How to use the Sanity CMS
Sanity CMS is the system used to create and manage content on the website. It is designed to be flexible, but also intuitive once you understand how the different fields work together. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explaining what each section is for and how it affects what visitors see on the site.
You do not need any technical knowledge to use Sanity. If you can write text and upload images, you can publish content confidently.
Creating a new post
To begin, open Sanity Studio and click Create, then choose Post. This opens the editor view where you will see all the fields needed to publish an article, news item, event, product update, or press release.
Think of this editor as a structured form rather than a blank page. Each field has a specific purpose and helps ensure content is displayed correctly across the website and in search engines.
Filling in the basic information
Start by adding a clear and descriptive title. This is the main headline shown on the website and in search results, so it should be easy to understand and reflect the content accurately. Avoid overly long or vague titles.
Next, generate the URL (also called the slug). Sanity can do this automatically for you based on the title. In most cases, you should leave it as generated. Only change it if you have a strong reason, such as matching an existing URL structure.
You will also choose a post type. This controls how the content is presented on the website. Common options include news, events, product updates, and press releases. If you select an event, additional fields will appear later so you can add dates and location details.
Controlling when the post appears
Sanity allows you to decide exactly when a post becomes visible on the website. By setting a publish date, you can either publish immediately or schedule content for the future. This is useful if you prepare articles in advance.
There is also an option to feature a post. Featured posts are highlighted more prominently on the site. If you use this option, you may be able to set start and end dates so the feature automatically turns on and off without manual intervention.
Writing a short summary and adding images
The short summary is used in listings, previews, and sometimes on the homepage. It should briefly explain what the article is about in one or two sentences. This is often the first thing readers see, so clarity matters more than detail.
You will also add a main image. This image represents the article across the site and on social media. Use a high-quality image with good lighting and a clear subject. Along with the image, you should add a short description of what the image shows. This helps with accessibility and ensures the site works well for all users.
If the system’s automatic reading time does not feel accurate, you may adjust it manually. This is optional and should only be used when necessary.
Writing the main content
The main content area is where you write the article itself. Write in short paragraphs and use headings to structure longer sections. This makes the text easier to read on screens and helps readers quickly find the information they need.
You can include images between sections if they add value or help explain the topic. Avoid very long blocks of text, and try to keep the language simple and direct.
A good rule of thumb is to imagine you are explaining the topic to someone who is unfamiliar with the subject but interested in understanding it.
Linking people and related content
If the article should show who wrote it, you can assign an author. This displays attribution on the website and helps readers understand the source of the content.
You may also link collaborators, partners, or manufacturers. These connections help group related content together and allow visitors to explore more information across the site without searching manually.
Additional fields for events
If the post is an event, you will see extra fields that do not appear for other post types. These include start date, end date, and location. Filling these in ensures the event is displayed correctly in calendars and listings.
For non-event content, these fields remain hidden, keeping the editor clean and focused.
Search and sharing settings
Sanity includes optional settings to control how your content appears in search engines and when shared on social media. You can customise the page title and description used by Google, add a specific image for sharing, or temporarily hide a page from search results.
In most cases, these fields can be left empty and the system will generate sensible defaults. Use them when you need more control or are publishing important or time-sensitive content.
Before publishing
Before publishing, take a moment to review the content:
Read the title and summary one last time
Make sure the main image is present and appropriate
Check dates if the post is scheduled or featured
Scan the text for clarity and spelling
Once everything looks correct, publish the post. It will either appear immediately or go live at the scheduled time you selected.