(with and without Elementor) #
Overview #
In your AMS website, Posts are best used for content that is time-sensitive or regularly updated, such as news articles, blog updates, policy changes, media releases, or announcements. Unlike Pages (which are static), posts are ordered by date and can be grouped using categories and tags for better organisation and filtering.
This guide covers two methods of creating posts:
- Using the default WordPress Block Editor
- Using Elementor (if enabled for posts)
Part 1: Creating a Post Using the WordPress Block Editor #
Step 1: Access the Post Editor #
- Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Posts > Add New from the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Enter the Post Title #
- Enter a meaningful and concise title in the “Add title” field.
- This will become the page heading and may appear in lists or RSS feeds.
Example:
“2025 Annual General Meeting”
Step 3: Add Content Using Blocks #
WordPress uses the Block Editor (Gutenberg) for creating content.
- Click the + (Add Block) button to insert content blocks.
- Commonly used blocks include:
- Paragraph – for text
- Heading – for section titles (use H2 for main sections)
- Image – upload or choose from Media Library
- List – for bullet or numbered items
- Buttons – to add call-to-action links
You can also drag and drop blocks to reorder your content.
Step 4: Assign a Category #
Categories help group your posts for filtering and navigation.
- Locate the Post settings panel on the right-hand side.
- Expand the Categories section.
- Tick an existing category or click Add New Category to create one.
Tip: Use clear, top-level categories like “News”, “Media Releases”, “Events”, “Member Updates”.
Step 5: Add Tags (Optional) #
Tags are keywords that describe specific topics within a post.
- In the Tags section on the right, type relevant terms.
- Separate multiple tags with commas.
Example Tags:policy, 2025 AGM, registration, media release
Step 6: Set a Featured Image #
A featured image appears on post archives, previews, and social shares.
- Click Featured Image > Set featured image
- Upload a new image or choose from the Media Library
- Choose a high-quality, relevant image (ideally landscape orientation)
Step 7: Set Excerpt (Optional) #
The excerpt is a short summary shown in post listings or newsletters.
- Locate the Excerpt field in the Post settings panel.
- Add 1–2 sentences summarising the post.
Example:
“Registrations are now open for the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Secure your spot today!”
Step 8: Preview and Publish #
- Click Preview to see how your post will appear on the website.
- Once reviewed, click Publish.
- Confirm again by clicking Publish in the confirmation dialogue.
Part 2: Creating a Post Using Elementor #
What is Elementor? #
Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder used to create highly customised layouts. While typically used for pages, it can be enabled for posts.
Note: If Elementor is not currently available for posts on your site, an admin can enable it by going to Elementor > Settings > Post Types and ticking “Posts”.
Step 1: Navigate to Posts > Add New #
- Same as in the previous method, go to Posts > Add New
- Enter your post title
Step 2: Launch Elementor #
- Click the “Edit with Elementor” button
- The Elementor interface will open, replacing the default editor
Step 3: Build the Layout #
Using the left-hand Elementor panel, drag and drop widgets into the page canvas:
- Heading – for your title and subheadings
- Text Editor – for body content
- Image – to add visuals
- Spacer or Divider – for spacing elements
- Video, Button, Icon Box, etc.
Use sections and columns to organise your layout and keep things visually tidy.
Step 4: Mobile Responsiveness #
Elementor lets you preview and adjust layouts for tablet and mobile.
- Click the Responsive Mode icon in the bottom panel
- Adjust paddings, text sizes, and layout for smaller screens if needed
Step 5: Save and Return to WordPress Editor #
- Click Update in Elementor to save your design
- Use the WordPress dashboard icon to return to the regular editor
- From here, add Categories, Tags, Featured Image, and Excerpt as outlined in Part 1
Step 6: Publish #
- Once all post settings are configured, click Publish
Best Practices #
| Task | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Titles | Keep them short, relevant, and keyword-rich |
| Categories & Tags | Use consistently to support content filters and post organisation |
| Featured Images | Use professional, high-resolution images with consistent sizing |
| Excerpts | Always add for better control of post previews |
| Layout (Elementor) | Don’t overdesign—keep layouts clean, accessible, and responsive |
| Post Reuse | Use Elementor templates or saved blocks for recurring post formats |
Troubleshooting #
| Issue | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Posts not appearing on the News page | Elementor > Settings > Post Types – ensure “Posts” is ticked |
| Layout breaks on mobile | Use Elementor’s responsive preview mode to adjust settings |
| Posts not appearing on News page | Elementor is not available for Posts |
| Content not saving | Check if the post is categorised correctly and assigned to a displayed category |
