When people first install WordPress, one of the first surprises is that the homepage usually shows blog posts by default. That works well for blogs, but it doesn’t make much sense for most websites. Business sites, portfolios, and many content sites need a custom homepage that introduces the site, explains what it offers, and directs visitors to key sections.
In most sites I build, setting a proper homepage is one of the first structural steps after installing WordPress. It gives the site a clear starting point and prevents visitors from landing on a random list of posts.
The good news is that WordPress makes this easy once you know where the setting lives.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
To create a homepage in WordPress:
- Create a new page (usually called Home).
- Create another page for posts (usually called Blog).
- Go to Settings → Reading.
- Set Your homepage displays to A static page.
- Select your Homepage and Posts page.
Once this is set, your homepage becomes a custom page while your blog posts move to the separate blog page.
Why Setting a Homepage Matters
Without a proper homepage configuration, WordPress simply displays your latest posts on the front page. That may work for a blog, but it creates several issues for most websites.
First, visitors don’t immediately understand what the site is about. A homepage normally explains the purpose of the site and helps people navigate to the right content.
Second, it helps with site structure and SEO. A well-structured homepage links to key pages, categories, and important articles.
Third, it gives you more control over design. Instead of showing posts automatically, you can build sections like:
- Introduction to the site
- Featured articles
- Services or resources
- Navigation to major sections
In my experience reviewing WordPress sites, a missing or poorly configured homepage is one of the most common early setup mistakes.
Step 1: Create Your Homepage
The first step is simply creating the page that will become the homepage.
Create a new page
- Go to Pages → Add New
- Name the page Home
- Add your homepage content
- Click Publish
At this point, the page exists, but WordPress is not using it as the homepage yet.
What to include on a homepage
A simple homepage usually contains:
- A short introduction to the site
- Clear navigation to important sections
- Featured or important content
- Calls to action such as reading articles or exploring categories
You can build the page using the WordPress block editor, or use a page builder if your theme supports one.
In most sites I build, I keep the homepage relatively focused. Its main job is to guide visitors to the right content, not display everything on the site.
Step 2: Create a Blog Page for Posts
If your site contains articles, tutorials, or updates, you will usually want a separate page that lists your posts.
Create the blog page
- Go to Pages → Add New
- Title the page Blog (or Articles, News, etc.)
- Publish the page
You do not need to add content to this page. WordPress automatically fills it with your blog posts once it is assigned in the settings.
Step 3: Set a Static Homepage
Now you tell WordPress which pages should act as the homepage and the posts page.
Configure the homepage
- Go to Settings → Reading
- Find Your homepage displays
- Select A static page
- Choose your Homepage
- Choose your Posts page
- Click Save Changes
After saving, your site will now behave like this:
- Homepage → your custom Home page
- Blog page → automatic list of posts
This simple setting is what converts a default WordPress installation into a more traditional website structure.
Step 4: Check Your Navigation Menu
After setting the homepage, you should update your navigation menu.
Update the menu
- Go to Appearance → Menus
- Add your Home page
- Add your Blog page
- Arrange the menu order
- Save the menu
Most sites place the homepage link first in the menu.
Some themes also automatically display the homepage in navigation, but I usually verify the menu manually to avoid confusion.
If your site uses classic menus, the official Menus screen documentation is the most useful reference for this step.
Step 5: Design the Homepage Layout
Once the homepage is active, you can begin designing its layout.
Depending on your theme, this might involve:
- Adding content blocks
- Creating section layouts
- Highlighting featured posts
- Adding buttons or calls to action
Typical homepage sections include:
Intro section
Explain what the website is about and who it helps.
Key content or resources
Link to important articles, tutorials, or guides.
Categories or topics
Help visitors explore the site.
Featured posts
Highlight useful content instead of showing posts chronologically.
In my experience, simple homepages usually perform better than complex ones. The goal is clarity rather than visual complexity.
Practical Tips From Building WordPress Sites
A few small decisions make homepage setups work much better.
Keep the homepage focused
The homepage should guide visitors to important content, not attempt to display everything.
Use internal links
Link from the homepage to:
- Cornerstone articles
- Category pages
- Important resources
This improves both usability and SEO.
Avoid duplicate navigation
If your homepage already highlights key content, the navigation menu should complement it rather than repeat it.
Test the homepage as a visitor
After setting the homepage, open the site in a private browser window and ask a simple question:
“Would a new visitor understand this site in 5 seconds?”
That quick check often reveals missing navigation or confusing layout choices.
Common Mistakes When Setting a Homepage
Several issues appear regularly on new WordPress sites.
Forgetting to set a static homepage
Many site owners create a homepage but never assign it in Settings → Reading.
WordPress then continues showing posts instead.
Adding blog content directly to the homepage
If you want posts on the homepage, use featured post blocks or summaries instead of listing everything automatically.
Leaving the homepage empty
Sometimes people create the page but never design it. That leads to a blank or confusing front page.
Using too many homepage sections
Complex homepage designs often reduce clarity. In most cases, fewer sections work better.
When to Use a Static Homepage vs Blog Homepage
WordPress allows two main homepage approaches.
Static homepage (most websites)
Use a static homepage if your site is:
- A business site
- A resource site
- A tutorial site
- A portfolio
- A product or service site
This setup gives you full control over the page layout.
Blog homepage (traditional blogs)
Use the default blog homepage if your site is mainly:
- A chronological blog
- A news site
- A personal journal
In that case, showing recent posts first makes sense.
In most modern WordPress sites I work on, a static homepage with a separate blog page is the preferred structure.
Final Thoughts
Setting a homepage in WordPress is a simple step, but it has a big impact on how your website is organized.
The process is straightforward:
- Create a Home page
- Create a Blog page
- Assign them in Settings → Reading
Once that is done, your site moves from the default blog layout to a structured website with a clear entry point.
From there, you can design the homepage to guide visitors to the most useful content on your site.
Etienne Basson works with website systems, SEO-driven site architecture, and technical implementation. He writes practical guides on building, structuring, and optimizing websites for long-term growth.