Creating a Full-Width Page in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

G’day, fellow Aussie small business owners! Crafting an impressive website that stands out is crucial in today’s competitive digital landscape. One way to elevate your WordPress site is by creating stunning full-width pages. Whether you’re showcasing your latest products, services, or telling your brand’s story, a full-width layout can transform the look and feel of your website. It’s time to dive into the journey of developing a page with no sidebars, unlimited space, and endless possibilities!

Why Go Full-Width?

Before we delve into the ‘how’, let’s discuss the ‘why’. Full-width pages offer several benefits:

Aesthetic Appeal: A borderless layout creates a modern, clean, and professional appearance.
Focus: Without sidebars, your visitors’ attention is directed precisely where you want it—on your main content.
Versatility: Ideal for portfolios, landing pages, and galleries, the expansive space gives you room to play.

Getting Started: Choose the Right Theme

First things first—ensure your WordPress theme supports full-width pages. Here are some steps to get your theme in tip-top shape:

Check Your Theme: Some themes have built-in full-width templates. Navigate to the page editor, look under ‘Page Attributes,’ and see if ‘Full Width’ is an option.
Consider Switching: If your theme doesn’t support full-width pages, consider switching to one that does, like Astra or OceanWP, both popular for their flexibility and ease of use.

Creating a Full-Width Template Manually

If you love your current theme but it lacks a full-width option, don’t worry! You can manually create your own full-width template. Here’s how:

Create a New Template File: Access your WordPress files via FTP or your host’s file manager. Navigate to wp-content/themes/your-theme/ and create a new file titled full-width.php.
Add Template Code: Open full-width.php and add the following code snippet:

<?php
/*
Template Name: Full Width
*/
get_header(); ?>

<div id="primary" class="content-area full-width">
    <main id="main" class="site-main" role="main">

    <?php
    while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();

        get_template_part( 'template-parts/content', 'page' );

    endwhile;
    ?>

    </main>
</div>

<?php
get_footer();

Save the file and upload it back to your server. Voila! You’ve created your custom full-width template.

Using Page Builders

If coding isn’t your thing, fret not! Many WordPress page builders make it easy to create full-width pages:

Elementor: Known for its drag-and-drop functionality, Elementor lets you choose a ‘Canvas’ layout, eliminating headers and sidebars for a full-width effect.
Beaver Builder: Another point-and-click option, Beaver Builder offers templates that expand your content easily.
Divi Builder: With its intuitive interface, you can design intricate full-width layouts effortlessly.

Page builders allow you to focus on design without the fuss of backend technicalities, making them an excellent choice for busy business owners wanting quick results.

Final Touches: Customising Full-Width Pages

You’ve set up your full-width page, but it’s the details that make it truly shine. Here’s how to finesse your design:

Add Dynamism: Incorporate large, high-quality images and hero sections to captivate visitors.
Utilise White Space: Know when to keep it simple. Large sections of white space can create an elegant contrast to rich images and text.
Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your site looks great on any device. Many themes and builders offer responsive design options, or you can tweak CSS to perfect the appearance.

Enhance User Experience and SEO

A full-width page isn’t just about looks—it can boost your site’s user experience and SEO if done right:

Improve Navigation: Use clear, concise navigation menus and ensure links open appropriately.
Optimise Loading Speed: Full-width pages with large images can slow your site down. Use compression tools to manage file sizes effectively.
Engage with Content: While the design is vital, never neglect the power of well-written content. Incorporate keywords appropriately to keep SEO in check.

The secret lies in blending functionality with style to create a website that’s both beautiful and efficient.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’re now ready to transform your WordPress site with full-width pages! Whether you decide to manually create a template or use a page builder, embrace the creativity that comes with having more digital canvas to work with. A crisp, engaging full-width layout will capture your audience’s attention, deliver your message, and ultimately help your business thrive online.

Our Services: Boost Your WordPress Experience

Here at Now Technology Systems, we understand the challenges of managing a small business and the importance of having a stellar website. As one of Australia’s leading technology service providers, we offer comprehensive support ranging from efficient WordPress setups to custom development and everything digital in between.

Choosing the right digital solutions impacts the efficiency and reach of your business. Our Australian-based experts are here to guide you through the process, keeping in mind local regulations and standards. Whether it’s developing full-width pages that captivate your audience or resolving technical hitches, you can count on us for consistent quality and unmatched customer service.

Partner with us today to create a stunning online presence that not only sets you apart but also aligns perfectly with your business goals. Let’s grow your digital footprint together!

Now Technology Systems offers comprehensive web solutions, including visually pleasing web design, expert WordPress support, seamless eCommerce solutions, and professional video production and editing.

We also specialise in WordPress website design, wooCommerce online store, WordPress support, Local SEO services, Video multi-language translation, subtitling, voice-over, Google Ads management, and fast managed web hosting to ensure your website is effective and easy to find.

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