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WordPress Pages vs Posts

When you’re setting up your WordPress website, you’ll notice that there are two main content types available for you to use: pages and posts. At first glance, these might appear to be more or less the same thing–but they actually are two distinct ways to structure content! And understanding the main difference between posts vs pages in WordPress is absolutely essential for making smart decisions when arranging your site’s content and optimizing it for SEO. 

So, let’s do a deep dive into a simple (but often overlooked question) about the difference between WordPress pages vs posts and when you should use each one. Let’s go!

 

What’s the difference between pages vs posts in WordPress?

Let’s start with the basics by defining what, exactly, pages and posts are in the WordPress world. 

(Psst! The TLDR is that the main difference between post and pages is that posts are for consistently updated pieces of content while pages are for core website content that sticks around for a long time. But if you want to get deep into the details and learn about exactly where to use posts vs pages in WordPress–keep reading!)

 

WordPress posts

 

In general, WordPress posts are where you want to publish dynamic content, like blogs, articles, and news updates. 

However, posts can also be used for more specific and niched content like portfolio items, events, reviews, or recipes–it all depends on what type of website you have! Generally, the rule is that any content you regularly post on your website over time to keep it fresh and updated should be a post. 

In other words, each post is one part of a greater whole–and there can be many posts on your website. (In fact, for great SEO, we highly recommend it!)

All of the same kind of post will share a template. For example, all blog posts are usually built on the same template and look more or less the same. 

Posts are also different from pages in another very important way: when they go live, they’re stamped with the time and date. Then, they’re often listed in reverse chronological order, so older content gets pushed further back into the archives. However, you can change these settings based on your needs–for example, you can randomize post appearance when readers click into a designated blog category or type.

Key features of WordPress posts:

  • Assigned a publication date/time
  • Displayed in reverse chronological order
  • Can be archived
  • Allow comments & interaction
  • Can have different templates
  • Have a complex URL structure that can include dates, categories, and keywords

Important note: posts can also be categorized and tagged

Unlike pages, WordPress posts can be organized using categories and tags. Categories are predefined and typically more general (for example, my blog has categories like SEO and WordPress tips.)

Tags are more specific keywords related to a post’s content (“tutorials,” “interior designers,” and “keyword research” are all examples of tags.)

Both of them help organize and connect your content, so visitors can easily find information they’re interested in.

 

WordPress pages

Pages are for the bread-and-butter, foundational content of your website. While posts are great for dynamic content, pages are typically reserved for static, evergreen content. For example, your home, about, services, and contact pages would all be “pages” in WordPress. 

Pages stand alone. Each one will look different! They can be laid out any way you like, according to your brand preferences and the strategic customer journey that makes the most sense for your goals. 

Pages rarely change apart from a brand pivot, periodic updates, or a site redesign. In other words, you design them once, and they stay in place for months and years to come.

Also, they are not time- and date-stamped, and they can’t be categorized. However, they can (and should) be arranged according to a hierarchical structure. For example, your individual service pages can be nested within your main service page as a parent page

 

Key features of WordPress pages:

  • Contain static content
  • Are more formal
  • Arranged in a hierarchical structure 
  • Have no post times/dates
  • Have a simple URL structure (e.g. www.yoursite.com/about)

 

When to use a post vs page in WordPress

Now that we’ve talked about the main differences between WordPress pages vs posts, let’s talk more about when to use each one.

Use a post when

  • You’re sharing time-sensitive information
  • The timestamp matters (because it will appear in search results)
  • The content is not your always-around evergreen brand information
  • The content is primarily educational
  • You have a lot of this same type of content on your site and post it often

Use a page when

  • The content is promotional
  • The timestamp doesn’t matter
  • You want a memorable link
  • It’s a main page on your site
  • It’s the homepage, about page, services pages, sales pages, contact page, or resource page
  • Building an online store

WordPress page vs. post vs. custom post type

Remember how I mentioned earlier that posts can be used for blogs, portfolios, reviews, and all kinds of other unique, frequently updated content? Each of those different types of posts can be categorized into unique custom post type “buckets.”

The “default” WordPress post is a blog post. But if you want, for example, a blog and a portfolio on your website, then you’ll need to have custom post types–and each type of post would go into its own post category.

A custom post type is for website content that doesn’t necessarily fit into the blog or core page model, like product pages or portfolio items. (Keep an eye out for an upcoming post all about custom post types!)

 

What is the difference between posts vs pages in WordPress for SEO?

Around here, we LOVE a well-organized website–but choosing between a page and a post isn’t just about making sure your website makes sense. It’s also incredibly important for SEO. If you want to make the most of your site’s SEO, then you need to know how and when to use which one.

Pages are typically optimized for more general keywords related to your business and the long-term brand visibility you want to achieve. 

Posts are better for that slow-and-steady cumulative work of ranking for long-tail keywords. Consistent, fresh content in the form of posts also helps Google realize your site is live and consistently updated (which can also affect search rankings!)

 

Best practices for using pages and posts

Here are a few quick-and-easy rules to keep in mind when using and optimizing pages and posts in WordPress.

Keep page navigation simple. And only use pages for the main parts of your site (like home, about, services, etc.)

Use posts to build thought leadership. Show people what your brand is about, display your best work, and answer questions for your audience.

Avoid using pages for blogs. Blogs should always be posts, so you can take advantage of sorting, categories, and fresh content for SEO benefits! To stay consistent, use the same template for all blog posts. Don’t forget to include a blog post archive page so visitors can scroll through past posts and easily find posts they’re interested in. (Psst! We include both of these templates for our Launch Week clients!)

 

Now you know whether to use WordPress page or post!

I hope you’ve found this breakdown of WordPress pages vs posts useful. And if you realize you’re not in line with best practices, it’s never too late for a little reorganization to give your site a usability and SEO boost!

 

Ready for a strategic WordPress website that converts?

We’re here to help! In our signature Launch Week service, you’ll get a strategy-driven WordPress website that converts visitors into paying clients (with all the page and post templates you need included) – in as little as one week.

Launch Week

Ready for a strategic WordPress website that converts?

Ready to get a strategy-driven WordPress website that converts visitors into paying clients (with all the page and post templates you need included) – in as little as one week? 

 

Ready to optimize your WordPress website that site?

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or just want to make sure you’re doing things right, we’re here to help! We offer comprehensive Search Engine Optimization services. Let’s make sure your pages and posts are working together to create a powerful, effective website!

 

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Ready for to show up in searches?

We offer comprehensive Search Engine Optimization services. Let’s make sure your pages and posts are working together to create a powerful, effective website!

 

Steph O'Keefe, SEO strategist and WordPress designer sitting at desk wearing a white shirt in Raleigh, NC.

I'm Steph!

I'm the Founder and creative Director behind Southern Creative, a.k.a. your SEO strategist and web designer.

My passion is crafting websites rooted in strategy so you can put your focus where your heart is while we launch your dream website that shows up online.

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