How to Build Custom Gutenberg Blocks
The WordPress Block Editor, commonly known as Gutenberg, has completely changed how content is created in WordPress. Instead of relying on shortcodes, custom fields, or heavy page builders, Gutenberg introduces a block-based editing experience that is fast, flexible, and future-proof. While WordPress ships with many default blocks, real-world projects often require something more specific—custom layouts, dynamic data, branded components, or advanced functionality. That’s where custom Gutenberg blocks come in. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to build custom Gutenberg blocks from scratch, understand the tools involved, explore multiple development approaches, and follow best practices for performance, usability, and maintainability. Whether you’re a WordPress developer, theme author, or plugin builder, mastering custom Gutenberg blocks is an essential skill. What Are Gutenberg Blocks? Gutenberg blocks are modular content components used in the WordPress editor. Each piece of content—paragraphs, images, buttons, galleries—is a block. Blocks can be: Custom Gutenberg blocks allow you to define your own editor UI and frontend output, giving you full control over design and functionality. Why Build Custom Gutenberg Blocks? Building custom Gutenberg blocks offers several advantages: Better Editor Experience Clients and editors get intuitive controls instead of shortcodes. Reusable Components Create once, reuse across posts and pages. Cleaner Content Blocks store structured data instead of messy HTML. Performance Friendly Blocks are lighter than many page builders. Future-Proof Development Gutenberg is the future of WordPress editing. Prerequisites for Building Custom Gutenberg Blocks Before you start, you should have a basic understanding of: You don’t need to be a React expert, but familiarity helps a lot. Ways to Build Custom Gutenberg Blocks There are multiple ways to build custom Gutenberg blocks in WordPress: In this guide, we’ll focus on the modern and recommended approach. Method 1: Build Custom Gutenberg Blocks Using @wordpress/create-block This is the official and best-supported way to build blocks. Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment Make sure you have: Verify Node installation: Step 2: Create a New Block Plugin Navigate to your plugins directory and run: This command: Activate the plugin from the WordPress dashboard. Understanding the Plugin Structure Key files you’ll work with: block.json Explained The block.json file defines how your block behaves. Important fields: Using block.json improves performance and enables automatic asset loading. Step 3: Define Block Attributes Attributes store block data. Example attributes: Attributes are defined in block.json and used in both editor and frontend output. Step 4: Build the Editor UI (edit.js) The edit.js file controls what users see in the editor. Common components used: This is where you create a user-friendly interface for content editors. Step 5: Save the Block Output (save.js) The save.js file defines how the block content is saved into the post. Static blocks return JSX markup that becomes part of the post content. If your block needs dynamic data, you’ll use PHP rendering instead. Method 2: Build Dynamic Gutenberg Blocks with PHP Dynamic blocks are rendered on the server using PHP. When to Use Dynamic Blocks How Dynamic Blocks Work Instead of a save.js file: This keeps content fresh without re-saving posts. Styling Custom Gutenberg Blocks You can style blocks using: Best practices: Adding Inspector Controls Inspector controls allow users to customize blocks from the sidebar. Examples: This greatly improves block flexibility and usability. Block Supports and Features You can enable built-in WordPress features like: These are defined in block.json using the supports field. Method 3: Build Custom Gutenberg Blocks Without JavaScript (Limited) You can register blocks purely with PHP using register_block_type(). Pros: Cons: This approach works best for simple or dynamic content blocks. Testing and Debugging Custom Gutenberg Blocks Always test blocks thoroughly: Use browser dev tools and WordPress debug mode. Best Practices for Building Custom Gutenberg Blocks Common Mistakes to Avoid When to Use Custom Blocks vs Page Builders Custom Gutenberg blocks are ideal when: Page builders may still suit non-technical users or quick layouts, but custom blocks offer cleaner architecture. Final Thoughts Learning how to build custom Gutenberg blocks is one of the most valuable skills for modern WordPress development. Blocks offer a perfect balance between flexibility, performance, and user experience. By building your own custom blocks, you gain full control over how content is created and displayed—without relying on bloated plugins or complex shortcodes. Whether you’re creating client websites, premium themes, or advanced plugins, custom Gutenberg blocks help you build better, faster, and future-ready WordPress solutions. Take full control of the WordPress editor—build custom Gutenberg blocks today and create faster, cleaner, and more powerful WordPress websites.
How to Create Custom 404 Pages in WordPress
A 404 error page is one of the most overlooked parts of a WordPress website—but it plays a critical role in user experience, branding, and SEO. When visitors land on a broken or non-existent link, the default WordPress 404 page often does little more than say “Page Not Found.” That’s a missed opportunity. Creating custom 404 pages in WordPress allows you to guide lost visitors back to useful content, reduce bounce rates, and maintain trust in your brand. Whether you’re running a blog, business website, or eCommerce store, a well-designed 404 page can turn frustration into engagement. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to create custom 404 pages in WordPress using plugins, themes, page builders, and manual code methods—along with best practices and SEO tips. What Is a 404 Page in WordPress? A 404 page appears when a visitor tries to access a URL that doesn’t exist on your website. This can happen due to: By default, WordPress displays a very basic 404 error page based on your active theme. While functional, it usually lacks helpful navigation, branding, or guidance. Why You Should Create a Custom 404 Page Creating custom 404 pages in WordPress offers several advantages: Better User Experience Instead of hitting a dead end, users get helpful suggestions and navigation. Reduced Bounce Rate Internal links, search bars, and CTAs keep visitors on your site. Stronger Branding A custom design reinforces your brand identity. Improved SEO Signals Lower bounce rates and better engagement indirectly support SEO. Conversion Opportunities You can promote products, lead magnets, or popular content. Essential Elements of a Good Custom 404 Page Before creating your page, understand what makes a 404 page effective: Method 1: Create Custom 404 Pages Using a Plugin (Beginner-Friendly) Using a plugin is the easiest way to create custom 404 pages in WordPress—no coding required. Best 404 Page Plugins for WordPress For beginners, 404page plugin is lightweight and effective. Step 1: Install the Plugin Step 2: Create a Custom 404 Page Step 3: Assign the Page as Your 404 Page Your custom 404 page is now active. Method 2: Create Custom 404 Pages Using Elementor If you already use Elementor, this is one of the most flexible ways to design a 404 page. Step 1: Create a New Page Step 2: Design Your 404 Page Using Elementor widgets, add: Make sure the layout is mobile responsive. Step 3: Set Display Conditions Save and publish. Method 3: Create Custom 404 Pages Using Theme Files (Advanced) This method is ideal for developers or custom theme users. Step 1: Locate or Create 404.php Step 2: Add Custom Code Step 3: Style the Page Add custom CSS in style.css to match your website’s design. ⚠️ Always use a child theme to avoid losing changes during updates. Method 4: Create Custom 404 Pages with Page Builders (Divi, Beaver Builder) Most premium themes and builders provide built-in 404 customization. These tools offer drag-and-drop flexibility without plugins. SEO Best Practices for Custom 404 Pages in WordPress A poorly configured 404 page can harm SEO. Follow these best practices: Return Proper 404 Status Code Do not redirect all errors to homepage. Avoid Indexing 404 Pages They should not rank in search results. Include Internal Links Guide users to relevant content. Track 404 Errors Use Google Search Console to monitor broken links. Fix Broken URLs Redirect old URLs when needed using 301 redirects. Common Mistakes to Avoid How to Test Your Custom 404 Page Final Thoughts Creating custom 404 pages in WordPress is a small effort with a big impact. Instead of letting users leave your site frustrated, you can guide them, engage them, and even convert them. Whether you choose a plugin, Elementor, or manual coding, the goal is the same: turn error pages into useful navigation points. A thoughtfully designed 404 page improves user experience, protects SEO, and strengthens your brand. If you care about professionalism and usability, a custom 404 page is not optional—it’s essential. Improve user experience and protect your SEO—create custom 404 pages in WordPress today and turn lost visitors into engaged users.
How to Create a Coming Soon Page in WordPress
Launching a new website is exciting—but showing an unfinished site to visitors can hurt your brand’s credibility. This is where a Coming Soon page in WordPress becomes essential. Whether you’re building a startup website, redesigning an existing blog, or working on a client project, a Coming Soon page helps you make a strong first impression even before launch. A Coming Soon page acts as a placeholder that informs visitors your website is under construction while still collecting leads, building anticipation, and maintaining SEO value. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to create a Coming Soon page in WordPress step by step, using both plugins and manual methods, along with best practices for design, SEO, and conversions. What Is a Coming Soon Page in WordPress? A Coming Soon page is a temporary landing page displayed to visitors while your WordPress website is still being developed. Instead of showing broken layouts or incomplete content, users see a clean, branded message such as: Unlike a maintenance mode page, a Coming Soon page is usually shown before the site officially launches and can still be indexed by search engines if configured correctly. Why You Should Use a Coming Soon Page Creating a Coming Soon page in WordPress is more than just hiding unfinished work. Here’s why it’s important: Protects Your Brand Image Visitors won’t see half-built pages, broken links, or placeholder content. Builds Anticipation A well-designed Coming Soon page creates curiosity and excitement. Collects Leads Early You can collect email addresses before your site goes live. Improves SEO Search engines can start indexing your domain early, giving you a head start. Controls Access Only logged-in admins can view the full website while visitors see the Coming Soon page. When Should You Use a Coming Soon Page? You should create a Coming Soon page in WordPress if: Method 1: Create a Coming Soon Page Using a Plugin (Recommended) Using a plugin is the easiest and most beginner-friendly way to create a Coming Soon page in WordPress. Best Coming Soon Plugins for WordPress Some popular options include: For this guide, we’ll use SeedProd, one of the most trusted Coming Soon plugins. Step 1: Install the Plugin Step 2: Enable Coming Soon Mode Step 3: Design Your Coming Soon Page SeedProd provides a drag-and-drop builder. You can add: You don’t need any coding skills. Everything is customizable visually. Step 4: Configure Access Settings Step 5: Save and Publish Click Save → Publish, and your Coming Soon page is live. Method 2: Create a Coming Soon Page Using Elementor If you already use Elementor, you can create a Coming Soon page without installing another plugin. Steps Set Display Conditions This method is ideal for designers who want complete creative freedom. Method 3: Create a Coming Soon Page Without a Plugin (Advanced) If you prefer a lightweight approach, you can manually create a Coming Soon page using code. Basic Steps This method is best suited for developers and is not recommended for beginners. Essential Elements of a High-Converting Coming Soon Page To make your Coming Soon page effective, include the following elements: Clear Headline Tell users exactly what’s coming. Short Description Explain what your website or product is about. Countdown Timer Creates urgency and anticipation. Email Subscription Form Collect leads for launch notifications. Social Media Links Let users follow your brand. Branding Use your logo, brand colors, and typography. SEO Best Practices for a Coming Soon Page in WordPress Many people make the mistake of blocking search engines completely. That’s not ideal. SEO Tips A well-optimized Coming Soon page can start ranking even before launch. Common Mistakes to Avoid How to Disable Coming Soon Page After Launch Once your site is ready: Your full site will now be visible to everyone. Final Thoughts Creating a Coming Soon page in WordPress is one of the smartest steps you can take before launching your website. It protects your brand, builds anticipation, supports SEO, and helps you grow an audience even before your site goes live. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced WordPress developer, there’s a method that fits your workflow. Plugins like SeedProd and Elementor make it incredibly easy, while manual methods give full control to developers. If you’re serious about launching a professional WordPress website, a Coming Soon page is not optional—it’s essential. Ready to launch your website the right way? Create a Coming Soon Page in WordPress today and start building anticipation, collecting leads, and improving SEO before your official launch.