Working With WordPress Pages

In a blog there is only one page that will automatically update with each new post you publish, placing the most recent post at the top. This page is by default the front page but it can be changed to another page.

A post and a page

How do I post to a page?

“Posts are part of an ongoing document that is categorised and usually related to a point in time – you would make an entry about what you did that day for instance. FAQs”

Pages are quite different from posts. The Pages you create -> Dashboard -> Write -> Page (an unlimited number) sit outside posts and their structure and are meant to be used for static content. Pages lack timestamps and any additions you make to them must be done manually by editing. You cannot assign categories to Pages and they are not search-able via your web-based search box. Pages also lack the Google juice that posts on a front page get.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph above, the default display of posts presented on the front page can be changed. This is done by designating another static page as the front page of your blog. And the Posts page can also be changed at the same location.

->Dashboard -> Options -> Reading

Different Pages for Different Bloggers
The use of pages for presenting static content to readers is limited only by a blogger’s imagination. Here are some general examples:

(1) An About Page can provide a variety of information and links to other pages to assist the readers. They can be used to let your readers know:

• about the blogger;
• about the kind of blog it is;
• about how readers can comment and subscribe.

(2) A Comment Page can be useful too.

• It can advise readers of your policy (moderated or not – email addresses required but not posted, or not required).
• It can also contain how to instructions for readers regarding formatting comments.

(3) A Disclaimer Page may be worth considering.

(4) A Contact Page is IMHO a must.

Sub-pages – You can also create an unlimited number of sub-pages assigned in hierarchical order to “parent” pages.

-> Dashboard -> Write -> Page
(1) Look to the far right beyond the editor box at the row of blue buttons.
(2) Locate the one that says “Parent+” and click it.
(3) Assign the new sub-page you are creating to a Parent page.
(4) Complete the sub-page contents and publish it.

Some themes like Digg3 and Misty Look have horizontally displayed page tabs. These are usually located at the top of the blog. Some themes like Day Dream have page tabs just below the header. But many themes like Kubrick and Connections do not display page tabs at all.

The Pages Widget

If you’re using a theme that lacks page tabs then the Pages Widget becomes the method of click through navigation for your readers.

It displays links to your blog’s static pages in your sidebar.

Pages Widget set-up walk through -> Dashboard -> Appearance-> Widgets

(1) Scroll down to the Available widgets box and locate the Pages widget.
(2) Drag it out and drop it into the Sidebar box.
(3) Click on to open it.
(4) When the widget opens you will see optional fields that you can complete.
(5) Configuring the widget
* Title:

* Sort by: Page title Page order Page ID
* Exclude:
Page IDs, separated by commas.

(6) Once your selections have been made click “save” and “close”
(7) View your blog.

More page references:
Can I sort my pages?
I have 2 Home page links
I have too many pages at the top of my blog
I have too many pages in my header

blogging tips, How to, pages and posts, widgets, wordpress