CodingAnts Blog Plugin Usage Guide

Overview

This guide explains how to manage blog content in the Magento Admin after the plugin is installed.

1) Open the Blog settings

Go to: Stores > Configuration > CodingAnts > Blog

  • Make sure the blog is Enabled.
  • Set Blog Title (this is shown on the storefront).
  • Set Posts per Page.
  • Set Default Route (the blog URL path, default is “blog”).
  • Set a Default Placeholder Image (used when a post has no featured image).

Save Configuration when finished.

2) Create categories (optional)

Go to: CodingAnts > Blog > Categories

  • Click Add New Category.
  • Fill in Name and URL Key.
  • Add a Description if needed.
  • Add SEO fields (Meta Title/Keywords/Description) if you want search optimization.
  • Set Status to Enabled.

Click Save.

3) Create posts

Go to: CodingAnts > Blog > Posts

  • Click Add New Post.
  • Fill in Title and URL Key (URL key must be unique).
  • Add Content.
  • Upload a Featured Image (optional).
  • Set Publish Date to schedule the post, or leave it empty to publish immediately.
  • Set Status to Enabled.
  • Add SEO fields if needed.

Click Save.

4) Add blog widgets to CMS pages or blocks

Go to: Content > Pages (or Blocks)

  • Edit the page or block.
  • Click Insert Widget.
  • Choose one of:
    • CodingAnts Blog Post List
    • CodingAnts Blog Carousel
  • Configure options like post count, display mode, and category filter.

Save the page or block.

5) View the blog on the storefront

  • Blog index page: /<route> (default: /blog)
  • Post detail page: /<route>/post/<url_key>
  • Category page: /<route>/category/<url_key>

Notes

  • URL keys must be unique for posts and categories.
  • Posts with a future publish date will not appear on the storefront until the scheduled time.
  • If a post has no featured image, the placeholder image from configuration will be used.