File this one under “I knew it was coming.” Gutenberg is the new WordPress editor that’s a block based, drag and drop interface that will be the future of WordPress.
You can do anything: create a stunning website, blog or online store without touching a line of code (most of the time)!
It’s the biggest thing that’s going to affect your website, so it’s a big deal.
Basically, the Gutenberg Editor was introduced in WordPress version 5.0, and it has been one of the most drastic changes to come to WordPress since its inception in 2003. The update came with an ambitious goal: make writing rich posts simple and flexible for both users and developers.
Why Did WordPress Invent Gutenberg?
WordPress is the most popular website building platform in the world. It turned from a simple blogging platform to a powerhouse which can be used to create dynamic and powerful websites that can attract more customers.
The Gutenberg block builder was created with a goal of helping users not be intimidated by code and to better understand how code works. It also eliminated the need for some designers to use code when they would need to add some changes or update their site.
And if you’re wondering what “blocks” are? They’re like Lego bricks that snap into place on your page – you just click them together to build your post (or whatever). The block builder makes it easier for anyone who wants to add blocks of text, images, embeds, maps, slideshows, video embeds and more without needing any code knowledge.
Is the future of Gutenberg here or not?
Gutenberg is an excellent idea for anyone who wants to take their website or blog to the next level and deliver a high-quality user experience on the web if they have the time to really learn and master it.
Gutenberg, though, is causing problems with how people edit their site. It makes it hard to format text in paragraphs and lists, because it isn’t grouped together like before. The new interface also makes it harder for some users to figure out what is happening when they start typing out what they want to say. Users have been known to close the window after a few minutes of frustration due to difficulty in writing the document.
Another issue with Gutenberg is that not all plugins are compatible with it yet. That makes it difficult for users who rely on certain plugins that allow them to add editable content without going into the page source or using short codes while typing paragraphs. The plugins that allow this do not work with Gutenberg yet, so it can be tedious for users who rely on them to post content.
Because Gutenberg being part of WordPress, if you run into any problems, you’ll have to search for answers via Google or YouTube. Page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder and Divi have dedicated support teams that can help you if you run into any issues using their page builder.
Who Should Use Gutenberg
The person that should use Gutenberg is someone who wants to create a website for their blog or online store, but doesn’t know how to code.
Gutenberg allows users to select their desired block and place it into the text or just upload an image instead. If you want to add multiple images, simply click on the ‘add new block’ button and drag the new image onto the page.
This allows users to put multiple images in their post without knowing how to go into the coding. This is very beneficial for people who want to give their posts that extra touch without having to hire a professional web designer or programmer.
Ideally anyone that’s never used another builder will find learning easier, but you still need some type of knowledge about WordPress as a whole.
Who Shouldn’t Use Gutenberg
The person that should not be using Gutenberg is someone who is already skilled in coding and knows how to go into the page source of a document.
This new interface can make it harder for users to figure out what they are editing because it doesn’t organize text the same way as before. If you’re a professional web designer or a programmer, this may become more difficult for you.
Another group of people that should not use this new interface is people who rely on plug-ins such as Divi that allow them to add editable content without going into the page source or typing short codes while typing paragraphs. The plugins such as these don’t work with Gutenberg yet, so it’s troublesome for users who rely on them to post content.
Gutenberg is changing the way users build websites with WordPress, offering a block-style interface that’s similar to other page builders such as Elementor and Beaver Builder, but If you’ve been using these page builders for many years, the learning curve won’t be so bad, but if you’ve been using Divi, be prepared to spend extra time making the transition from Divi to Gutenberg.
The Benefits of Using Gutenberg vs Page Builders Such as Elementor, Beaver Builder and Divi
One of the benefits of using the Gutenberg block builder is that it can be used with any WordPress theme. This means that if you’re not a designer but want to add some customized CSS, HTML and JavaScript to your site, you can do so without needing to touch any code.
Another benefit is that many web designers will be familiar with the block system that Gutenberg uses. This will mean that you or your web designer should have an easier time adding new content to your site while keeping its look unique and consistent.
To summarize, the benefits of using Gutenberg block builder vs page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder and Divi are that it can be used with any WordPress theme and many web designers will be familiar with the block system and switching themes to customize Gutenberg is easier.
Disadvantages of using Gutenberg block builder vs page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder and Divi are that not all themes are compatible with it, some site’s visitors use screen reading software which has not been updated with information about Gutenberg, and it can be difficult to switch themes.
Summary
Gutenberg is free, but so is Elementor (Divi and Beaver Builder are not free).
It takes time and a lot of patience to learn, especially if you are using a page builder such as Divi and transitioning to Gutenberg or if this is your first time building your first website in WordPress.
When Gutenberg was released, it became clear that the number of current blocks and their possibilities for creating lovely and elegant websites was severely limited. The block variety is useful for blog owners, but customization isn’t quite there yet. That’s why many WordPress plugin vendors recognized the opportunity to both assist and profit from it, so they began developing their own blocks. However, Gutenberg is still in the early stages and, due to the problems listed above, will have a hard time competing with established page builders like Elementor or Beaver Builder.
Gutenberg is likely to gain momentum only when the blocks become easier to use (for example by providing accurate live previews) and website building becomes easier. Currently, there isn’t anyone that can provide dedicated support for Gutenberg, other than doing a Google search for a problem and hoping to find the answer in search results. Vendors that develop add-ons for Gutenberg may provide support for Gutenberg as a whole in addition to their own products.
It does have the potential to become the most popular editor in WordPress core, but plugin vendors like Beaver Builder, Divi and Elementor are likely to stay ahead of the game with their already established plugins for live previews, easy-to-use interface and dedicated support if you run into any trouble.
Personal Observation
I’ve used Divi for years and transitioned to Gutenberg, re-built my website and even taught a course to first time business owners who were DIY’ing their website. I saw first hand the challenges that Gutenberg had, not only from a usability standpoint, but from the lack of dedicated support when I couldn’t figure something out.
I’ve been experimenting with Elementor, and it’s far easier to use than Gutenberg and students seem to have fewer problems with building and managing their website. But, to get the full benefits of Elementor features, you need to go on the pro plan.
If Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi want to keep market share, they’ll have to stay one step ahead of Gutenberg. So, until Gutenberg improves its user interface and updates online documentation at a faster rate, I’ll put my students’ needs first so that they can build their sites faster and not get caught up in the current trend.
Update September 4, 2023
I’ve spent the last 4 weeks converting my website from Astra Pro/Elementor Pro over to Astra Pro/Spectra Pro/Gutenberg. Because I’m a sucker for punishment, I’ve also been converting all my opt-ins, automations from MailerLite Classic to MailerLite (new). I’m so tired.
I’m continuing to use Gutenberg, with the Spectra Pro addon, which makes it a little easier. The benefit of speed out-weighs the lag when using Elementor and Divi.
If you’re thinking of changing website platforms, what’s your main reason? comment below.
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