How to Create a Custom Blog Grid in Elementor Pro (Step-by-Step WordPress Tutorial)

If your blog layout still looks like a boring feed of headlines, it’s time for an upgrade. With Elementor Pro, you can build a custom blog grid that actually fits your brand, clean, modern, and designed to convert readers into followers. Whether you’re a coach, creator, or service provider, this tutorial shows you exactly how to build a beautiful blog layout in WordPress using Elementor Pro. Let’s walk through each step so you can build a blog grid that not only looks great but also works on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

 

Step 1: Use Elementor Pro and Get Hosting with Hostinger

To follow this tutorial, you’ll need Elementor Pro, the free version won’t give you the custom post grid feature. You’ll also need a fast and reliable host.

 

 If you don’t have one yet, I recommend Hostinger. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and works perfectly with WordPress and Elementor. Grab it now before setting up your page.

 

Step 2: Create or Edit the Page Where You Want the Grid

Log in to WordPress and go to Pages > Add New, or edit an existing page where you want your blog posts to show up. Click “Edit with Elementor” to open the drag-and-drop editor.

This is where the magic happens.

 

Step 3: Add the “Posts” Widget from Elementor Pro

Search for “Posts” in the Elementor widget panel. Drag it into your page.

This is a Pro feature, so make sure you’ve activated Elementor Pro. If you’re using the free version, you won’t see this option. Once you drop it onto your page, Elementor will auto-populate the widget with your most recent blog posts.

 

Step 4: Customize the Blog Grid Layout

Now it’s time to make it yours.

In the widget settings, go to the Layout tab:

• Choose the number of columns (usually 2 or 3 looks best)
• Set how many posts per page to display (6 to 9 is a good start)
• Adjust image position to top, left, or none
• Tweak the image ratio to keep your design consistent

This is where your layout starts taking shape.

 

Step 5: Set the Query Filters

Still in the Posts widget, scroll down to Query settings.

Here, you control which blog posts show up in your grid:

• Show only posts from a certain category
• Filter by author or tags
• Manually choose posts if you’re curating a specific list
• Set order by date, title, or random for different effects

You can also exclude posts, like featured articles, that you don’t want in the main grid.

 

Step 6: Style Your Grid Design

This is where you go from default to designer.

In the Style tab of the Posts widget:

• Column gap: Add space between each post
• Row gap: Adjust spacing vertically
• Image border radius: Add subtle rounded corners
• Box shadow: Make your cards stand out from the background

Then scroll to typography:

• Change the font size and weight for your post titles
• Adjust hover effects so they match your brand
• Tweak the spacing between elements like title, date, and excerpt

If you want a minimal design, remove post metadata and keep only the title + image.

 

Step 7: Add Hover Effects to Images

Want the image to zoom or fade when someone hovers over it? In the Style > Image section, set a hover animation like “zoom in” or “fade.” This adds subtle movement to your layout and makes it feel more interactive.

Just don’t go overboard, keep it clean.

 

Step 8: Optimize for Mobile

Click the Responsive Mode icon in the bottom-left corner of Elementor.

Check your layout on tablet and mobile. Adjust column numbers, spacing, and font sizes so your grid looks good on every screen. You can:

• Switch to 1 column for mobile
• Add a little extra padding
• Use a soft border or shadow for separation

This step is key if you want to look professional across all devices.

 

Step 9: Preview and Publish

Once you’re happy with the design, click Preview to double-check how it looks on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Make sure the posts load correctly, the spacing looks clean, and the images are high-quality.

Then hit Publish, and your new custom blog grid is live.

 

Final Tips for Better Results

• Use real blog content while designing, not dummy text. You’ll get a more accurate preview.
• Keep your image sizes consistent for a clean layout.
• Don’t cram too much in. Use white space to let your content breathe.
• Match your blog grid styling with the rest of your site colors, fonts, and button styles, and they should be consistent.

And if you’re still using a free WordPress theme with a basic blog layout, this is your sign to upgrade to Elementor Pro. You’ll save time, skip code, and have full control over your design.

If you’re building your site from scratch, don’t forget to grab hosting first. Use Hostinger, it’s the best deal right now for WordPress users who want speed and support without breaking the bank. Once your hosting is set and Elementor Pro is activated, you’ll be building custom layouts like a pro, without needing a developer.