It is safe to say that Sitemap Editing (FSE) is one of the most important features of WordPress in a while. It can even be compared to the advent of the themes themselves, which were postponed in version 1.5 of the content management system.
The basic principle of FSE is that it allows anyone to design and edit a compatible theme completely within the block editor. No need to mess with PHP or even CSS – just point and click on your way to a custom website.
There are a few common reactions to FSE inclusion. The first is the excitement that comes along with lowering the bar to theme customization. Moreover a group of designers are wondering if the feature applies to them at all.
Interesting as the functionality may be, it is not a perfect fit for every situation. So when does it make sense to use Full Site Editing? Here are some possible scenarios worth considering.
Design Flexibility Is A Must
The versatility of a WordPress theme can vary greatly. Some “classic” themes offer an abundance of options via the settings screen or the Customizer. However, others claim that you have to make design changes through code.
Either way, it can be difficult to change the look and layout. This makes it more difficult for sites that need to make regular changes to headers, footers or other theme templates.
In the interests of efficiency, FSE makes perfect sense. Quick customization can be done and previewed in real time. And the use of the block editor means that a drop in new functionality (search bar, for example) can be accomplished without a lot of fuss.
This type of setup is also suitable for multisite networks. Each site within the network may have its own specific design requirements, which is made easier by FSE.
You do not want to do all this in a production environment, of course. Just like any mission-critical website, it is still highly recommended to make changes to a stage site first. But FSE shortens the process from concept to launch.
Your Client will Fully Maintain the Website
There may be cases where you build a website and give it to your client. From that point on, their job is to handle all the maintenance responsibilities.
However, maintaining a website that someone else builds is often difficult. This is especially relevant when it comes to making changes to the theme. Even if you provide training and documentation, there can be a significant learning curve for clients.
FSE provides a solid solution. Your client will not have to dig a code to find out how you implemented a particular feature. Rather, it’s all there in the dashboard.
If they need to change the number of blog posts displayed on the homepage, it may come down to adjusting within a block setting. That’s much easier than searching through a hard – coded template.
Overall, the use of a translation editor with a visual editor is less likely to be lost. This could even reduce the number of support applications down the road.
You’re Looking for Simplicity
Right, WordPress can be the engine behind some very complex websites. Consider membership sites, online education, and ecommerce.
But not all projects will require that level of complexity. In fact, portfolios and blogs generally benefit from a simpler approach. The bloat that comes with more traditional methods may be overkill.
All you need is a block theme and FSE. They will help you create an attractive website that will connect all the bells and whistles. It’s perfect for situations where you just want to focus on content.
That is not to say that FSE is no longer capable. However, perhaps the least resistance path is when it comes to simplicity. There is something to be said for the technology that implements this.
Take advantage of Full Site Editing
We are only scratching the surface of what can be achieved with Full Site Editing. And it will be exciting to see what new and creative uses developers will find for it.
Still, the feature is far from a universal fit. Not all projects will require functionality. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the possible advantages and disadvantages before boarding.
The scenarios outlined above are worth considering as they benefit from what FSE does best. The ease of use and flexibility it offers will certainly make design and maintenance easier for many people.
Is it right for your project? I hope the ideas here put you on the right path to finding the answer.
