How to Write Content and Use Shortcodes
This section explains how to use 3local's shortcodes for dynamic content insertion and how to take advantage of the built-in AI content tools for writing and editing pages, ensuring SEO-friendly, localised, and conversion-focused content.
- Before you begin, ensure:
- You are logged into your 3local dashboard.
- Your site is set up with at least one service and location.
- You understand what content you want to modify or generate (home, service, or location-specific).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Understand Page Types and Shortcode Use
There are two primary content areas on 3local sites:
- Homepage content: Less shortcode-dependent, more static.
- Service/Location page content: Uses shortcodes extensively for dynamic personalisation.
Shortcodes Overview
Shortcodes dynamically pull and display data across all your service/location pages without hardcoding. This ensures consistency and easier updates across your site.
| Shortcode | Purpose |
|---|---|
[site_name] |
Business name |
[site_location] |
Business address |
[client_website] |
Your website URL |
[site_telephone] |
Business phone number |
[service] |
Name of the service for that page |
[location] |
Location name for the current page |
[service_links] |
Linked list of services |
[service_links false] |
Unlinked list of services |
[map "keyword"] |
Map centered on keyword (e.g. plumber) |
[cities_shortcode] |
List of all location pages |
[cities_shortcode max_results=5] |
Show only 5 location pages |
[cities_shortcode random=true] |
Show random list of locations |
2. Writing & Editing Content with AI Tools
You can use the AI tools to generate, improve, or rewrite any content on service and homepage sections.
- Go to the homepage or service page editor.
- Delete old content (optional).
- click 'AI Generate' to re-generate the content
Enter your target keyword, e.g.: SEO agency in Weymouth
Click Generate.
- Or use ' AI Shortcuts' to:
- Summarise Content
- Improve Writing
- Simplify Language
- Expand Upon (Selected text)
- Trim Content
- Change Tone
- Wait ~30–60 seconds for the full content to be produced.
- Make manual edits to the page content if required.
3. Preview & Test Save all changes and click Publish.
Open your live site and check:
- Are maps displaying correctly?
- Are shortcodes rendering dynamic info?
- Are links working across all service and location pages?