[Support request] “Best practice” for creating multiple pages/posts with the same layout

[Olof]

Hi all,

Hope this won’t be too vague/indefinite, but I’m looking for some pointers in how to approach new sites using Generatepress Premium + Generateblocks Pro when it comes to “duplicating” the same layouts/design over and over again. The main objective is to make the process as easy as possible for content creators, such as editors etc, to be able to create new pages/posts with new content.

Let me showcase an example of a site structure:

-Start page (layout/style will not be used anywhere else)
-Hub/Category pages (same layout will be used for multiple pages)
-Review pages (same layout will be used for multiple pages)
-Information posts (same layout will be used for multiple post)

Now – going through the forum I can see “Duplicate post”-plugins being suggested, but I think this might have been before GeneratePress had its Element feature, and before Generateblocks had it’s local template feature? Or this still the preferred approach?

Whatever “broad” guidelines you can give me here would be MUCH appreciated as this will likely save me a bunch of trial/error time.

Hope that made sense, if not, I’ll expand where you need me to!

Best,
Olof

[Ying]

Hi Olof,

I would say duplicate posts plugin is still a pretty good option, but if you want to change the layout in the future, modification is needed for every page.

If you would like to try the dynamic block element, here’re my advices:

– Start page:
Build the page directly.

– Hub/Category pages:
Sounds like archive pages, if so you can build a block element – content template to build the posts template on archive pages. And
you can add other block element – hook for extra content.

– Review pages:
Are they going to be custom post type? Or just pages? Block element – content template will also work in both
cases.

– Information posts:
Block element – content template will work, set post > all posts as location.

[Olof]

Thanks for the feedback Ying, much appreciated!

I would say duplicate posts plugin is still a pretty good option, but if you want to change the layout in the future, modification is needed for every page.

Exactly – I’d rather “futureproof” if there are better ways to do it.

Going to try out your suggestions!

Just out of interest: I’m assuming Local templates through Generateblocks are not preferred over the block element approach – is it because it’s not dynamic? (one would have to modify every page if layout changes in future, much like Duplicate posts plugin), or any other reason?

Best,
Olof

[Ying]

is it because it’s not dynamic? (one would have to modify every page if layout changes in future, much like Duplicate posts plugin)

Yes, local template is static, it’s more like duplicate posts.

Wish you good luck building your new site 🙂

[Olof]

hi again!

I played around with your suggestion Ying, and while it makes sense for some repatable stuff like creating your Hero with dynamic text using title and dynamic image using featured image, in this particular case I’m referring to creating multiple pages with the need of reusing other blocks that the Element features won’t support dynamic content for. For example changing custom text on buttons, images and bullet points etc.

In other words: I’m looking for a pre-set build but where I need to add/replace that build with new content. Tool 1, tool 2, tool 3 etc all with unique content in terms of text/images.

Now, I realize this suddenly becomes more of a Generateblocks ticket rather than Generatepress, but would you have any pros and cons regarding using Duplicate posts plugin vs Local templates in GB – when using it at scale?

Best,
Olof

[David]

Hi there,

Now, I realize this suddenly becomes more of a Generateblocks ticket rather than Generatepress, but would you have any pros and cons regarding using Duplicate posts plugin vs Local templates in GB – when using it at scale?

There is no real difference between the two methods.
When you duplicate a post you create a static copy of the original post.
When you add a Local Template you create a static copy of the template.

My personal view would be to use Local Templates as it feels more natural to Add New Post and Import a Template.

[Olof]

Great! Going for Local Templates.

Cheers,
Olof

[David]

Glad we could be of help

[Author]

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