Gutenberg: Blog Post Construction and Optimization with Blocks

The purpose of this SOP is to guide you through the process of constructing and optimizing a blog post using Gutenberg editor in WordPress. By following these steps, you’ll create visually appealing and well-structured content that engages readers and ranks well on search engines.

Scope

This SOP covers the use of Gutenberg blocks for creating various content types (including custom post types), adjusting images within blocks, and previewing & adjusting post designs.

Roles

Main Role(s):

• Content Creator: Responsible for crafting engaging blog posts using Gutenberg editor in WordPress.

Supporting role(s):

• Editor/Proofreader: Reviews the content for grammar, spelling, and consistency before publishing.

Prerequisites

Required Resources:

• A WordPress website with Gutenberg editor enabled.
• Access to relevant images or other media files needed for the blog post.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of WordPress dashboard navigation.
• Familiarity with Gutenberg editor interface and block usage.

Procedure

Step 1: Create a New Post

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Posts > Add New.
3. Enter a title for your blog post in the “Add title” field.

Time: 5 minutes

Step 2: Choose Appropriate Blocks

1. Click on the “+” icon to add a new block.
2. Browse or search for the desired block type (e.g., paragraph, heading, image).
3. Click on the block to insert it into your post.
4. Repeat this process as needed to build the structure of your blog post.

Note: Use custom post type (CPT) blocks when applicable for specialized content.

Time: 30 minutes

Step 3: Add Content to Blocks

1. Click on each block and add the relevant text, images, or other media.
2. Format the text using the available options (e.g., bold, italic, alignment).
3. Adjust block settings as needed (e.g., background color, font size).

Time: 45 minutes

Step 4: Optimize Images within Blocks

1. Click on an image block to select it.
2. Use the “Crop” tool to adjust the image dimensions if necessary.
3. Add alt text to describe the image for SEO and accessibility purposes.
4. Adjust image settings as needed (e.g., alignment, link destination).

Time: 20 minutes

Step 5: Preview & Adjust Post Design

1. Click on the “Preview” button in the top right corner of the editor.
2. Review your blog post in a new browser tab to ensure proper formatting and design.
3. Make any necessary adjustments to blocks or settings based on your preview.

Time: 15 minutes

Step 6: Submit for Review or Publish

1. Save your work by clicking “Save Draft.”
2. If you have an editor/proofreader, click “Submit for Review.”
3. If you’re ready to publish, click “Publish.”

Time: 5 minutes

Key Points

Best practices:

• Use headings and subheadings to break up long sections of text for better readability.
• Include relevant images and multimedia elements to enhance reader engagement.

Efficiency tips:

• Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster block manipulation and formatting.
• Save reusable blocks for future use to save time when creating similar content.

Common mistakes:

• Overlooking the importance of alt text for images, which can impact SEO and accessibility.
• Neglecting to preview the post before publishing, leading to potential formatting issues.

Safety & Considerations

Risks:

• Accidentally deleting or overwriting content during editing.
• Publishing a post with errors or inconsistencies.

Mitigation:

• Save drafts frequently to avoid losing work.
• Have an editor/proofreader review your content before publishing.

tl;dr

This SOP guides you through creating and optimizing blog posts using Gutenberg editor in WordPress. By choosing appropriate blocks, adding content, adjusting images, and previewing your design, you’ll create engaging and well-structured posts that rank well on search engines.