How to change your WordPress homepage

What is a homepage?

The homepage is the first page people see when they type your site address. It is like the front door of a shop. WordPress can show one of two things there:

• Your latest blog posts, in a list.
• A fixed page that you made, called a static page. "Static" just means it does not change by itself.

Many business sites use a static page, so they can say who they are straight away.

Steps: use a static page as the homepage

You need to have made at least one page first. If you have not, do Part 1. Otherwise, go on to Part 2.

Part 1: Create the pages

1. Go to Pages, then Add New.
2. Type a title, such as "Home".
3. Add your content.
4. Click Publish.
5. If you also want a blog, make a second page called "Blog" and publish it. Leave it empty. WordPress fills it with your posts.

Part 2: Tell WordPress which page to use

1. Go to Settings, then Reading.
2. Next to Your homepage displays, choose A static page.
3. In the Homepage drop-down, pick your "Home" page.

   

4. In the Posts page drop-down, pick your "Blog" page. If you do not want a blog page, leave it as is.
5. Click Save Changes.
6. Open your site address in a new tab to check it.

Steps: go back to showing latest posts

1. Go to Settings, then Reading.

   

2. Choose Your latest posts.

   

3. Click Save Changes.

Another way: the Customizer

The Customizer is a live-preview settings screen that many themes use.

1. Go to Appearance, then Customize.
2. Click Homepage Settings.
3. Choose your options as in the steps above.
4. Click Publish.

On a block theme, the Customizer may be missing. Use Settings, then Reading or Appearance, then Editor to edit the homepage template.

Quick recap

• The homepage is the first page visitors see.
• Make a page first, such as "Home".
• Go to Settings, then Reading, choose A static page and pick it.

  

• Choose Your latest posts to go back.