When you’re building a WordPress website, one of the early decisions you’ll make is whether to use a static homepage or the default blog-style layout. A WordPress static homepage can provide a more controlled first impression, but the traditional blog layout also has advantages depending on how your website is used.
What is a Static Front Page?
A simple way to think of a static WordPress home page is that it’s not your blog. By default, WordPress assigns your homepage as your blog.
If you don’t want your homepage to feature content that is regularly updated with every blog post, then you should change the front page of your WordPress website to a static page. You can set a static homepage in WordPress by going to Settings → Reading and choosing a specific page as your homepage instead of displaying your latest blog posts.
Learning WordPress will help you more fully understand the importance of the designation of your home page, the pros and cons of doing so, and the types of websites most likely to benefit from having a static front page. (And which sites won’t.)
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WordPress Static Homepage vs Blog Homepage
A common question for WordPress users is whether the homepage should display blog posts or a static page. A blog-style homepage automatically shows your most recent posts, which works well for news sites and content-heavy blogs. A static homepage, on the other hand, allows you to highlight services, products, or key information and control the first impression visitors receive when they land on your site.
Uncertain About Choosing a WordPress Static Home Page?
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When to Use a WordPress Static Front Page on Your Website
Anyone can choose a WordPress static homepage for their website. It is important, however, to understand that certain businesses or website types derive a greater benefit from having a static homepage. Generally speaking, if you want to generate business directly from your website, you should choose this option. Here are a few ways different types of businesses can use the static front page option:
- Business Websites: Local businesses, e-commerce websites, and service-based businesses can better showcase offerings on a static homepage.
- Creative Portfolios: Highlight your best work through a static front-page portfolio. Include past work, a way to contact you, and testimonials from clients.
- Nonprofits: Explain your vision, share your message, and create a call-to-action to encourage visitors to join the cause.
If you fall into one of these categories, going static can provide you with more opportunities than a blog-focused design. Because you have several focal points, a static homepage allows you to showcase the different functions and aspects of your business.
You can highlight services, products, processes, benefits, and testimonials when you set your home page in WordPress to a static page. With a WordPress static front page, your business can have a polished and consistent look.
By utilizing a WordPress static home page, you can reinforce your company’s branding better. You have the opportunity to showcase unique designs, compelling taglines, and captivating multimedia that deeply resonate with your target audience.
There’s no law saying you can’t still use a blog front page, but it’s important to understand what you’ll miss out on if you do.
When to Avoid Using a Static Front Page on Your WordPress Website
Despite many opportunities to utilize a static front page, there are times when it makes more sense to go the traditional route. Generally speaking, keeping a blog-style front page is smart when you’re creating feed-like updates. With WordPress, changing the front page to a static page can seem boring, especially if users want to see new updates.
The types of websites that benefit from keeping a blog feed format include:
- News Websites: Newspapers, television outlets, and online journalism websites.
- Blogs: If the blog is the center of your brand, you fall into this category (as opposed to if a blog is just another marketing tool).
- Showcases: Any business focused on regularly showcasing work (e.g., photographers, real estate professionals, travel agents).
Now, these are not hard and fast rules. I’ve seen plenty of blogs that use a static page and several businesses using blog-style front pages. You need to look at your needs as a business when deciding how to set the homepage in WordPress.
In WordPress, you set the homepage according to the intended end user. Consider what their journey should be like on your website. How do you want them to access information? What information is most important to them?
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The Effect of Having a Static Front Page on Your WordPress Website
A WordPress static home page gives the user a controlled first impression. This means that you decide what call-to-action (CTA) or message they see first. Do you want to highlight a newsletter subscription or a new product that you launched?
Having a WordPress static home page makes sense for companies that want to showcase more than a blog. It would be best to change the front page of a WordPress website if you want to showcase different information, such as:
- Services
- Products
- Events
- About sections
- Testimonials
For those that are still scratching their heads, WPBeginner does a good job of explaining things:
A WordPress website can have a dynamic blog-like front page, or a static front page which is used to show customized content which is updated with less frequency. WordPress will default to the first option by showing all of your most recent posts on the front page. Some users prefer the second option which is also known as a “splash page” or a “custom home page”.
This feature is particularly useful for websites that want to keep a blog separate from other sections of their website or for users who want to showcase content other than blog posts on the front page of their website. It can also make the site feel less like a blog and more like a full feature website. Often this feature is used on business sites.
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The Pros and Cons of Using a Static WordPress Front Page
As with any decision regarding your website, you will need to evaluate the pros and cons of that decision. As I’ve referenced above, if a blog or newsfeed is the center of your brand, you will likely want to avoid a static front page. Otherwise, I’ve provided a list of the pros and cons of doing so for you to consider.
The advantages of a static homepage in WordPress
- You’ll be able to feature a more diverse selection of content.
- Your website will look more like a business than a blog.
- Your homepage can serve as an alternative method of navigating the contents of your website.
- You control the call-to-action with a WordPress static homepage.
- You can reinforce your brand to connect with your target audience.
- You can optimize your homepage around a primary keyword related to your business.
The downsides of a static WordPress homepage
- Your returning visitors will see the same content on your homepage each time they visit. If they visit daily, then your website may begin to appear boring and out of date.
Working with our team can help you decide how to approach your own WordPress website. Get in touch with our WordPress experts. Our customized WordPress training concentrates on areas you need help with the most.
We know how frustrating WordPress can be without a support system. With our experts by your side, your team can learn how to manage your own WordPress website without relying on outside development teams. We can help you tackle complex subjects from design to SEO, management, and more.
Making the Decision on a Static WordPress Homepage
You now have some clearer direction in your choice. These guidelines work well for most. But, as with everything in life, what works for most may not work for all.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and go beyond conventional. When selecting a static page as your home page, consider the pros and cons. If you want to explore more tips on WordPress, our blog is a great place to start.
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw
If you have any other questions about static front pages or WordPress in general, contact our friendly office.
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WordPress Static Home Page FAQs
What is a static homepage in WordPress?
A static homepage in WordPress is a fixed page that appears as the front page of your website instead of a list of your most recent blog posts.
By default, WordPress displays your latest blog posts on the homepage. When you switch to a static homepage, you can choose a specific page to serve as the main entry point to your website.
Should I use a static homepage or a blog-style homepage?
The right choice depends on the purpose of your website. Many business websites benefit from using a static homepage because it allows them to highlight services, products, testimonials, and calls to action.
If your website’s primary focus is publishing frequent content such as news or blog posts, a blog-style homepage may make more sense.
How do I set a static homepage in WordPress?
You can set a static homepage by going to Settings → Reading in the WordPress dashboard.
From there, you can select the option to display a static page on your homepage and choose which page should serve as the front page and which page should display your blog posts.
What types of websites benefit from a static WordPress homepage?
Many business websites benefit from using a static homepage because it allows them to control the first impression visitors receive.
Static homepages are often used by service-based businesses, ecommerce websites, creative portfolios, and nonprofit organizations that want to highlight key information instead of a stream of blog posts.
Does using a static homepage affect SEO?
A static homepage can support your SEO strategy because it allows you to create a clear message, strong calls to action, and structured content on your main page.
However, whether you use a static homepage or a blog-style homepage, the most important factors are providing valuable content and organizing your site so visitors can easily find what they need.
Can you have a static homepage and a blog in WordPress?
Yes. Many WordPress websites use a static homepage while keeping their blog on a separate page.
This allows the homepage to highlight services, products, or key information while the blog continues to publish articles that help attract visitors through search engines.
Why do many business websites use a static homepage?
Many business websites use a static homepage because it allows them to control the first impression visitors receive.
A static homepage makes it easier to highlight services, products, testimonials, and calls to action instead of showing a list of recent blog posts.
Does a static homepage make a WordPress site look less like a blog?
Yes. One reason many businesses choose a static homepage is that it makes the website feel more like a full business website rather than a traditional blog.
This approach allows companies to showcase important information such as services, products, and brand messaging while still maintaining a blog elsewhere on the site.
