WordPress makes it easy to write articles and create blog pots. However, generating a steady flow of content may not be so easy. To keep things fresh and exciting, take advantage of the “sticky” post feature in WordPress.
A sticky post is like featuring your article as front-page news or plastering it to a billboard. It puts the most important article – the one you really want your readers to see – at the top of the blog. If you aren’t sure what a post is, check out my article on A ‘Post’ is a Verb and a Noun.
“Stick” a Post to the Top!
When you blog in WordPress, your posts will display in reverse chronological order, with the newest first. However, you can take any blog post that you’ve written, and bump it to the top. Even if it’s an old one.
In WordPress, we call this creating a “sticky” post because you are sticking a post at the top of the page. I’ve created a video to explain how it works.
Why Make a Post “Sticky”?
There are a few reasons to use sticky posts. Bottom line is that “sticky” posts get more visibility and traffic! If you have an important announcement or post that you want to make sure people read, “stick” it to the top.
Similarly, use a “sticky” post to revive old blog posts. Creating content on a regular basis can be a challenge. Instead of coming up with new material, you could revive an old post and “stick” it to the top of your blog. Make sure that the post is still relevant, accurate, and of interest to your readers!
Sometimes, there are events happening in your business or in the world that make certain posts more relevant. In that instance, you would want to “stick” it to the top.
How to Make a “Sticky” Post
Making a post “sticky” is simple. All you need to do is check a little box in the WordPress editor, and it will stick the post to the front page. Then, when you want to “unstick” that post and put it back in its original spot in the list of your blog posts, just uncheck the box.
Steps:
-
Go inside WordPress and find one of your older posts.
-
Click the edit button on the right where it says Visibility: “Public”.
-
Check the box that says “Stick this post to the front page” to make it a sticky post.
-
Go look at your site from the outside, and you will see that older post stuck to the top.
(I’ve added two screenshots below — one for Block Editor users and another for Classic Editor users as each editor has a different look.)
Block Editor
Classic Editor
Many students ask me, “Can I have more than one “Sticky” post?” Sure! If you set three posts as “sticky” they will all three display at the top in the publication order (newest first).
Have fun with making your WordPress posts sticky!
For more tips on how to make sure your blog content is fresh and consistent, read my article on How to Schedule Your Blog Posts in WordPress.
Thanks Christina for this information! Love it.
big smiles here
😀
Thank you! I needed that–and I appreciate simple explanations!
Glad you liked it!
🙂
Thanks Christina, sometimes it’s these small things that make a website eye catching and more useful. Thanks!
Karen,
sticky posts are very useful to the website owner and to the viewers. Very easy to turn on and off!
I’m trying to decide on iThemes/Flexx or Builder. Can anyone help with this decision?
Chris,
the answer depends upon you. How well do you know WordPress? If you are a newbie, I’d go with Flexx. It’s easy to get going with it and have a good looking site.
Builder is also a great theme, but it takes a bit longer to learn. So not so good for newbies. BUT you can create exactly what you are looking for. It helps you’BUILD’ your site for you. Like building blocks.
Here are my affiliate links for those two
http://www.flexxqueen.com and
http://www.ithemesqueen.com
A timely tip – I have a post perfect for ‘sticking’.
Your tips are always good and much appreciated.
Thanks Christina!
Better & Better,
Barbara Hawkins
Barbara,
Yes, sticky posts come in handy with WordPress
Very helpful. You see it applied here at http://eftsweden.se/bloggen/
I must say I appreciate your videos. Instructive, full of content, straight to the point, beautifully made.
Thank you,
Kjell
Kjell,
glad you liked my post on WordPress sticky posts
thanks a lot, It so helpul for me. i will share it for my friends
Thanks for giving a decent explanation for the sticky. I was about to give up with wordpress and go back to blogger. There is so much you can do with wordpress, I guess I am a little impatient.
Must thank you for taking the time to do these very helpful videos.
Love the confidence – and the answer!
Thanks a bunch!!! I am no longer confused!
Thank you so much 🙂