How Can Beginners Create Static Pages in Jekyll

Why Do You Need Static Pages on Your Jekyll Blog?

If you're just starting with Jekyll, your site probably shows a list of blog posts on the homepage. But readers expect more than that. They want to know who you are, how to contact you, and where to find important information.

That’s where static pages come in—like About, Contact, and FAQ. And creating them in Jekyll is easier than you think.

What Is a Static Page in Jekyll?

A static page is a standalone file, usually with its own URL (like /about), that doesn’t belong to a blog post or category. It's not tied to a date, and it doesn’t show up in your blog feed.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Simple Static Page

Step 1: Create a New .md or .html File

In your Jekyll root directory, create a file like about.md. Add this at the top:

---
layout: page
title: "About"
permalink: /about/
---

Then add your content below it. Example:

Hi, I’m Alex. This blog is where I write about design, web development, and digital tools I love.

Step 2: Repeat for Other Pages

• contact.md with a contact form or email info

• faq.md with questions and answers

Each page should start with:

---
layout: page
title: "Contact"
permalink: /contact/
---

Then follow with your content.

How to Link These Pages in Your Navigation

To make sure readers can access them, edit your navigation links. Go to _data/navigation.yml (if your theme has it), or edit directly in _includes/header.html:

<nav>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="/">Home</a></li>
    <li><a href="/about/">About</a></li>
    <li><a href="/contact/">Contact</a></li>
    <li><a href="/faq/">FAQ</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

Save, push to GitHub, and the links will appear instantly.

Design Tips for Each Page

About Page

• Tell your story briefly

• Add a headshot or logo

• Include links to your GitHub, Twitter, or newsletter

Contact Page

• Keep it simple: use mailto: links

• Optionally embed a form from Formspree or Google Forms

Want to get in touch? Email me at 
<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.

FAQ Page

• Use headings for each question

• Use short answers, possibly collapsible if supported by your theme

## What is this blog about?
I write about digital tools, coding, and minimalist design.

## Can I use your content?
Feel free to link, but please don’t copy without permission.

Best Practices for Static Pages

• Use a clear permalink for every page (e.g., /about/, not /about-me)

• Keep page titles short and descriptive

• Use layout: page unless you want post-style formatting

• Use lowercase URLs (recommended by SEO best practices)

Bonus: Add Meta Descriptions for SEO

You can add a short description to the front matter of each page:

---
layout: page
title: "About"
description: "Learn more about the author and this Jekyll blog."
permalink: /about/
---

This helps Google understand what each page is about—and may even improve how it appears in search results.

How Do Static Pages Help Your Blog?

• They make your site feel complete and trustworthy

• They provide important information that doesn’t belong in a post

• They improve navigation and user experience

Conclusion: Static Pages Are the Easiest Upgrade for a Jekyll Blog

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry about fancy features. Just start with the essentials:

• About – Tell your story

• Contact – Let people reach you

• FAQ – Answer common questions

These small additions make a big difference—and you can create them in minutes.

So if your blog is live but feels empty, add your first static page today. You’ll look more professional immediately.