Guide to WordPress Custom Post Types
Ever feel like your WordPress site could use a bit more…you? When you first set up your WordPress website, you’ll notice two main content types available for you to use: pages and posts. However, sometimes the standard post type doesn’t quite cut it for how you want to organize your website. That’s where custom post types come in. They’re all about making your site more organized and user-friendly, especially if you have lots of different types of content to post!
In this blog, we’re going to break down exactly what custom post types are and figure out if your site needs them. Whether you’re tons of different types of content or looking for a way to streamline how your site operates, they could be the best option for you. Ready to get your site perfectly tailored to your needs? Let’s dive in.
What is a WordPress custom post type?
All the information you put on your WordPress website falls into two main categories: pages and posts. We could go on for a while explaining the differences between pages and posts (and we have—read the blog here!)
But the TLDR is this: pages are used for static content on your website’s main pages, like the homepage, about page, and service pages. Posts are for consistently updated information that will be archived along the way (like news, updates, or blogs.)
So, what is a WordPress custom post type? Sometimes, you need to create an all-new type of content on your website that doesn’t fall into the static page category or your regular blog, for example. Maybe you want to post recipes or real estate listings in addition to your blog—and those different types of content will have their own layouts, fields, and archive pages.
Do you need a custom post type in WordPress?
If you have website content other than the main website pages and blog posts, we strongly recommend it. Here’s why:
It simplifies your content management. Instead of having to manually format a blog post to look the way you want case studies to look, you can simply add a new case study as its own post type—and when you do that, it won’t get lost in your blog archives and become difficult to find later.
It’s a better user experience. Let’s say you want to build a portfolio section of your site and keep it updated with your latest work. Instead of posting them in the blog, where people will have to search through multiple articles to find each case study, you can have a dedicated case study post type and archive on your site.
It’s a future-proofing best practice as your website grows. A portfolio mixed in with your blog might be fine for now, while your business is small and you’re only posting a few times a month…but eventually, it will make more sense to have a dedicated post type for each one.
Signs it might be time to implement custom post types in WordPress
✅ Your blog has started to feel cluttered with multiple types of content
✅ You keep copying the same old post to use as a “template” for a certain kind of post
✅ You know you have a specific piece or type of content on your website somewhere…but you can’t easily find it
✅ You want people to be able to use advanced filters to find different types of content on your website and sort by category
✅ You want custom fields on multiple pages, so you can add super-specific content for certain posts
✅ You’re creating a high volume of posts that each need their own special set of categories
When you don’t need custom WordPress post types
If your site is super simple and only has the core website pages and a blog, then you can probably skip custom WordPress post types for now. Sometimes, when you have a smaller business and things are simpler, adding more structure just overcomplicates content management. In that case, categories, tags, or page templates might be good enough for what you need to do!
Custom post examples
Still not sure if you need custom WordPress post types for your website? Here are some common ways our clients have used them:
- Real estate listings
- Neighborhood guides
- Case studies
- Customer stories
- Events
- Employee Directories
- Portfolio entries
- Recipes
Why we love CPTs (and recommend them)
We’re all about making your life easier while your website shines for your business, and custom post typed make that so much easier.
Once you have them set up, they’re a simple, error-free system that saves time (because who isn’t looking for more hours in their day?) Custom post types let you categorize information specifically and systematically, cutting down on the chaos and keeping everything neat and tidy behind the scenes.
Another HUGE benefit is layout consistency across one type of post. Maintaining a uniform appearance across your website doesn’t just elevate your brand—it takes your visitor experience to the next level, because every page looks intentional and professional.
And let’s not forget about SEO! Custom post types allow for the optimization of individual pages tailored to specific content types. This means better-targeted SEO strategies and, ultimately, pages that perform better in search rankings.
Last but certainly not least, custom post types = improved user navigation. Custom post types organize your content in a way that makes sense to your users, which is all part of a strategic website and journey for potential clients.
The best plugin to create custom post types
When it comes to integrating custom post types on your website, we’ve got a favorite tool: Advanced Custom Fields. It works nicely with the WordPress block editors we love, like Elementor and Beaver Builder, letting you tweak and tailor your site’s content down to the tiniest detail (for the most part) without getting your hands tied up in code.
There are some custom data field displays that require a bit of php to be fully integrated into your website template, but if you already know a little bit about coding or you’re willing to learn, that part is actually pretty easy to do. (Just remember to back up your site before making any changes to your website!)
Now you know about WordPress custom post types!
And just like that, you’re up on WordPress custom post types. Customizing your site with these powerful tools can seriously streamline your content, keep your layout sharp, and boost your SEO game. It’s all about making your site as user-friendly and tailored as possible, because your website should work just as hard as you do.
Thinking it’s time to give your WordPress site a little upgrade? Let’s make it happen together! We’re here to help you craft a website that not only looks stunning but works seamlessly to meet all your business needs. Drop us a line!
