The Problem
On a WordPress site powered by CPTs and custom post types in WordPress, a recently re-published listing failed to appear in specific filtered views, custom search forms, and WordPress search results, despite being publicly accessible on its individual page. This often happens when:
- Key custom fields that power filters are left empty
- Query logic relies on future-dated schedules
- Filters are stacked in a way that excludes incomplete records
- Cache or replication delays skew the frontend display
What We Found
To isolate the issue, our team at Integriti Studio reviewed the content setup, content types, and filtering logic:
✅ Custom Field Checks
One required custom post type content field—used by the filter system to group CPTs—was empty. Because the query expected a value, this post was silently skipped in WordPress search results and post type archives.
✅ Filter Query Debugging
The PHP behind the filter logic (functions.php file) was relying on meta_query conditions that excluded empty fields. The logic also compared scheduling dates, which can block visibility if not configured properly in your WordPress theme or template.
✅ Display Context Audit
The post was missing from filtered lists, custom post types manually displayed, or post type archives but appeared on its standalone page, default post types, and in some unfiltered queries. This inconsistency confirmed that the filtering code—not post status—was to blame for content display issues on your WordPress site.
How We Fixed It
1. Populated Required Fields
We ensured the post had a valid value in the “all centers” field, custom post type using filters, or add your custom post setup so it would be picked up by filters expecting that key.
2. Adjusted Conditional Logic
Updated the custom template, template, or PHP code to include posts if they met a valid future date condition, appropriate assignment, or location taxonomy.
3. Ordered Output Clearly
Added a fallback orderby parameter to maintain predictable sorting (like alphabetical order), improving both user experience, UX, and debugging clarity.
4. Cleared Caches and Retested
Purged all plugin, server, and object caches. Then tested the result in:
- Global site search
- Filter-based listings
- CPT archives
- Location-based views
The Result
The entry now displays as expected across all views. This fix ensures future posts won’t fall through the cracks due to incomplete fields, custom post types not appearing, or overly strict filters—keeping directories complete and content on your WordPress site accurate.
Struggling with CPT Search and Filters?
We help WordPress sites avoid broken listings and patchy search results with clean, scalable logic.
Get in touch with Integriti Studio — and make every listing count.
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