{"id":38729,"date":"2025-06-14T18:57:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T22:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/?post_type=reference-article&#038;p=38729"},"modified":"2025-06-14T19:01:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T23:01:31","slug":"pages-vs-posts-understanding-content-types-in-the-nc-state-theme","status":"publish","type":"reference-article","link":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/reference-article\/pages-vs-posts-understanding-content-types-in-the-nc-state-theme\/","title":{"rendered":"Pages vs Posts: Understanding Content Types in the NC&#160;State Theme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WordPress Pages: The Foundation of Your Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pages are the building blocks of your website&#8217;s permanent structure. Think of them as the &#8220;rooms&#8221; in your digital house that visitors will navigate to find specific types of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Characteristics of Pages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Static content<\/strong>&nbsp;that doesn&#8217;t change frequently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hierarchical structure<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; pages can have parent-child relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timeless information<\/strong>&nbsp;not tied to a specific date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not categorized or tagged<\/strong>&nbsp;in the traditional sense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appear in your site&#8217;s main navigation<\/strong>&nbsp;menus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Use Pages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About Us information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services or program overviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landing pages for marketing campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Course syllabi or program requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any content that serves as a permanent reference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Page Header Options in NC State Theme:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The NC State Theme provides three distinct header types for pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Default Header<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Most commonly used for standard subpages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Split Header<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Ideal for landing pages and top-level content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Floating Box Header<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Great for marketing-focused pages<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The available header options may vary depending on your page&#8217;s purpose and position in your site hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WordPress Posts: Dynamic, Time-Based Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Posts represent your site&#8217;s dynamic content stream. They&#8217;re designed for information that&#8217;s tied to a specific time or that you want to organize chronologically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Characteristics of Posts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Time-sensitive content<\/strong>&nbsp;with publication dates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Categorized and tagged<\/strong>&nbsp;for organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appear in chronological order<\/strong>&nbsp;(newest first)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Designed for sharing<\/strong>&nbsp;on social media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Can be filtered and searched<\/strong>&nbsp;more easily<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Use Posts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>News announcements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blog articles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press releases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stories about people or achievements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any content with a specific publication timeline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Posts and the Newswire:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For optimal integration with NC State&#8217;s Newswire system, posts should use .jpeg\/.jpg format images. This ensures better compatibility when content is syndicated across university communications channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NC State Theme: Custom Post Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond standard Pages and Posts, the NC State Theme introduces several specialized custom post types that combine the best features of both while serving specific institutional needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Academic Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Create filterable, searchable program listings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Pre-configured landing page format, automatic advertising landing pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use case<\/strong>: Graduate programs, undergraduate majors, certificate programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique benefit<\/strong>: Automatically generated advertising landing pages (append&nbsp;<code>?masthead=false<\/code>&nbsp;to hide the site&#8217;s menu and masthead for paid campaigns)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/reference-article\/academic-programs-post-type\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Academic Programs details<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Create filterable databases of any type of resource<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Highly flexible, renameable to match your content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use case<\/strong>: Tools, documents, classroom listings, equipment databases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique benefit<\/strong>: Can be renamed to anything that fits your needs (e.g., &#8220;Blocks,&#8221; &#8220;Tools,&#8221; &#8220;Facilities&#8221;)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/reference-article\/resources-post-type\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Resources details<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Non-Credit Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Showcase workshops, camps, and non-degree offerings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Automatic program page generation, date-based filtering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use case<\/strong>: Summer camps, professional workshops, continuing education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique benefit<\/strong>: Programs automatically hide after their end date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/reference-article\/non-credit-programs-post-type\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Non-Credit Programs details<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Create searchable course catalogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Filter by semester, department, and other criteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use case<\/strong>: Course listings, academic catalogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Future enhancement<\/strong>: Automatic population from university systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"is-style-secondary wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/reference-article\/courses-post-type\/\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n                      >\n                  <span class=\"text\">Courses details<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making the Right Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose a Page when:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Content will remain relevant for months or years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information serves as a reference or resource<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You need hierarchical organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Content supports your site&#8217;s primary navigation structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose a Post when:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Content is tied to a specific date or event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to categorize and tag content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information is time-sensitive or newsworthy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Content will be shared on social media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose a Custom Post Type when:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You need filterable, searchable databases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Content requires specialized formatting or fields<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want consistent presentation across similar items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard pages or posts don&#8217;t meet your organizational needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content Organization Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For Pages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create a logical hierarchy that supports user navigation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use descriptive, SEO-friendly titles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include comprehensive meta descriptions for search engines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider your audience&#8217;s journey through your site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For Posts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use consistent categories and tags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include compelling featured images (preferably .jpeg format)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write engaging meta descriptions for social sharing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider how content will appear in feeds and archives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For All Content Types:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visibility settings<\/strong>&nbsp;can be adjusted for any content type (Public, Private, or Password Protected)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meta descriptions<\/strong>&nbsp;help with both search engine results and social media sharing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Featured images<\/strong>&nbsp;improve engagement and visual appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Header selection<\/strong>&nbsp;impacts user experience and conversion goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding when to use Pages versus Posts\u2014and when to leverage the NC State Theme&#8217;s custom post types\u2014is crucial for creating an effective, well-organized website. Pages provide the structural foundation, Posts deliver timely content, and custom post types offer specialized solutions for academic institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: the choice between content types isn&#8217;t just about organization\u2014it affects how users discover, navigate, and interact with your content. Choose the type that best serves both your content strategy and your users&#8217; needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For technical questions about implementing these content types, <a href=\"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/get-support\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3372\">contact the University Communications team<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"availability":[72,71,49],"content-type":[98,75,105],"class_list":["post-38729","reference-article","type-reference-article","status-publish","hentry","availability-nc-state-premium-add-on","availability-nc-state-pro-add-on","availability-nc-state-theme","content-type-post-type","content-type-site-settings","content-type-special-configuration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference-article\/38729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reference-article"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference-article\/38729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38732,"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference-article\/38729\/revisions\/38732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/availability?post=38729"},{"taxonomy":"content-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-type?post=38729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}