When creating the WordPress content, you have the option to choose between a post and page. Though the two content types have similar fields and appearances in the dashboard, they are different from each other at many aspects. A good practice is to use both pages and posts to set up a powerful and flexible blogging platform.
In the following, we will explain both the similarities and differences existing between WordPress pages and posts. Now, scroll down and have a better understanding of both pages and posts.
What Are Pages?
WordPress pages are meant to be static content and mostly-used for things like “About Us”, “Privacy Policy”, “Legal Disclaimers” and many other similar types of content. Also, they can be used to promote certain services or services you’ve offered. Usually, putting WordPress content into sub-pages will make your website easy-to-navigate and SEO-friendly.
What Are Posts?
If you only want to run a blog, then you will use posts for a majority of site’s content. Usually a post is just like a journal entry that is listed in reverse chronological order on the website homepage. Most of them are news or informational updates about certain topics, along with the most recent articles on the top.
WordPress Pages VS Posts – Similarities
As noted above, you can use either posts or pages to create content on a WordPress site. As below, they can be accessed from the left-hand sidebar of dashboard. Press this “Add New” button and the window that pops up also looks very similar. When reading an article on a website, readers also won’t immediately think “that is a post” or “that is a page”.
WordPress Pages VS Posts – Differences
Being attached with different functions, pages and posts can be used for various purposes. Below is a snapshot that reveals the important differences between the two items.
Display Order & Structure
Posts are often placed in reverse chronological order and can be found in the “Categories” and “Recent Posts”; while pages are not arranged by date and do not use categories or tags.
Posts – Older posts are often archived by month and year. The benefit is that you can easily find the newest articles with ease. As all WordPress posts are published by accurate time and date, they can be syndicated through your RSS feeds. Depending on personal indulgences, it is possible to display them on the posts page through “Settings” > “Reading”.
Pages – WordPress pages are much more static and are not arranged by date. Although the database of WordPress often stores the published date of pages, they are timeless entities and won’t change much over time. Instead of tagging them with categories and tags, you are expected to use both “Parent” and “Child” pages to create a tree-like hierarchical structure. By default, they are not included in the RSS feeds.
Display Location & Content
Posts can appear before the other posts and be put inside a custom page; while pages usually show up in the navigation menu and can use custom templates.
Posts – If you’ve created sticky posts, those would be put before any other posts. If needed, you can showcase the posts in the “Archives” and other widgets. By the way, it’s also possible to display them on a custom page other than home page.
Pages – Pages, on the other hand, are generally used for static content or information. In most instances, your pages are displayed in a site’s navigation menu, which is located near the top of the site. They can be included in the sidebar using the “Pages” widget. The “About Us” and “Contact Us” pages are the classic examples.
Social Interaction
Posts are created for boosting social sharing, while pages don’t.
Posts – They are typically designed to encourage social sharing and interaction. It’s quite common you don’t care whether readers share an “About Us” page, but you must need others to share the posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and LinkedIn, etc. , etc. Also, there is an inbuilt commenting feature that enables visitors to comment on certain topics.
And you can clear out the comments on the older posts by going to “Settings” > “Discussions”.
Pages – Unlike posts, pages are not meant to be social and they don’t include any comments unless you enable them. It is recommendable to keep the default settings especially when you don’t want other users to comment on the legal disclaimers or contact page. This is just like you don’t need others to tweet the privacy policy.
Some Common Questions About WordPress Pages vs Posts
Which one should you choose?
If you plan to use WordPress a blog, then only a few pages are needed and the rest of site’s content will be posts. On the other hand, you should use a combination of the two items when running a website and blog.
How many pages and posts you can create?
There is no specific limit on how many pages and posts you can create in WordPress, and you’re only limited by the space storage of hosting account.
Will you gain SEO advantages by using pages?
Most search engines like well-organized content, and the most recent/timely posts have always been given a lot of priority. Try making your WordPress site organized for readers!
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