One of the features of Wordpress, is the ability to set your front page.
In other words, you can choose a ’static‘ front page, or one that will show your recent posts, which defaults to ten (in case you didn’t notice).
As most things involving webmasters, there are different opinions on which is best. Some will argue that having a Static Front Page allows for a good warning, to protect you from the Religious Right, while others say it has good Search Engine benefits.
Those who prefer the rolling front page, where your latest posts show, argue that it shows activity, which the big search engines like, and that warnings have no legal protection, and are a waste of real estate.
The simple truth is, either works. Unless you happen to know the exact algo that the Big Boys use, there is not way of knowing which will help you better, in achieving rankings. So it comes down to preferences, as well as to the often ignored criteria, that being what is best for your Consumer, your Visitor.
Does a static page make the visitor return and keep on returning?
I tend to believe it doesn’t, and no I don’t have stats to back it up, but just my own preferences. See, one thing I have learned, is that we are an impatient bunch of people. Especially those looking for Porn, because the idea is, we want to get off.
I should also say, that as an ordinary consumer, I am not really going to be thrilled at having to wade through things, to find my ultimate goal.
Business is simple really, attract the consumer, and provide them with easy access to their desired product, so they can buy it. Don’t make them run around in a maze, as that will not get you a ton of consistent sales. YES, it will get you sales, but not consistent ones.
Even the big department stores, try to keep things semi organized, so that ladies stuff is together, then split down, or as we say online, drilled down. In short, one section is for Ladies, where you will find sub sections for lingerie, dresses, skirts, cosmetics, etc. The consumer can easily find what they are looking for.
Grocery Stores do the same, canned goods are in one section, dairy in another, meat in one, produce, etc.
And so too, should websites.
Your first page, is also the main entry page. This is usually where people first come, including repeat customers. So if it is always the same, nothing appears new, people don’t bother clicking thru to check out other stuff. On occasion they might, but not enough, in my mind, to warrant having a static page.
PLUS, the old mantra for online, was get them to the buy page quick. A static page adds an extra click, that returning customers don’t need. In short it is a turn off.
To set your choice, go to the Settings Tab, then find Reading.
Notice that you actually have two options for a static front page. One is for Posts, while the other is for Pages. Most tend to go with Pages, but hey, you could go against the grain, and be a bit more original. Okay, if you check the drop down, you’ll find that both give you the same options, so don’t ask me. Maybe its a theme sensitive thing.
I’d go with a custom page, that you could call HOME that talks about your blog, what’s inside, if that is your choice. Keep in mind, if you create it in the Wordpress Page Settings, it will show up in your Header Bar on the top. (depending on your theme.)
Now notice that this is also where you can set how many posts are shown in the front page?
You should play with the first number, which defaults to 10, so that your posts on the page, ends close to where your sidebar ends. To have it extend way beyond, looks naff, and isn’t very professional. Granted, there will times when your lengthier posts, will tend to make it look odd, but over all, it will look clean and neat.
Syndication Posts, is what is shown in your RSS Feeds. I generally keep mine at 10 or 5.
What I do alter, is that I want syndication feeds to only show a summary, rather than the entire post.
My reasoning is simple, I want them to come to my site, to see the advertising I have, not just sit back and read the entire post, and leave me stranded. Sort of like what Restaurants do. They send out Menu’s with loads of tantalizing pictures, to make you drool, to make you hungry, to make you come and order from them.
Your Syndication Feed should do that as well, and so allowing for a summary only, should do that. Full text won’t. And if you use the ‘excerpt‘ field, that is generally what will be sent out, in your RSS Feed Syndication.
Mar 24th by Malcontent