How to Setup Front-End Posting in WordPress

Instantly make use of user-submitted content with front-end posting in WordPress. Build directories, photo galleries, user profile pages, or a site driven by user-submitted articles and blog posts.

Approximate read time: 3 minutes

I first discovered Formidable while searching for a solution to front-end posting in WordPress. My project needed to turn form submissions into an online directory of participating businesses, and it didn't take much research to realize how perfect Formidable was for this task.

Since that initial project, I've used the best WordPress front-end editors on numerous websites. I've also found it a great content management tool for clients who find the WordPress dashboard overwhelming. Letting them add new posts via a front-end form is often more user-friendly.

Read more: How to Edit WordPress User Profiles on the Front End

Two ways to leverage front-end posting in WordPress

That's right. This feature is so good we built two different ways to take advantage of it.

Each method has its own advantages, but between the two, almost anything is possible. Create pages and posts from forms, or use Views to display form submissions in custom layouts. Using Views is perfect for photo galleries, classified ads, or property sales websites.

Use form entries to create posts or pages

Using WordPress for front-end blog posts is also a great idea. Guest authors can post to your site without extra permissions or access to the WordPress back-end. User-submitted content goes from being an occasional bonus to the driving force of your online presence.

As you would expect, all form submissions can be moderated and edited before appearing live on your site. This lets you power your site with user-submitted content and frontend post submissions.

If you are building a directory website, you can even charge per listing. Pay-per-post functionality can also be used for classified advert websites.

Even better, you can allow users to edit their own submissions. For business directory or classified adverts sites, this is especially useful and greatly reduces admin workload.

Build a View to display form submissions

What if you want to display the form submissions in a different format? Posts are great, but displaying them in different ways can be tricky.

Views allow you to display form entries in a completely custom way. You can display entries in rows, columns, or in a grid. With some custom CSS you can use accordions or masonry layouts. Create anything from minimalist photo galleries to detailed technical specification sheets, all using the power of Formidable Views.

You can also display an overview listing of all entries, with links to more details for each individual item. This lets you highlight the important details on the list page and display the full listing on the detail page. It's perfect for realtor websites or business directories. Make your form entries searchable with a fully customized search form.

Easily customize the look and layout of your View, and even apply custom CSS to elements within your View.

Combine both methods

Want the best of both worlds? When using the front-end editor in WordPress with Formidable, you aren't limited to a single method!

One way to combine both methods is to build a View that displays an overview of form submissions. Then, build a custom search form that allows you to find the entry you want. In your View, link listings to the pages or posts that were created via your form. This gives you the flexibility and customization options of Views, along with the SEO benefits of posts, combined in a seamless integration.