Here at Reaktiv, we build scalable platforms that prioritize both editorial workflows and visitor experiences. That means we don’t just think about how a website looks, but we also think deeply about how it works, especially for the people maintaining it day-to-day.
WordPress gives us a solid foundation for this work. As an open-source CMS with powerful customization features, it allows us to shape high performance platforms for enterprise-level solutions.
One of the most flexible features we often use is Custom Post Types (CPTs).
Start with the basics
Out of the box, WordPress includes two post types:
- Posts, ideal for time-based content like blog or news articles.
- Pages, best for evergreen content such as “About Us” or “Policies.”
In many cases, that’s all you need. Built-in features like tags and categories make it easy to organize content, and renaming a post type (e.g., changing “Posts” to “Articles”) can be enough to align with a client’s preferred terminology.
We often enhance these default post types with custom fields, using WordPress’ native block editor controls to make content entry more intuitive and on-brand.
- Want to set a branded drop cap color? We can offer a color picker tied to your theme’s palette.
- Need a “Reviewed On” date field? We’ll place it just below the Publish date, where it’s easy to find.
This level of customization improves clarity and reduces friction for editors all without creating a separate post type.
So… when should you create a Custom Post Type?
Sometimes, the content itself calls for something more distinct — something that doesn’t neatly fit into the existing Post or Page structures.
We typically recommend a Custom Post Type when the content in question:
- Has a unique structure or purpose distinct from Posts or Pages.
- Requires its own unique fields, taxonomies, or editorial workflows.
- Needs a dedicated archive or URL structure.
- Benefits from its own permissions or admin interface.
Examples include: Events, Alumni Notes, Newsletters, Classifieds, Locations, Calls to Action, Movies & TV Shows, Faculty Publications — the list goes on. These aren’t just variations of Posts, they’re fundamentally different types of content that deserve their own space in the CMS.
Custom Post Types also provide flexibility for developers and editors alike. They can come with tailored editing interfaces and access controls, ensuring that content is easy to manage without risking accidental changes to unrelated parts of the site.
Don’t overdo it
It’s tempting to default to CPTs whenever content doesn’t fit neatly into a Post or Page, but that can lead to unnecessary complexity.
Before creating one, ask:
- Could this be handled with custom fields or taxonomies instead?
- Is this content truly distinct in its structure or purpose?
- Will a new post type improve or complicate the editorial process?
Each new CPT adds some overhead: admin menus, archives, rewrite rules, and potentially custom templates. If the benefit isn’t clear, you might be better off extending existing post types.
A future-proof approach
When we do create a CPT, we do it with longevity in mind. That means:
- Using core WordPress structures (rather than custom database tables).
- Avoiding reliance on third-party plugins that may not be maintained.
- Structuring fields and taxonomies to support REST API access and frontend flexibility.
For example, in our People plugin, we use a CPT to store a team member. The content isn’t long-form, so we disable the Block Editor and built a custom UI instead. Editors don’t need paragraph blocks; they need quick access to bios, titles, and roles. We still get all the advantages of WordPress, such as database storage, version control, and the REST API, while delivering an interface that actually fits the content.
Build what fits
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for using Custom Post Types, and that’s what makes WordPress so powerful. We draw on our years of experience building large-scale platforms to choose the approach that best serves each project.
If you’re wondering whether a Custom Post Type is the right solution for your next project, let’s talk. We’ll help you weigh the options and craft a system that supports your team today and scales for the future.
