Can I Have Non-WordPress Pages on a WordPress Site?

Yes, it is possible to have a WordPress site with some pages that don't use WordPress. This guide provides insights into how you can achieve this, including various options and considerations to ensure a seamless user experience.

Subdomains and Subdirectories

When you install WordPress, you can do so in a specific directory or at the root level of your domain. After installation, you can still use your domain for subdomains and subdirectories:

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Even if WordPress is installed on the primary domain or subfolder, creating separate pages or other software installs on subdomains or subdirectories is possible. These can be completely independent of your WordPress installation, allowing you to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design these pages however you like.

Separate WP Installations

Another option is to have separate instances of WordPress installations on your domain and subdomains. However, while this is possible, it is not recommended because it can lead to conflicts and be quite complex to manage.

Using Subdomains and Ancillary Folders

Subdomains and ancillary folders offer flexibility in managing your site. You can install different software packages or create simple, non-WordPress pages on your subdomains and ancillary folders. These pages can be designed independently of your WordPress installation.

For example:

Different Designs on WordPress Pages

If you use a page builder in WordPress, creating different designs on certain pages is relatively straightforward. If not, you can install a plugin like Multiple Themes to apply different themes to various pages within a single WordPress installation.

This flexibility allows you to offer a more diverse and user-friendly experience across your site. For instance, you can use a minimalist design for certain pages while maintaining a robust theme for your blog.

Independent Web Pages

You can also have web pages that are independent of WordPress installed in the same directory. The key consideration is avoiding file name conflicts. For instance, since WordPress relies on its main file (e.g., ), you should avoid using this same file name for your external web pages to prevent conflicts.

Creating Non-WordPress Pages

To create non-WordPress pages, you simply need to create the pages and place them in a directory on your server. Link them to your menu or internal pages from within your WordPress site.

However, there are a few issues to address to ensure a seamless user experience:

You may need to recreate the header and footer for these external pages to maintain the overall look and feel of your website. Provide a link back to the WordPress site from the external page to maintain site navigation.

This setup can be particularly useful for adding static content, such as a privacy policy or contact page, without interfering with your dynamic WordPress site.

To summarize, while it is possible to have non-WordPress pages on a WordPress site, careful planning and implementation are required to ensure a smooth user experience and avoid technical conflicts.