WordPress is a popular tool to build websites. It is easy to use and very flexible. Many people use WordPress to share their thoughts and ideas. But, how do you make sure visitors see your new posts? Highlighting new posts can help. This keeps your audience engaged. They will come back for more.

Why Highlight New Posts?

People like to see fresh content. New posts keep your site interesting. Highlighting new posts can:

• Grab attention
• Show visitors your latest content
• Encourage repeat visits

Now, let’s see how you can highlight new posts for returning visitors in WordPress.

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Using Plugins to Highlight New Posts

Plugins can make this task easy. There are many plugins available for WordPress. Here are a few good ones:

1. Recent Posts Widget

This plugin shows a list of your recent posts. It is simple to use. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Plugins and then Add New
3. Search for Recent Posts Widget
4. Click Install and then Activate

Now, you can add this widget to your sidebar or footer. Your recent posts will be highlighted there.

2. Wp Latest Posts

This is another good plugin. It has more features. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Plugins and then Add New
3. Search for WP Latest Posts
4. Click Install and then Activate

After activation, you can customize how the new posts are displayed. You can choose different styles and layouts.

Highlighting New Posts Without Plugins

Do you prefer not to use plugins? No problem. You can highlight new posts manually. It requires a bit of coding. But, it is not too hard. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Edit Your Theme’s Functions.php File

You need to add some code to your theme’s functions.php file. Here is the code:

function is_new_post($post_id) {
    $days = 7; // Number of days to consider a post new
    $post_date = get_the_date('U', $post_id);
    $current_date = current_time('U');
    return ($current_date - $post_date) < ($days  86400);
}

This code checks if a post is new within the last 7 days. You can change the number of days.

Step 2: Edit Your Theme’s Template Files

Next, you need to edit the template files. Open the file where your posts are displayed. It could be index.php, single.php, or another file. Add this code inside the loop:

if (is_new_post(get_the_ID())) {
    echo '
New!
';
}

This code adds a “New!” label to new posts.

Step 3: Add Css For Styling

Now, you need to style the “New!” label. Add this CSS to your theme’s style.css file:

.new-post {
    background-color: yellow;
    color: red;
    font-weight: bold;
    padding: 5px;
}

This will make the label stand out.

Using Categories to Highlight New Posts

Another way to highlight new posts is by using categories. You can create a category called “New Posts”. Then, assign your new posts to this category. Here’s how:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Posts and then Categories
3. Add a new category called New Posts

Now, when you write a new post, assign it to this category. You can display this category in your menu or sidebar.

Using Sticky Posts

Sticky posts stay at the top of your blog. You can use this feature to highlight new posts. Here’s how:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Posts
3. Edit the post you want to highlight
4. In the Publish box, click Edit next to Visibility
5. Check the box that says Stick this post to the front page
6. Click Update

Now, this post will stay at the top of your blog until you unstick it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Way To Highlight New Posts In WordPress?

Use plugins like “WP Show Posts” to highlight new content.

How Can I Notify Returning Visitors About New Posts?

Use plugins like “Notification Bar” to alert visitors.

Is It Possible To Highlight New Posts Without Plugins?

Yes, use custom code in your theme’s functions. php file.

What Plugins Can Highlight New Posts In WordPress?

Plugins like “WP Show Posts” and “Jetpack” can help.

Conclusion

Highlighting new posts for returning visitors is important. It keeps your site fresh and engaging. You can use plugins, manual coding, categories, or sticky posts to do this. Choose the method that works best for you. Happy blogging!