The Surprising Ways I'm Still Using Elementor

Introduction [00:00]

In the ever-evolving landscape of WordPress development, certain tools and plugins can sometimes fall out of favor with the community. Elementor Pro, once a widely celebrated page builder, has recently faced some criticism and skepticism from WordPress developers and content creators. However, in this article, we’ll explore how Elementor Pro continues to offer unique benefits and efficient solutions for specific use cases, challenging the notion that it may be outdated or less effective than newer alternatives.

Dave, an experienced WordPress developer, shares his recent experiences with Elementor Pro, highlighting how it has surprisingly proven to be an invaluable tool in certain scenarios. Despite initial doubts and the general trend of moving away from Elementor, Dave found himself returning to the plugin for its ability to handle complex tasks quickly and efficiently. This article will delve into the specific use cases where Elementor Pro shines, demonstrating its continued relevance in the WordPress ecosystem.

As we explore these examples, we’ll see how Elementor Pro’s dynamic data capabilities, seamless integration with WooCommerce, and flexible templating system can streamline workflows and solve common challenges in website management. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress developer or a site owner looking for efficient solutions, this deep dive into Elementor Pro’s unexpected strengths might just change your perspective on this powerful tool.

The Changing Perception of Elementor Pro [01:00]

The WordPress community, particularly on YouTube, has recently begun to show less enthusiasm for Elementor Pro. This shift in perception has led many developers and content creators to question the plugin’s effectiveness and relevance in modern WordPress development. Let’s examine the reasons behind this changing attitude and explore why it might be premature to dismiss Elementor Pro entirely.

Reasons for the Shift in Perception

• Performance Concerns: Many developers have expressed worries about Elementor’s impact on website speed and overall performance.
• Complexity: Some users find Elementor’s interface clunky and challenging to navigate, especially when compared to newer, more streamlined page builders.
• Block Editor Competition: With the continuous improvement of WordPress’s native block editor (Gutenberg), some developers feel that third-party page builders like Elementor are becoming less necessary.
• Trend Towards Minimalism: There’s a growing preference for leaner, code-based solutions among developers, moving away from heavy visual builders.

Reconsidering Elementor’s Value

Despite these concerns, Dave’s recent experiences have led him to reconsider Elementor Pro’s value in specific scenarios:

• Efficiency in Complex Tasks: Elementor Pro can sometimes accomplish complex layout and dynamic content tasks faster than traditional coding methods.
• Unique Feature Set: Some of Elementor’s features, particularly in dynamic data handling, are not easily replicated in other page builders or the block editor.
• Time-Saving for Certain Projects: For projects with specific requirements, Elementor Pro can significantly reduce development time compared to custom coding.
• Client-Friendly Interface: The visual nature of Elementor can be beneficial when working with clients who prefer a more intuitive editing experience.

Balancing Criticism with Practical Benefits

While the criticisms of Elementor are not without merit, it’s essential to consider the practical benefits it can offer in certain situations:

• Rapid Prototyping: Elementor’s visual interface allows for quick creation and iteration of complex layouts.
• Dynamic Content Integration: The plugin’s ability to work with dynamic data from various sources can be a significant advantage in data-driven websites.
• Flexibility in Design: For projects requiring unique designs that go beyond standard themes, Elementor can provide the necessary creative freedom.

As we delve deeper into specific use cases, it becomes clear that while Elementor Pro may not be the ideal solution for every WordPress project, it still holds significant value in certain scenarios. The key is to understand when and how to leverage its strengths effectively.

Dynamic Data Usage in Client Websites [03:00]

One of the most compelling use cases for Elementor Pro that Dave encountered was in managing dynamic data for client websites. This feature proved particularly valuable when dealing with frequently changing information, such as product prices. Let’s explore how Elementor Pro’s dynamic data capabilities can streamline website management and improve accuracy.

The Challenge of Frequently Updated Content

• Client Requirements: Some clients need to update specific information, like product prices, across multiple pages of their website regularly.
• Consistency Issues: Manual updates can lead to inconsistencies, especially when the same information appears in multiple locations.
• Time-Consuming Process: Updating content manually across various pages can be tedious and prone to errors.
• Client Communication: Frequent requests for small changes can create a back-and-forth that’s inefficient for both the developer and the client.

Elementor Pro’s Dynamic Data Solution

Elementor Pro offers a robust dynamic data feature that can address these challenges effectively:

• Central Data Source: Information can be stored in a single location (e.g., WooCommerce product data) and dynamically pulled into multiple areas of the website.
• Automatic Updates: When the source data is updated, all instances of that information across the site update automatically.
• Reduced Error Risk: By eliminating the need for manual updates in multiple locations, the risk of overlooking a change or introducing errors is significantly reduced.
• Flexible Implementation: Dynamic data can be used in various Elementor widgets, including text blocks, headings, and custom HTML elements.

Implementing Dynamic Data with Elementor Pro

Dave provided a step-by-step example of how to implement dynamic data for product pricing:

1. Widget Selection: Start with a standard Elementor text widget where you want to display the dynamic price.
2. Enabling Dynamic Data: Click on the dynamic tag icon within the widget settings to access dynamic data options.
3. Data Source Selection: Choose “Commerce Products Price” from the available dynamic data sources.
4. Product Selection: Select the specific product for which you want to display the price.
5. Price Format: Choose whether to display the sale price, original price, or both.
6. Additional Formatting: Add any static text or formatting around the dynamic price to create a complete price display.

Benefits of This Approach

• Time Efficiency: Once set up, price updates only need to be made in one place (e.g., WooCommerce product settings).
• Consistency Across Pages: The same dynamic price can be used on homepages, product pages, and sales pages, ensuring consistency.
• Improved Client Experience: Clients can update prices themselves through familiar interfaces like WooCommerce, reducing the need for developer intervention.
• Scalability: This method is particularly beneficial for websites with multiple products or frequent price changes.

By leveraging Elementor Pro’s dynamic data capabilities, developers can create more maintainable and client-friendly websites, especially for e-commerce and service-based businesses where pricing information is crucial and frequently updated.

Creating Flexible Product Templates [07:00]

Another surprising and powerful use of Elementor Pro that Dave discovered was in creating flexible and dynamic product templates, particularly for online courses. This application demonstrates how Elementor Pro can be used to streamline the process of creating and managing multiple product pages with consistent layouts and dynamic content.

The Need for Scalable Product Pages

• Consistency Across Products: When selling multiple courses or products, maintaining a consistent layout and user experience is crucial.
• Efficiency in Page Creation: Creating individual pages for each new product can be time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies.
• Dynamic Content Requirements: Different products often require unique content while sharing common structural elements.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensuring that product pages look great on all devices is essential for user experience and conversions.

Elementor Pro’s Template Solution

Elementor Pro offers a robust templating system that addresses these challenges:

• Custom Templates: Create a single, reusable template for all product pages.
• Dynamic Fields: Utilize Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) integration to populate templates with product-specific information.
• Responsive Design: Build templates with responsive design in mind, ensuring optimal display across all device types.
• Conditional Elements: Add or remove elements based on product-specific conditions or data.

Implementing a Dynamic Product Template

Dave shared his process for creating a flexible course template:

1. Template Creation: Design a base template in Elementor Pro that includes all common elements for product pages.
2. ACF Integration: Set up custom fields in ACF for product-specific information (e.g., course description, features, pricing).
3. Dynamic Data Mapping: Use Elementor’s dynamic data feature to map ACF fields to appropriate sections in the template.
4. Media Integration: Include dynamic fields for product images, videos, or demo content.
5. Responsive Adjustments: Utilize Elementor’s responsive settings to ensure the template looks great on all devices.
6. Conditional Elements: Set up elements that appear or change based on specific product data or conditions.

Key Features of the Dynamic Template

• Video Integration: Embed product demo videos that play directly on the shop page.
• Sticky Elements: Create a sticky sidebar with key product information that remains visible as users scroll.
• Responsive Behavior: Adjust layout and content visibility based on screen size (e.g., moving video placement on smaller screens).
• Dynamic Pricing Display: Integrate with WooCommerce to display current pricing, including sale prices and discounts.

Benefits of This Approach

• Time Efficiency: New product pages can be created quickly by simply filling out ACF fields.
• Consistency: All product pages maintain a consistent layout and user experience.
• Flexibility: Easy to update or modify the template for all products simultaneously.
• SEO Optimization: Consistent structure across product pages can contribute to better SEO performance.
• Improved User Experience: Well-designed, responsive templates enhance the shopping experience for customers.

Balancing Elementor with Other Solutions

While Dave found Elementor Pro extremely useful for this specific use case, he noted some considerations:

• Performance Impact: Consider the potential performance impact of using Elementor alongside other plugins like ACF.
• Learning Curve: There may be a learning curve for team members unfamiliar with Elementor’s interface.
• Maintenance Considerations: Decide whether to use Elementor for the entire site or just specific sections to maintain consistency.

By leveraging Elementor Pro’s templating system and dynamic data capabilities, developers can create scalable, consistent, and easily manageable product pages. This approach is particularly valuable for businesses with multiple products or courses, allowing for rapid deployment of new offerings while maintaining a high-quality user experience.

Key Takeaways [11:00]

As we’ve explored the surprising ways in which Elementor Pro continues to be a valuable tool in WordPress development, several key points emerge that highlight its ongoing relevance and utility:

1. Dynamic Data Integration: Elementor Pro’s ability to seamlessly integrate dynamic data from sources like WooCommerce and Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) proves invaluable for creating efficient, easily updatable websites. This feature is particularly useful for sites with frequently changing content, such as e-commerce platforms or course websites, where maintaining consistency across multiple pages is crucial.
2. Flexible Templating System: The power of Elementor Pro’s templating capabilities allows for the creation of scalable, consistent product pages or course offerings. This system enables developers to rapidly deploy new pages while ensuring a uniform user experience and design across the site.
3. Time Efficiency: Despite criticisms about its complexity, Elementor Pro can significantly reduce development time for certain types of projects. The visual builder and pre-built elements allow for quick prototyping and implementation of complex layouts that might take longer to code from scratch.
4. Responsive Design Capabilities: Elementor Pro’s built-in responsive design features make it easier to create websites that look great on all devices. The ability to adjust layouts and element visibility based on screen size is a powerful tool for ensuring a positive user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
5. Client-Friendly Updates: By leveraging dynamic data and templating, Elementor Pro allows for a more client-friendly update process. Clients can make changes to core information (like product prices) in familiar interfaces, which then automatically update across the site.
6. Balancing Performance and Functionality: While concerns about Elementor’s impact on site performance are valid, its benefits in certain scenarios can outweigh these drawbacks. Developers should weigh the trade-offs and consider using Elementor Pro strategically where its strengths align with project requirements.
7. Adaptability to Specific Use Cases: The examples provided demonstrate that Elementor Pro can be particularly effective for specific types of websites, such as those with complex product pages or frequently updated content. Recognizing these use cases helps in making informed decisions about when to employ Elementor Pro.
8. Integration with Other Tools: Elementor Pro’s ability to work well with other popular WordPress plugins and tools (like WooCommerce and ACF) enhances its utility in creating comprehensive, feature-rich websites.
9. Continuous Evolution: As WordPress and web development trends evolve, it’s important to periodically reassess tools like Elementor Pro. What may have been considered outdated can sometimes reveal new strengths in light of changing project requirements or emerging web technologies.
10. Developer Flexibility: While the WordPress community may be trending towards more code-based solutions, Elementor Pro offers a middle ground that can be particularly useful for developers who need to balance coding efficiency with visual design flexibility.

In conclusion, while Elementor Pro may not be the ideal solution for every WordPress project, it continues to offer significant value in specific scenarios. Its strengths in handling dynamic content, creating flexible templates, and enabling rapid development make it a tool worth considering, especially for projects that align with its capabilities. As with any development tool, the key is to understand its strengths and limitations and to apply it judiciously where it can provide the most benefit.

By staying open to the evolving capabilities of tools like Elementor Pro, developers can maintain a versatile toolkit that allows them to choose the best solution for each unique project. As the WordPress ecosystem continues to evolve, it’s clear that Elementor Pro still has a role to play in modern web development, offering surprising solutions to complex challenges.