How to Change Your WordPress Homepage?

Whether you opt for the built-in block editor or a more professional-grade page builder, WordPress allows you to create a home page that suits your needs and impresses visitors. Its homepage is one of the critical elements that you should modify once in a while. It determines the usability and efficiency of your website.

Comprehending Your Needs

Define your goals before highlighting the technical procedures. This will help determine the following actions and plans.

- Do you want to add a simple page like a business website?

- Do you want to use it to display the latest articles?

Setting Up the New Homepage

Create the Homepage

If you haven't already created the homepage:

1. Go to the WordPress Dashboard

Log into your WordPress admin area.

2. Navigate to Pages > Add New

It will guide you to the page editor.

3. Create Your Page

Enter a title and add the content you want to display on your homepage. This could include:

- Text

- Images

- Videos

Once you're satisfied, click "Publish".

Create a Blog Page (If Needed)

If your website includes a blog and you want to separate the homepage from your blog posts, you'll need to create a blog page:

1. Go to Pages > Add New

This time, create a page titled "Blog" (or another appropriate title). You don't need to add any content to this page.

2. Publish the Page

Once it's set as the blog page, WordPress will automatically populate it with your posts.

Assigning the Homepage and Blog Page

Now that you've created the necessary pages, you need to assign them:

1. Go to Settings > Reading

This section of the dashboard controls how your site displays content.

2. Select a Static Page

Beneath the "Your homepage displays" , choose "A static page."

3. Set the Homepage

In the "Homepage" dropdown, select the page you created to be your new homepage.

4. Set the Posts Page

If you created a separate blog page, select it in the "Posts page" dropdown. If not, you can leave this setting alone.

5. Save Changes

Select "Save Changes" to apply your new settings.

Customizing Your Homepage

With the homepage set, you can now customize it further to fit your needs. The platform offers various tools and plugins for the same.

Using the Block Editor (Gutenberg)

If you created your homepage using the block editor, you could add various blocks to structure your content:

1. Edit the Page

Go to Pages > All Pages, find your homepage, and click "Edit."

2. Add Blocks

Use the "+" button to add blocks such as:

- Paragraphs

- Images

- Galleries

- Videos

3. Arrange Blocks

Drag and drop blocks to rearrange them, creating a layout that fits your vision.

4. Customize Each Block

Each block has its settings that you can tweak for customization.

Using Page Builders

For more advanced customization, consider using a page builder plugin like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Divi:

1. Install the Plugin

Go to Plugins > Add New, search for your preferred page builder, and click "Install Now" followed by "Activate."

2. Edit the Homepage with the Page Builder

Navigate to Pages > All Pages, find your homepage, and click "Edit with [Page Builder]."

3. Design Your Layout

You can design your homepage using the drag-and-drop interface, adding elements like:

- Sliders

- Contact forms

- Custom layouts.

4. Save and Publish

Once you're satisfied with the design, save your changes and publish the page.

Improving the Homepage with Widgets and Menus

Adding Widgets

Widgets can be added to various parts of your homepage, depending on your theme:

1. Go to Appearance > Widgets

This section allows you to add and arrange widgets.

2. Select a Widget Area

Choose where you want to place the widgets (e.g., sidebar, footer).

3. Add Widgets

Drag and drop widgets from the list into the desired widget area. Customize each widget as needed.

Creating Menus

Menus are essential for navigation:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus

Edit an existing one or create a new menu.

2. Add Pages to the Menu

Select your homepage, blog page, and other important pages to add to the menu.

3. Arrange Menu Items

Drag and drop to arrange the items in your preferred order.

4. Assign the Menu

Choose the menu location (e.g., primary, footer) and save your changes.

To Sum it Up!

Editing your WordPress homepage is an important task that can dramatically impact your site's usability and performance. Following the steps shared above, you can create an effective homepage that meets the website's goals.