Case Study: Transitioning from Widgets to Gutenberg Blocks for Homepage Management
Objective
To guide editors through the process of migrating from traditional widget-based homepages to dynamic, Gutenberg block-based homepages on WordPress.
Process Overview with a Focus on Flexibility and Strategy
Initial Setup:
- Keep two tabs open: one for the current widget-based homepage backend, and another for the Gutenberg editor backend.
- Access the widget page for reference at domain.com/wp-admin/widgets.php
- Access the sample homepage created at domain.com/home, and click ‘Edit’ to view the backend.
Matching Categories, Zones and Titles:
- On the Gutenberg backend, click on the individual blocks and align the categories/zones blog feed options with those in the widget setup.
- Update the title of each Gutenberg block to reflect the new source names.
Embrace Flexibility and Strategy:
- While exact replication of old homepages is possible, editors are encouraged to view this transition as an opportunity to revise and improve their content strategy.
- Consider creating new zones and layouts that better serve the current editorial goals and audience engagement.
Recommendations for Editors
- Explore Gutenberg’s Capabilities: Familiarize yourself with the various iOne block types and their functionalities.
- Innovate and Update: Use this transition to refresh the homepage’s design and content strategy.
- User Experience Focus: Utilize the new Zone features to create a fresh site experience.
- Monitor and Adapt: After implementation, regularly review the homepage’s performance and make adjustments as needed.
Conclusion
The transition from widgets to Gutenberg blocks represents a significant shift in how homepages are managed and presented. By leveraging the flexibility and advanced features of Gutenberg, editors can not only replicate their existing homepage layouts but also innovate to enhance user engagement and streamline content management.
