Hey there! Want to start a website with WordPress but no clue how to use the Gutenberg?
All you have heard is over 43% of all websites are powered by WordPress. And, you want to give it a shot? Don’t know how to use the WordPress Gutenberg block editor?
Well, let me tell you that it’s not that hard. Once you get to know it, you’ll love how easy it is to use.
And you don’t have to worry because I’m here with an in-depth guide. I’ll do a deep dive on getting started with Gutenberg WordPress block editor.
I’ve got some secret little tips and tricks that I came to know from using it all these years. So, stay with me till the end
Go grab your coffee and let me be your life saver!
What is the Gutenberg Block Editor?
WordPress introduced the Gutenberg Block Editor in version 5.0 back in December 2018. And, it was a major upgrade from the classic editor.
The classic editor relied on text and HTML, so at least a basic understanding of coding was a must to create websites. But the Gutenberg editor uses blocks to build posts and pages.
Gutenberg gives you flexibility to create and customize. And that too without needing any coding skills. You can easily design complex layouts without writing a single line of code.
It’s quite useful for beginners or non-coders who want to create visually appealing websites.
Do you know?
- WordPress has a massive 42.7% market share of all websites in 2024!
- Also, WordPress captured a 62.5% market share among all CMS.
Why Should You Use Gutenberg Block Editor?
Enhanced Flexibility and Control
One of the main advantages of the Gutenberg Block Editor is its flexibility. Users can easily drag and drop blocks, reorder them, and customize their appearance. This granular control over content layout is a significant improvement over the classic editor.
Improved Visual Editing
Gutenberg provides a more visual editing experience, allowing users to see how their content will look on the front end as they create it. This WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) approach simplifies the design process and reduces the need for previewing changes.
Better for SEO
The structured nature of blocks can help with SEO. Each block’s content can be optimized separately, making it easier to manage headings, images, alt text, and other SEO elements.
Also, Gutenberg is compatible with popular SEO plugins like RankMath, Yoast SEO and etc. This can further enhance your on-page optimization efforts.
Future-Proofing Your Content
As WordPress continues to evolve, the block editor is set to become even more powerful. By adopting Gutenberg now, you are future-proofing your content and ensuring compatibility with future updates and features.
Getting Started with Gutenberg Block Editor
Accessing the Block Editor
To start using the Gutenberg Block Editor, you need to install WordPress 5.0 or later. Here’s how to access the editor:
- Login to Your WordPress Dashboard: Enter your username and password to access the admin area.
- Navigate to Posts or Pages: Click on ‘Posts’ or ‘Pages’ from the left-hand menu.
- Add New or Edit Existing Content: Click ‘Add New’ to create a new post or page, or select an existing post or page to edit.
- Start Editing: You will be taken to the Gutenberg editor interface.
Understanding the User Interface
The Gutenberg Block Editor interface is designed to be intuitive, with a clean and modern look. Here are the main components:
- Top Toolbar: This contains options for adding new blocks, undoing/redoing changes, and accessing settings.
- Content Area: This is where you create and edit your content using blocks.
- Block Inserter: Click the (+) icon to add new blocks to your content.
- Block Toolbar: Each block has its toolbar with options specific to that block type.
- Settings Sidebar: This contains document settings (like categories, tags, and featured images) and block settings (like color, typography, and alignment).
Basic Blocks and How to Use Them
Gutenberg comes with a variety of basic blocks that cover the most common content needs. Here are some of the essential ones:
Paragraph Block
The Paragraph Block is the most fundamental block used for adding text content. Here’s how to use it:
- Add a Paragraph Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Paragraph.’
- Enter Text: Start typing to add your content.
- Customize: Use the block toolbar to adjust alignment, bold, italicize, or add links.
Image Block
The Image Block allows you to add images to your content easily:
- Add an Image Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Image’.
- Upload or Select Image: Upload a new image or choose one from your media library.
- Customize: Use the block toolbar to adjust alignment, add a caption, or link the image.
Heading Block
Headings are crucial for structuring your content and improving SEO. The Heading Block makes this simple:
- Add a Heading Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Heading.’
- Enter Your Heading: Type in your heading text.
- Customize: Choose the heading level (H1, H2, etc.) and adjust alignment.
List Block
Lists are great for organizing information. Here’s how to use the List Block:
- Add a List Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘List.’
- Enter List Items: Type your list items, pressing Enter to add new ones.
- Customize: Choose between a bulleted or numbered list.
Quote Block
The Quote Block is perfect for highlighting quotes or testimonials:
- Add a Quote Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Quote.’
- Enter the Quote: Type in the quote text and the source.
- Customize: Adjust alignment and citation style.
Advanced Blocks and Customization
Beyond basic blocks, Gutenberg offers advanced blocks that provide more functionality and customization options.
Cover Block
The Cover Block is ideal for creating visually striking sections with background images or colors:
- Add a Cover Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Cover.’
- Choose Background: Upload an image or select a color.
- Add Overlay Text: Click inside the block to add text over the background.
- Customize: Adjust overlay opacity, alignment, and other settings.
Media & Text Block
The Media & Text Block allows you to place media (like images or videos) alongside text, creating a side-by-side layout:
- Add a Media & Text Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Media & Text.’
- Upload Media: Add your image or video.
- Enter Text: Add text in the adjacent area.
- Customize: Adjust the media and text alignment and switch their positions.
Table Block
For adding tables, the Table Block is a straightforward option:
- Add a Table Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Table.’
- Set Rows and Columns: Define the number of rows and columns.
- Enter Data: Click on each cell to add your data.
- Customize: Adjust table styles, including header and footer options.
Embed Block
Gutenberg supports embedding content from various external sources. The Embed Block makes this easy:
- Add an Embed Block: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Embed.’
- Enter URL: Paste the URL of the content you want to embed (e.g., YouTube video, Twitter post).
- Preview Embed: The content will be displayed directly in the editor.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Editing
Reusable Blocks
Reusable blocks are a great way to save time when you need to use the same content in multiple places:
- Create a Reusable Block: Select a block, click on the three-dot menu, and choose ‘Add to Reusable Blocks.’
- Name Your Block: Give it a descriptive name.
- Insert Reusable Block: Use the (+) icon and select ‘Reusable’ to add it to your content.
Block Patterns
Block patterns are pre-designed block layouts that you can insert and customize:
- Access Block Patterns: Click the (+) icon and select ‘Patterns.’
- Choose a Pattern: Browse through categories and select a pattern.
- Customize: Modify the pattern content and styles to fit your needs.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts can speed up your workflow. Here are some useful ones:
- Ctrl + Z: Undo
- Ctrl + Shift + Z: Redo
- Ctrl + B: Bold
- Ctrl + I: Italic
- Alt + Shift + O: Add Ordered List
- Alt + Shift + U: Add Unordered List
SEO Best Practices with Gutenberg
Optimizing Content Blocks
Each block in Gutenberg can be optimized for SEO:
- Headings: Use heading blocks appropriately to structure your content.
- Images: Add alt text to image blocks for better accessibility and SEO.
- Links: Use descriptive anchor text and ensure links open in a new tab if necessary.
Using SEO Plugins
SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math integrate seamlessly with Gutenberg, providing real-time SEO analysis and suggestions:
- Install an SEO Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New, search for an SEO plugin, and install it.
- Configure the Plugin: Follow the setup wizard to configure settings.
- Optimize Content: Use the SEO plugin’s analysis tools to optimize your content blocks.
Conclusion
The Gutenberg Block Editor is a powerful tool that has transformed the way WordPress users create and manage content. Its block-based approach offers unparalleled flexibility and control, making it easier than ever to design visually appealing and SEO-friendly websites.
By understanding the basics of using Gutenberg and exploring its advanced features, you can unlock its full potential and enhance your WordPress experience.
Whether you are creating simple blog posts or complex page layouts, the Gutenberg Block Editor provides the tools you need to succeed. Start experimenting with blocks today, and watch as your website evolves into a dynamic and engaging platform.
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