page option, you are asked to provide which page WordPress should use for the home page and which should be used to view the blog listing.

If you haven’t already built pages for these, you can do so now under the Pages menu. You can pick any page that you want to publish as your homepage, but be careful to choose one that you’re happy to see as the default page people see when they arrive on your web.

Finally, it’s a smart idea to add a tab that displays your blog index to the main navigation menu. You can do this in the Customizer menu section or with the menu item in the Appearance section of the Admin menu.

Why choose a static front page?

Now that you know what a static front page is, it’s time to look at the benefits.

For those who want to use their front page to welcome visitors or display relevant information, a static home page is an excellent option. It helps you to refine and concentrate the experience of your audience so that you can select where they will be led next.

Static homepages also have the option to incorporate attention-grabbing features, such as a slider. This is particularly useful if your site includes great photos that help you catch the attention of your visitors and prompt them to read your posts.

Users of WordPress that do not want to view a list of blog posts on the home page instead of using a static home page. A static homepage, in WordPress terms, is simply a home page without a blog index. Instead, it includes any content that the site owner needs – usually widgets, photographs, and content about the intent of the site or the company.

WordPress Posts vs. Pages

WordPress can publish content in two separate “containers”: posts and pages. The content management system treats each of them differently.

A post is most commonly known as a blog post, but it can also be used to publish videos, podcasts, photographs, and other material. Posts have a number of special qualities.

  • They appear in the main article index of the website ordered by the date of publication.
  • They’ve got related groups and tags.
  • Posts can be shown as summaries.
  • You may use sticky posts that are placed at the top of the listing.

Pages do not appear in the description of the article and do not have sections or tags. However, pages can be added to the WordPress menus, like the main navigation menu. Examples include the blog index tab, the category pages, the archive and the static home page.

As the name suggests, the blog index page is a page that is designed to view a list of blog posts. It doesn’t have to be the site’s homepage.

When to use a static front page

While anyone can select a static front page for their blog, some would profit more than others. Here are some examples of websites that function particularly well with static homepages:

  • Company websites—Service-based websites, e-commerce shops, and local businesses may use static homepages to give visitors a brief glimpse into who they are and what they do.
  • Portfolio websites—Before a visitor sees your portfolio and dives into your work, they’re going to want to know what kind of work you’re doing. This information is provided by a static homepage.
  • Non-profit websites— What better place to share your vision, purpose and intent than on the homepage of your website? Static homepage is a perfect way to easily show tourists what you’re doing to make the planet a better place to be.

Creating a static home page

  1. Controls for building a static homepage can be found in the Reading section of the Admin Settings menu object.
  2. By default, WordPress is designed to display your most recent blog posts.
  3. When you select Use a static page option, you are asked to provide which WordPress page should be used for the home page and which should be used to view the blog listing.
  4. If you haven’t already built pages for them, you can do so now under the Pages menu. You can pick any page that you want to publish as your homepage, but be careful to choose one that you’re happy to have as the default page that people see when they arrive on your web.
  5. Finally, it’s a good idea to add the tab that displays your blog index to the main navigation menu. You can do this in the Customizer menu section (screenshot below), or with the menu item in the Appearance section of the Admin menu.

Conclusion

If you’re an author, a company owner, or a thought leader, you might find that a static homepage lets you showcase the best of your website. The first impressions of your audience matter, and a static homepage is a great way to make sure the first impressions are solid.

Jay

I've worked for WooRank, SEOptimer, and working on a cool SEO audit tool called SiteGuru.co. Now I have build Linkilo and SEO RANK SERP WordPress theme. I've been in the SEO industry for more than 5 years, learning from the ground up. I've worked on many startups, but also have my own affiliate sites.

TRY OUR FULLY SEO-OPTIMIZED WORDPRESS THEME FOR AFFILIATE MARKETERS!

No need to hire SEO experts anymore to fix your site technical SEO issues

IMPROVE YOUR SITES RANKING TODAY