Hiding restricted content completely is not always the best experience – visitors may never realize there is something worth unlocking. That is where alternative content in Elementor comes in: instead of leaving an empty space, Restrict for Elementor can display something else in place of a restricted section, column or widget – a reusable Elementor template or a custom formatted message. This guide covers all three alternative content options and when to use each.
Where to find the alternative content option
Alternative content is available within the Restrict for Elementor area whenever you are using any of the criteria for content restriction. Whether you restrict by logged in users, user role, capability, purchases or location, the alternative content setting appears alongside the restriction options, ready to serve replacement content to users who do not fulfill the required criteria.
Why show alternative content at all?
When a restricted element is simply hidden, visitors get no hint that extra content exists – which is fine for internal tools, but a missed opportunity when access can be earned or bought. Alternative content turns the restriction itself into a prompt: log in, register, become a member, or purchase the product that unlocks the content.
It also keeps your layout intact. Instead of a section quietly disappearing and the page shifting around, the reserved space is filled with something deliberate and on-brand.
Alternative content in Elementor: the three options
None
The section, column or widget is simply hidden, and none of its content is displayed in its place. This is the right choice when the restricted element is purely functional – say, an author-only shortcut – and there is no reason to tell other visitors it exists.
Elementor Template
Choose one of your Elementor templates to display in place of the restricted content. This is useful when you want a uniform, nicely styled notice shown to visitors who do not fulfill the required criteria.
It is especially powerful when you want to funnel visitors toward purchasing a specific WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads product that grants access to the content: create a section template with an add to cart button, or a button leading to the products that unlock the restricted content, and reuse that same template anywhere you want.
HTML / Formatted Text
When this option is selected, WordPress’ default HTML/text editor appears, and you can enter text, images and other content much like you would with WordPress’ classic editor. It is the quickest way to display a simple custom message without preparing a template first.
Ideas for effective alternative content
- Login prompt – if the content is restricted to logged in users, show a message or a template with a login link telling visitors to log in to view it.
- Membership pitch – for role-restricted content, explain the benefits of becoming a member and link to your signup page.
- Product funnel – for purchase-based restrictions, show the exact product that unlocks the content, with a buy button leading straight to it.
- Teaser – write a short excerpt or summary of the restricted content, so visitors know exactly what they are missing.
Tips
- Templates keep things consistent. If you use the same notice in many places, build it once as an Elementor template – when you update the template, every restricted spot on your site updates with it.
- Alternative content works on all three element levels – see restricting Elementor sections, columns and widgets for where the restriction controls sit on each.
- New to the plugin? The quickstart guide walks through every restriction criterion that alternative content can be paired with.