Blog Exercises: Site Models

In “WordPress Site Models” I describe the three main formats for a site layout. They are static, blog, and hybrid.

Each site model works for a variety of content and presentation of that content, though some work better for specific types of sites.

A static site model, even in WordPress, uses Pages and not posts to organize its content. This is ideal for a small business, portfolio, or resume site with fewer than 20 pages with content that rarely changes.

A blog model features posts on the front page of the site in reverse chronological order. This is one of the most common site models, putting the most recent information at the top of the front page. Posts are organized by categories and tags, expanding navigation options.

A hybrid site model, sometimes called integrated, comes in two styles. Both feature a static front page with a blog Page displaying the posts in reverse chronological order.

The first style, known as the static front page model, features static content on the front page of the site. This is style is often used for existing sites integrating a WordPress site into it.

The second style, known as a hybrid or dynamic front page, features a dynamic front page mixed with static and post content. The Twenty-Eleven WordPress Theme features this with their Showcase Template Page, as do many magazine and CMS style WordPress Themes.

Your blog exercise today is to review the various site models and compare it to what you are currently using.

You do not have to change things. You may wish to do so. This exercise is designed to help you understand the differences and choices out there.

The article features pros and cons to each site model. One of the most popular trending site models is the hybrid model. It is also the most complex to produce and manage, requiring more steps than write, preview, edit, and post.

If you do choose to change your site’s layout, consider the impact on your users. If it won’t change main navigation and structure, you may not have to announce the change. If it will, consider including them in the decision and give them a little warning with an announcement.

If you make a change to the site design and wish our commentary on the changes, link to this site to create a create a trackback or leave a properly formed link in the comments so participants can check out it out.

You can find more Blog Exercises on Lorelle on WordPress. This is a year-long challenge to help you flex your blogging muscles.

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