How to Show Blog Post Meta Data in Your WordPress Themes

Displaying post meta data in your WordPress themes enhances the user experience by providing additional information about your posts, such as the publication date, the author’s name, and tags. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to display post meta data in your WordPress themes:

Why Edit and Display Blog Post Meta Data on Your WordPress Site?

Post meta data provides valuable context about your content, aiding in navigation and improving user engagement. By displaying relevant meta data, you can help visitors discover more posts by the same author, find content in the same category, and more.

Methods to Display Blog Post Meta Data

Method 1: Using the WordPress Theme Customizer (Classic Themes)

1. Access the Theme Customizer:
   • Go to Appearance » Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Locate Blog Settings:
   • Look for settings labeled ‘blog,’ ‘blog settings,’ ‘posts,’ or similar. In themes like Astra, select ‘Blog’ and then ‘Blog / Archive.’
3. Adjust Meta Data:
   • In the ‘Meta’ section, toggle the visibility of various meta data elements by clicking the ‘show’ icon (eye symbol).
   • Rearrange the order using drag and drop.
   • Click ‘Publish’ to save your changes.

If your theme doesn’t have these options, consult the theme’s documentation or contact the theme developer.

Method 2: Using the Full-Site Editor (Block Themes)

1. Open the Full-Site Editor:
   • Go to Appearance » Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Edit the Single Template:
   • Select ‘Templates’ and then choose the ‘Single’ template.
   • Click the pencil icon to edit the template.
3. Add Post Meta Block:
   • Click the blue ‘+’ icon and search for the ‘Post Meta’ block.
   • Drag and drop it onto your layout. The block displays categories, author name, and tags by default.
4. Customize the Meta Data:
   • Click the Post Meta block to edit its contents. Add or remove blocks as needed.
   • Save your changes by clicking the ‘Save’ button.

Method 3: Creating a Custom WordPress Theme (Fully Customizable)

1. Create a Custom Theme Using SeedProd:
   • Install and activate the SeedProd plugin.
   • Design your theme using the drag-and-drop editor.
2. Add Post Info Block:
   • In SeedProd’s editor, find the ‘Post Info’ block and drag it onto your page layout.
   • Customize the block to display the desired meta data (author, date, comments, etc.).
3. Style the Meta Data:
   • Use the ‘Advanced’ tab to style the block.
   • Save and publish your changes.

Method 4: Using Advanced Custom Fields (Fully Customizable)

1. Install and Configure ACF:
   • Install the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin.
   • Create custom fields or meta boxes to display additional post meta data.
2. Display Custom Fields:
   • Use the custom fields in your post editor to add and display additional meta data.

Method 5: Adding Code to Your WordPress Theme Files (Advanced)

1. Use WPCode Plugin for Safe Code Management:
   • Install and activate the WPCode plugin.
   • Use WPCode to insert custom code snippets without directly editing theme files.
2. Add Custom Meta Data Code:
   • Add the necessary PHP code to display custom meta data. For example:
     php

     echo get_the_date();
     echo get_the_author();
     echo get_the_category_list();
     echo get_the_tag_list();
   • 1. • Ensure the code runs in the appropriate template location (e.g., single post templates).

     By following these methods, you can effectively display and customize post meta data in your WordPress themes, enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of your site.