Displaying random post on WordPress

Adding random posts to your WordPress site is a great way to keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore more content. On ruachost.com, you can achieve this using a plugin or by adding a shortcode.

Why Display Random Posts?

• Keeps your site fresh by showing different content on each visit.
• Increases page views by encouraging users to discover older posts.
• Enhances user engagement with dynamic content.

Method 1: Using the Random Post on Refresh Plugin

1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

2. In the dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New.

3. Search for Random Post on Refresh.

4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

5. Edit the page where you want random posts to appear.

6. Add the shortcode:

   php

   [random_post_on_refresh]

   • Optionally, specify post IDs to randomize only certain posts:

   php

   [random_post_on_refresh ids="37,50,30"]

   Replace the numbers with your actual post IDs.

7. Save the page.

8. Refresh the page → A random post will display each time.

Method 2: Custom PHP Code (Advanced)

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can add custom code to your theme:

1. Open your theme’s functions.php file.

2. Add the following snippet:

   function ruachost_random_post() {
       $args = array(
           'orderby' => 'rand',
           'posts_per_page' => 1
       );
       $random_post = new WP_Query($args);
       if ($random_post->have_posts()) {
           while ($random_post->have_posts()) {
               $random_post->the_post();
               echo '<a href="' . get_permalink() . '">' . get_the_title() . '</a>';
           }
           wp_reset_postdata();
       }
   }

3. Call the function in your template file where you want the random post to appear:

   <?php ruachost_random_post(); ?>

Important Notes

• The plugin requires posts to have a featured image to avoid errors.
• Always back up your theme before editing functions.php.
• Use a child theme to preserve changes during updates.