This guide walks you through how to set home page in WordPress using the built-in settings. Whether you want a static page or a blog feed, we’ll show you exactly what to do.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the two homepage types: WordPress lets you choose between a static page (like a welcome page) or a dynamic blog feed of your latest posts.
- Create your homepage first: Before setting it as your home page, make sure the page exists in your Pages section.
- Use the Reading Settings: The main way to set your home page is through Settings > Reading in your WordPress dashboard.
- Assign pages correctly: You can set one page as the homepage and another as the posts page for your blog.
- Check your permalinks: After changing settings, refresh your permalinks to avoid broken links or 404 errors.
- Test on the front end: Always preview your site to confirm the home page displays as expected.
- Use a page builder if needed: Tools like Elementor or Gutenberg can help design a custom homepage with ease.
How to Set Home Page in WordPress: A Complete Guide
Setting your home page in WordPress is one of the first things you’ll do when launching a new website. Whether you’re building a blog, portfolio, or business site, your home page is the front door to your content. It’s where visitors land first, so getting it right matters.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set home page in WordPress step by step—no coding required. We’ll cover both static and dynamic homepage options, explain where to find the settings, and share tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a professional-looking home page ready to impress your audience.
Understanding Homepage Options in WordPress
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to know that WordPress offers two main types of home pages:
- Static Homepage: A fixed page you design yourself—like a welcome page, landing page, or business intro. This is ideal for business websites, portfolios, or service-based sites.
- Blog Feed Homepage: A dynamic page that automatically displays your latest blog posts. This works best for bloggers, news sites, or content-heavy platforms.
You can choose one or the other, or even use both—by setting a static home page and a separate page for your blog posts. WordPress makes this flexible so you can tailor your site to your goals.
Step 1: Create Your Homepage
Before you can set a home page, you need to have one. If you haven’t already created a page, here’s how:
Go to Pages > Add New
In your WordPress dashboard, hover over Pages in the left menu and click Add New.
Add a Title and Content
Give your page a title like “Home” or “Welcome.” Then, use the block editor (Gutenberg) to add text, images, buttons, or other elements. You can keep it simple or design a full custom layout.
Publish the Page
Once you’re happy with it, click the Publish button in the top-right corner. Your page is now live and ready to be set as the home page.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a page builder like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder, you can design your homepage with drag-and-drop tools for more creative control.
Step 2: Access the Reading Settings
Now that your page is ready, it’s time to tell WordPress to use it as your home page.
Navigate to Settings > Reading
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings in the left menu, then click Reading.
Choose Your Homepage Type
You’ll see a section called Your homepage displays. You have two options:
- A static page: Select this if you want a fixed home page (like the one you just created).
- Your latest posts: Choose this if you want your blog feed to appear on the home page.
For most websites, especially business or portfolio sites, the static page option is recommended.
Step 3: Assign Your Homepage
Once you’ve selected “A static page,” two dropdown menus will appear:
Homepage Dropdown
Click the dropdown under Homepage and select the page you created earlier (e.g., “Home”).
Posts Page Dropdown (Optional)
If you want a separate page for your blog posts, choose one from the Posts page dropdown. This could be a page titled “Blog,” “News,” or “Articles.” If you don’t select one, your blog posts won’t have a dedicated page.
Example: Let’s say you have a page called “Welcome” and another called “Blog.” Set “Welcome” as the homepage and “Blog” as the posts page. Now, visitors see your welcome message first, and they can click to read your latest posts.
Save Changes
Don’t forget to click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, your settings won’t take effect.
Step 4: Preview and Test Your Home Page
After saving, it’s time to check if everything works.
Visit Your Website
Open a new browser tab and go to your website’s URL (e.g., www.yoursite.com). You should now see your selected home page instead of a list of blog posts.
Check the Blog Page (If Applicable)
If you set a posts page, visit that URL (e.g., www.yoursite.com/blog) to make sure your latest posts appear there.
Look for Errors
Make sure all links, images, and buttons work correctly. If something looks off, go back to the page editor and fix it.
Pro Tip: Use a private browsing window or incognito mode to test your site without cached data interfering.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, setting the home page doesn’t go as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
Homepage Still Shows Blog Posts
If your home page still displays recent posts, double-check the Reading Settings. Make sure you selected “A static page” and assigned the correct page. Also, clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
404 Error on Home Page
This usually happens if your permalinks are outdated. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes (no need to change anything). This refreshes the URL structure and often fixes the issue.
Page Not Found After Assignment
If you can’t access your home page at all, make sure the page is published—not drafted or scheduled. Also, check that the page slug (URL) isn’t conflicting with another page or post.
Theme Overrides Homepage Settings
Some WordPress themes come with their own homepage templates or settings. If your changes aren’t showing, check your theme’s customizer (Appearance > Customize) for homepage options. You may need to disable a theme-specific homepage or adjust its settings.
Advanced Tips for a Better Home Page
Once your home page is set, you can take it to the next level with these tips:
Use a Page Builder
Plugins like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Divi let you design stunning home pages with drag-and-drop tools. You can add sliders, testimonials, contact forms, and more—without touching code.
Optimize for Speed
A slow home page can drive visitors away. Use lightweight images, enable caching, and avoid too many plugins. Tools like WP Rocket or Autoptimize can help speed things up.
Make It Mobile-Friendly
Over half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Always preview your home page on a phone or tablet. Use responsive design settings in your theme or page builder to ensure it looks great on all screens.
Add a Call to Action
Your home page should guide visitors to take action—whether it’s signing up, contacting you, or reading more. Use clear buttons like “Get Started,” “Learn More,” or “Contact Us” to improve conversions.
Update Regularly
Your home page isn’t set and forget. Update it with new offers, testimonials, or seasonal content to keep it fresh and relevant.
Conclusion
Setting your home page in WordPress is simple once you know where to look. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to set home page in WordPress using the Reading Settings, how to choose between a static page and blog feed, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Remember: your home page is your website’s first impression. Take the time to make it clear, engaging, and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re showcasing your work, selling a product, or sharing your thoughts, a well-designed home page helps you connect with your audience.
Now that your home page is live, consider optimizing it for SEO, speed, and user experience. With the right setup, your WordPress site will be ready to grow and succeed.