/ Plugin Category

/ Content Management

/ Blog & Article Publishing

/ Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget)

Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget)

By Johan van der Wijk

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Reviewed by Abdul Hameid

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget) Review - In-Depth Analysis

This plugin allows you to edit and display Content Blocks in a sidebar widget or via shortcode. It supports WYSIWYG editing and featured images.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.17/10

User Rating

4.9/5 (based on 80+ reviews)

Active Installations

10,000+

Update Frequency

Very Good It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

The Content Blocks plugin enables you to display the contents of a specific custom post in a widget or in the content area using a shortcode.

This plugin offers significant advantages over the default WordPress text widget, including the ability to use the WYSIWYG editor for content editing and image addition. It allows non-administrator accounts to modify widget content, making it more accessible.

Additionally, the plugin supports featured images and is compatible with the WPML Multi-Language plugin, ensuring the correct language is displayed in the widget area. Content Blocks can also be included in posts and pages using built-in shortcode functionality.

The plugin creates a 'content_block' custom post type, which can be configured to display titles and descriptions in the widget context. To add content, simply drag it to the desired sidebar position and select the custom post title in the widget configuration.

Comparing to Alternatives

Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget) stands out in the custom content management space with several capable alternatives available for users seeking similar functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Highly rated with a 4.9 average from 80 reviews indicating strong user satisfaction.
Seamless compatibility with popular page builders like Elementor.
Allows reuse of content blocks across multiple pages without duplication.
Supports custom template parts for versatile content management.
Free to use with no paid version required.

Weaknesses

Has had multiple medium to high severity security vulnerabilities in the past, though these have been fixed in recent updates.
No pro version available, limiting advanced feature options for power users.
Some users may prefer plugins with more extensive custom field or content type management features.
Lacks some advanced layout options found in certain alternatives.

User Sentiment Analysis

With 93.8% of ratings at 5 stars and only one 1-star review, user sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, praising ease of use and functionality.

Positive highlights

"Compatible with Elementor. Very good!" — sw38
"Very useful! I was writing my own when I found this." — ghartwig
"Helpful CM tool with versatility thanks to custom template parts." — jbleys
"Easy use, brilliant plugin." — Henrik
"Brilliantly useful plugin." — Anonymous User

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Past security vulnerabilities may concern cautious users.
No premium version means some advanced features are unavailable.
Limited advanced customization compared to some competitors.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a straightforward, reliable plugin to manage reusable content blocks easily, especially those using Elementor or similar page builders.

Not ideal for

Those requiring advanced custom field management or extensive content type customization, or users who prioritize plugins with a strong track record of security without past vulnerabilities.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers comprehensive content block management and template integration sufficient for most users.

Final Verdict

Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget) is a highly rated and user-friendly plugin that excels at managing reusable content blocks with strong compatibility for popular page builders. Its free availability and positive user feedback make it an excellent choice for many WordPress users.

However, the plugin's history of medium to high severity security vulnerabilities and lack of a pro version may limit its appeal for users needing advanced features or heightened security assurances. Alternatives with broader customization options or stronger security records might be preferable for those users.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget) plugin.

Content Block

Custom Post

Widget

Screenshots

FAQ

Of course you can always use the default text widget, but if you prefer to use the WYSIWYG editor or if you have multiple editors and you don’t want to give them administrator rights, it is recommended to use this plugin.