Creating a Blog Page

Learning Objectives

• Set up a dedicated blog page in WordPress using the Reading Settings.
• Choose a layout that highlights readability and user experience.
• Organize posts using categories and tags.
• Create featured images and excerpts for an attractive blog listing.
• Customize your blog archive page layout with Elementor (optional).

What a Blog Page Is

A blog page is a dynamic page that automatically displays your most recent blog posts. It updates automatically whenever you create new content. Instead of manually design­ing this page, WordPress allows you to assign any page as the “Posts Page.”

What Your Blog Page Should Include

• List of recent posts
• Featured images
• Post titles & excerpts
• Categories or tags
• Pagination (Next Page / Previous Page)
• Sidebar (optional)

Step 1 — Create a Dedicated Blog Page

1. Go to Pages → Add New.
2. Title the page Blog or “News,” “Resources,” etc.
3. Do not add content—leave the page blank.
4. Click Publish.

Step 2 — Assign the Blog Page in WordPress Settings

1. Go to Settings → Reading.
2. Select A static page.
3. Set:
   • Homepage: Choose your designed homepage.
   • Posts page: Select the Blog page you just created.
4. Save changes.

WordPress will now automatically display your blog posts on that page.

Step 3 — Choose a Blog Layout

Your blog layout should be clean, readable, and visually consistent with your branding.

Common Layout Options

• List Layout: Simple vertical list of posts.
• Grid Layout: 2–4 columns of cards (common for modern blogs).
• Masonry Layout: Pinterest-style staggered grid.
• Minimal Layout: Large titles with subtle images.

Elements to Include in Each Post Card

• Featured image
• Post title
• Short excerpt (1–2 sentences)
• Read More button
• Category
• Publish date (optional)

Step 4 — Add Featured Images & Excerpts to Your Posts

Featured Images

• Set a featured image for every blog post.
• Use consistent image style (ratio, type of imagery).
• Optimize for web (under 200–300 KB ideally).

Excerpts

• Write a short 1–2 sentence summary.
• Should entice the reader to click.
• Appears on blog archive pages and social shares.

Step 5 — Organize Posts With Categories & Tags

Organizing your content helps readers find related posts and improves the structure of your blog.

Categories

• Broad topics
• 1–5 main categories recommended
• Each post should fit into 1 primary category

Tags

• Specific topics related to the post
• Use 3–6 tags per post
• Helps connect related content

Optional: Customize Blog Page With Elementor

If using Elementor, you can build a custom blog archive template using the Theme Builder.

How to Customize With Elementor

1. Go to Templates → Theme Builder → Archive.
2. Create new Archive template.
3. Add the Posts widget or Archive Posts widget.
4. Customize:
   • Grid or list layout
   • Spacing and columns
   • Typography and colors
   • Card hover effects
   • Pagination style
5. Publish and assign it to the “All Archive Pages” condition.

Best Practices for a High-Quality Blog Page

• Keep titles readable and scannable.
• Use consistent card design across all posts.
• Ensure the featured images share a style or ratio.
• Make the page mobile-friendly.
• Add a search bar and category filter (optional).
• Include a strong sidebar or no sidebar—avoid clutter.
• Keep pagination visible and easy to click.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using inconsistent featured image sizes.
• Publishing posts without excerpts.
• Too many categories or tags (causes confusion).
• Cluttered sidebars full of widgets.
• Using long intros before showing posts.

Activity: Set Up Your Blog Page

1. Create a new page named “Blog.”
2. Assign it as your Posts Page in Settings → Reading.
3. Choose your preferred blog layout.
4. Set featured images and excerpts for at least 3 posts.
5. Organize your posts using categories and tags.
6. (Optional) Create a custom archive template in Elementor.

Deliverable: Submit a screenshot of your completed blog page layout.