[Resolved] Sections or widget for custom layout?

[Grant]

Hello,

I am building a site for low-end users so performance is key, which is why I am using your theme, and have read your optimisation tips.

I have read forum posts on people wanting dynamic (blog) and static content on one page as I want a particular layout. But I couldn’t find a definite solution so am reaching out here. So, for example, on the homepage I would like to see (top to bottom)

• A full-width search bar
• A tag cloud
• Blog posts

This could be achieved with a Pagebuilder but could I do this with your Sections? Otherwise, I see on the forums that you often recommend:

• this Widget Shortcode: https://en-ca.wordpress.org/plugins/widget-shortcode/ and
• Tom’s WP Show Posts: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-show-posts/

for this type of blend of blog posts and static content. What do you think would work best and load quickest – sections or widgets – or something else?

[David]

Hi there,

the two plugins you mention would be a good way to achieve this along with Sections. This would be a lot faster then adding a pagebuilder to construct the same layout.

[Grant]

Thanks for the quick reply and confirmation of what I was thinking, David. One of two further points of clarification if you don’t mind?

I want to have a full-width site, (i.e. no sidebars) and I want some of the features, like the search bar and tag cloud to be available throughout the site, not just on the homepage. Do I need to get someone to edit the core files or is there an easier way of doing this please?

[David]

The Hook Element will do just that and you can set display rules for where you want it displayed:

https://docs.generatepress.com/article/hooks-element-overview/

Visual guide for all the major hook locations:

https://docs.generatepress.com/article/hooks-visual-guide/

[Grant]

Looks good, thanks. Now I have a better idea I can discuss better with my developer. Cheers and have a good day! B-)

[David]

You’re welcome

[Author]

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