WordPress is known for its versatility, and many businesses and nonprofits use it to build everything from simple blogs to full-fledged websites. But while most users stick to the default structure of blog posts and pages, there’s a whole world of potential that often goes untapped. That’s where custom post types (CPTs) come in.
Custom post types allow you to organise and display different kinds of content beyond just posts and pages. Whether you want to showcase a portfolio, manage events, or feature case studies, custom post types give you the flexibility to design a website that truly fits your business. By unlocking the power of CPTs, you can turn WordPress into a dynamic platform tailored to your specific needs.
Approximate reading time: 4 minutes
1. What Are Custom Post Types?
WordPress mainly uses two types of content: posts and pages. Posts are typically used for regular updates, like blog entries or news, which appear in reverse chronological order. Pages, on the other hand, are used for more static content that doesn’t change often, such as your “About Us” or “Contact” page.
But what if your business needs something more specialised?
That’s where custom post types (CPTs) come in. A custom post type allows you to create and manage different types of content that go beyond the typical post or page structure. Think of it as a way to create unique categories of content. For example:
- A portfolio to showcase your work.
- Events to keep visitors informed of your organisation’s upcoming activities.
- Testimonials to display client feedback.
- Case studies that demonstrate the impact of your services.
With custom post types, your WordPress site can be as flexible as your business needs. Whether you’re building a growing portfolio or managing recurring events, custom post types help keep everything organised and user-friendly.
2. When to Use a Custom Post Type vs. a Standard Page or Post
Not every piece of content requires a custom post type. In fact, for many websites, sticking to the default posts and pages is often enough. So, how do you know when it’s time to use a custom post type, and when a standard post or page will do?
When to Use a Standard Post or Page
- Posts: Ideal for regular updates, blogs, or news. Posts work well when you want to share content that’s part of a larger feed or timeline. They’re also great for anything that requires categories and tags to organise content across the site.
- Pages: Best for static content like your “About Us,” “Contact,” or “Services” page. Pages are meant for one-off, standalone content that doesn’t need to be updated frequently.
When to Use a Custom Post Type (CPT)
- Custom post types are perfect when you have content that needs its own structure and management, separate from your regular posts and pages. Use a CPT if:
- You have recurring content that doesn’t belong in a blog feed, such as portfolios, products, events, or testimonials.
- You want to customise the way content is displayed or categorised, with specific fields or taxonomies unique to that content type.
- You need a scalable solution for managing multiple pieces of similar content without cluttering your post or page list.
Custom post types offer flexibility, organisation, and the ability to scale your content management. They can grow with your business, ensuring your website stays easy to navigate and manage.
3. The Benefits of Using Custom Post Types
Custom post types (CPTs) can truly transform how you manage and display content on your website. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Streamlined Content Management
CPTs let you organise your content in a way that makes sense for your business. For example, if you’re managing a portfolio of work, it’s much easier to create a custom post type specifically for your portfolio rather than mixing it with regular blog posts or static pages. This keeps your website content clean, organised, and easy to manage from the back end.
2. Better User Experience
When visitors come to your site, they want to find relevant information quickly and easily. By using custom post types, you can create specialised sections for different types of content, making navigation more intuitive. For example, visitors can go directly to a “Projects” section or browse “Events” without sifting through unrelated blog posts.
3. Scalability
As your business grows, so does your content. Custom post types allow your site to scale with your business. Whether you’re adding new services, client testimonials, or case studies, CPTs help you manage everything without overloading your main post and page structure.
4. Real-World Examples of Custom Post Types in Action
Custom post types can be applied in many creative ways, making them useful for a variety of businesses and nonprofits. Here are a few examples of how CPTs can enhance a website’s functionality and organisation:
1. Portfolios
For businesses that need to showcase their work, such as designers, photographers, or architects, a custom post type for portfolios allows you to categorise and display each project with its own layout and details. It also gives you the flexibility to add relevant fields, like client names, project dates, or links to case studies.
2. Events
Nonprofits or organisations hosting frequent events benefit from having a custom post type specifically for managing their calendar. This makes it easier to list upcoming events, organise them by category, and provide essential information like dates, locations, and ticketing options.
3. Products
For businesses selling physical or digital products, a custom post type for products helps keep inventory organised. It allows you to structure each product page with necessary fields, such as price, descriptions, images, and availability, creating a more robust eCommerce experience.
4. Testimonials
Testimonials are valuable for building trust with potential clients. Using a custom post type for testimonials helps keep feedback organised and displayed in a consistent format. You can include client names, company information, and their experience, making it easy to manage and showcase positive reviews across your site.
These are just a few ways that custom post types can add structure and organisation to a WordPress site, helping businesses present their content in a more engaging and professional way.
5. How to Implement Custom Post Types in WordPress
If you’re ready to go beyond the default post and page setup in WordPress, implementing custom post types is a great option. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to create them, depending on your needs and level of technical expertise:
1. Using a Plugin
We take advantage of the sophisticated Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin, which allows us to create and manage custom post types with greater flexibility. ACF lets us add custom fields, making your content types even more powerful and tailored to your specific needs. While we use the premium version for advanced features, there are also free options like Custom Post Type UI and Pods, which allow users to create custom post types without writing any code.
2. Custom Coding for Advanced Needs
For more complex websites, custom coding offers greater flexibility. Developers can create custom post types through the WordPress functions file, allowing for more control over how the post types function and display. This is ideal for websites with very specific needs or highly tailored content.
Whether you choose a plugin or custom coding, integrating custom post types into your WordPress site can give you the flexibility to manage unique types of content with ease. It’s an investment that pays off as your website grows and evolves.
Conclusion
Custom post types (CPTs) unlock the true potential of WordPress by giving you more flexibility in how you manage and display your content. Whether you’re showcasing a portfolio, organising events, or highlighting client testimonials, CPTs allow your website to be tailored to your business needs—going far beyond the standard posts and pages most websites rely on.
As a wise character once said in Inception, “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” When it comes to your website, custom post types let you dream bigger, creating dynamic, scalable solutions that can grow with your business.
With the right tools, such as Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), you can ensure that your custom post types are not only functional but also easy to manage, providing a seamless experience for both you and your website visitors. For businesses looking to scale and organise their content efficiently, CPTs are an essential feature that can help you grow without the clutter.
If you’re ready to take your WordPress site to the next level with custom post types, there’s no better time to start.