WordPress Custom Post Types extend the power of WordPress. When you combine the power of WordPress, a good WordPress Development Company and Custom Post Types — the sky is the limit.
Are creating Custom Post Types difficult? No, but they can be a little tricky. (We have an easy solution for this below, but first let’s talk about why you should consider user a WordPress custom post type or CPT.
Why Use a WordPress Custom Post Type
The main three reasons Trinity Web Media uses CPTs are ease of custom posting, consistency and custom styling.
Ease of Posting: When you have specific media, initiatives or categorical content that is outside of the normal post, using a WordPress Custom Post Type allows the WordPress user to enter all the specific information relative to the post in a manner that keeps the content and posts separate from the other WordPress pages or posts.
Post Consistency: Take podcasts for example — when creating a good WordPress podcast post there is specific information you must deliver to the reader. Some of this information includes podcast show notes, episode links, mention resources and guests. By using a custom post type for this example, we can create custom fields for the WordPress user to fill out, so when developed properly, it flows into the post in a consistent manner every time.
Custom Styling: The first two examples relate to the functionality of the site, now for the pretty aesthetics. By using a CPT you have total control of the styling of the custom posts. This allows your WordPress Designer to create a unique user experience for your audience. Also, custom styling lends itslef well to bigger and better branding opportunities.
The Easiest Way To Create WordPress Custom Post Types
There are two ways you can go about creating your CPT. One involves digging into a lot of php for you functions.php file and the other is well…simple.
Our friends at WebDevStudios created a great WordPress plugin called Custom Post Types UI. This system walks you through what you need to know and enter by using simple fields and creates the CPT for you. Yes, yes still have to style it accordingly if you wish, but otherwise within 15-20 minutes you are up and running.
Some of this may seem too advanced for you at the moment or over your head — fret not, this is just the beginning of extending WordPress in a way that empowers you, your users and your business.
