nested-containers

How to Use Nested Containers in Your Funnels & Websites

Charles Higgins

Charles Higgins

— 10 min read
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Featured

We created a quick walkthrough to show how nested containers can transform the way we build funnels and websites inside the platform. In the original video, Automate with Usama demos a simple but powerful technique for adding columns within columns so we can design cleaner, more flexible layouts without resorting to custom CSS or awkward padding workarounds. In this article we’ll expand on that demo, explain why nested containers matter, walk through step-by-step instructions, share practical examples, and offer tips for common problems and advanced use cases.

Table of Contents

What nested containers are — and why they matter

Nested containers (sometimes called nested columns or nested layouts) let us place columns inside an existing column or row. Instead of each element living in a single horizontal row, we can create vertical or horizontal layers, sub-columns, and grouped elements that respond predictably. This ability unlocks design patterns that used to require custom CSS, trial-and-error padding, or awkward hacks.

When we use nested containers, we get several advantages:

  • Cleaner structure: Elements are grouped logically, which makes editing easier later on.
  • Faster design: We avoid customizing CSS for basic layouts like side-by-side buttons, multi-column content blocks, or nested feature lists.
  • Consistent responsiveness: The platform handles stacking behavior for mobile, so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
  • More design options: We can build multi-layered sections—columns inside columns—allowing for complex looks without custom coding.

Who benefits from nested containers

We see strong benefits for small business owners, marketers, and in-house teams who need to move fast and keep their tech stack simple. Specifically, nested containers are ideal for:

  • Landing pages and funnels that need compact call-to-action areas (for example, two buttons side by side).
  • Service pages that combine images, text, and action buttons in tightly controlled layouts.
  • Teams that want predictable layout controls without CSS knowledge.
  • Designers who want to prototype page sections quickly and hand off clean layouts to others.

What you’ll need before we start

We don’t need any special tools—just access to the platform’s page or funnel editor. The editor provides a drag-and-drop interface with an “add elements” or “rows/columns” section. In the demo we use a standard setup that includes:

  • A page or funnel section with at least one column.
  • Access to the element panel where row/column blocks are available (commonly up to six column options).
  • Basic familiarity with duplicating elements and changing styling like background colors or button text.

Step-by-step: Add nested containers (simple example)

Let’s walk through the core example from the demo: putting two buttons side by side inside an existing column.

  1. Open your page editor. Navigate to the section and column where you want the side-by-side elements to live.
  2. Open the element panel. Select the rows or columns option. The editor typically offers layouts from one column up to six columns.
  3. Drag the desired column layout into the existing column. Instead of adding the new columns to the page body, drop them inside the existing column that currently houses your content. This creates nested columns inside the current column.
  4. Place your elements into each nested column. For example, drag a button into the left nested column and another button into the right nested column.
  5. Adjust styling and spacing. Change button colors, labels (e.g., “Get Started” and “Learn More”), padding, and alignment to match your design.
  6. Duplicate as needed. If you want identical buttons or repeated blocks, use the duplicate feature to keep things consistent.
  7. Preview and test responsiveness. Check desktop and mobile views to ensure the nested columns stack or align the way we expect.

That’s it. No custom CSS and no fiddling with margins to force elements onto one line. We simply drag and drop nested columns and populate them with content.

Practical examples we use every day

Below are several real-world use cases where nested containers make our work faster and more reliable. We include the why and the how so you can apply them immediately.

1) Side-by-side CTAs (Call-to-Action buttons)

Use case: We want two calls to action next to each other—one primary and one secondary—without forcing long buttons on one line or using CSS.

How we do it:

  • Drop a two-column nested layout within the main column where we want the CTAs.
  • Place the primary CTA button in column one and the secondary CTA in column two.
  • Adjust each button’s width so they look balanced (for example, 48% width each with a small gap).
  • Set distinct colors and text to communicate priority.

Why it helps: This creates a clean, mobile-friendly CTA area where the buttons can stack on small screens and align side-by-side on larger screens automatically.

2) Mixed media blocks (image + text + CTA)

Use case: We want a product image to sit next to two stacked text blocks and a button.

How we do it:

  • Place a two-column layout in the parent section.
  • In the left nested column, place the image block and set maximum width.
  • In the right nested column, add a two-row nested layout: top row for headline and text, bottom row for the CTA button.
  • Fine-tune padding and alignment so the text block vertically centers next to the image.

Why it helps: Nested columns let us combine vertical stacking within a horizontal split, giving more precise control over alignment and spacing without extra CSS.

3) Multi-level pricing or feature blocks

Use case: We want three pricing columns, each with a list of features that themselves are split into two columns (e.g., pros and cons or features vs. analytics).

How we do it:

  • Start with a three-column layout for the top-level pricing cards.
  • Inside each pricing card column, add a nested two-column layout for the feature list columns.
  • Populate each nested column with bullet lists or icon/label pairs.
  • Adjust background colors and borders to separate cards visually.

Why it helps: The nested approach reduces complexity and maintains a clean source structure so we can quickly edit features across multiple cards without breaking layout behavior.

4) Complex headers or hero sections

Use case: We want a hero section that includes a headline, subheadline, two CTAs, and an inline testimonial—all arranged precisely.

How we do it:

  • Create a main hero column.
  • Insert a nested two-column layout: text on the left, visual on the right.
  • Within the left nested column, create stacked nested rows: headline, supporting text, CTAs (two side-by-side nested columns), and a small testimonial block.
  • Use padding and margin sparingly—let the nested structure handle alignment.

Why it helps: We get a tightly controlled hero without resorting to absolute positioning or custom CSS tricks. The nested structure keeps components modular and editable.

Design tips and best practices

When we adopt nested containers, a few simple rules help keep pages maintainable and visually pleasing.

  • Plan your layout hierarchy: Think in sections → columns → nested columns. Keep the hierarchy shallow when possible to avoid overly nested complexity.
  • Keep spacing consistent: Use consistent padding and margins across similar sections to maintain rhythm and balance.
  • Use duplication to maintain consistency: Build one card or block the way you want it, then duplicate. This preserves alignment and saves time.
  • Prefer percentage widths: When adjusting nested columns, choose percentage-based widths so elements adapt better to different screen sizes.
  • Check mobile stack order: Nested columns typically stack on mobile. Verify the order of stacked elements and reorder if needed to preserve clarity.
  • Visual separation with background and borders: Instead of adding extra padding, use subtle background shades and borders on nested columns to separate content visually.
  • Avoid too many layers: While nesting is powerful, excessive nesting can make future edits confusing. Aim for clarity in structure so teammates can follow the layout.

Troubleshooting common pitfalls

Even with a simple drag-and-drop approach, we sometimes hit a snag. Here are common issues and practical fixes.

Buttons keep stacking instead of sitting side by side

What’s happening: The buttons were added directly to the main column instead of nested columns, or the nested columns are set to full-width on mobile.

Fix:

  • Make sure to drop a two-column nested layout inside the parent column first.
  • Place each button into its own nested column.
  • Check width settings—set a percentage width (for example, 48% each) and leave a small gap for spacing.
  • Preview mobile behavior; if they stack undesirably, reorder or adjust stacking preferences if the editor allows.

Spacing looks off between nested items

What’s happening: Uneven padding or margins inherited from the parent container or from duplicated elements.

Fix:

  • Reset padding and margin for the nested columns to default, then apply consistent values.
  • Use background color blocks to see column boundaries while adjusting spacing.
  • When duplicating, verify that padding values didn’t carry over undesirably from another area.

Layout breaks on smaller screens

What’s happening: Some nested configurations rely on horizontal space that doesn’t exist on smaller screens, or stacking order confuses the user flow.

Fix:

  • Test the layout in mobile preview and adjust widths to be more responsive (e.g., 100% on mobile).
  • Consider hiding or collapsing less critical elements on mobile to simplify the view.
  • Reorder the nested columns so the most important content appears first on mobile when stacked vertically.

Unintended visual overlap or z-index issues

What’s happening: Elements with absolute positioning or custom styles can overlap nested columns.

Fix:

  • Avoid absolute positioning unless necessary. Rely on nested columns and padding for positioning.
  • If overlap persists, check custom CSS (if any) for z-index values. Remove or simplify custom styles where possible.

Advanced ideas — use nested containers to build creative sections

Once we’ve mastered the basics, nested containers open the door to more advanced layouts that still remain manageable and editable.

  • Multi-tier callout blocks: Create a large feature callout that contains an image, headline, and a nested row for three small badges or stats.
  • Interactive comparison rows: Build a comparison table with a left column of criteria and right columns that contain nested feature checklists for each plan.
  • Inline forms with contextual help: Place a form in one nested column and microcopy or an FAQ list in a second nested column to the right—this reduces friction and improves conversions.
  • Stacked multimedia galleries: Create a gallery where thumbnails live in a nested column under a main image—use nested rows to keep images aligned.
  • Re-usable modules: Build modular sections (hero, feature card, pricing card) that each have their nested structure and can be dropped into other pages.

These patterns help our pages scale. Instead of writing special layout rules for each page, we build consistent modules that our team can reuse.

How nested containers save time and reduce tech headaches

At the core, nested containers let us do more with less technical friction. Here’s how they help our teams and business:

  • Eliminate unnecessary CSS: Instead of calling in a developer for simple layout tweaks, our marketing person or designer can rearrange nested columns directly.
  • Faster edits: When content changes, we update the nested block once and duplicate it across the site as needed.
  • Simpler handoffs: The structure is visible in the editor, so teammates understand where to edit without reverse-engineering the page.
  • Predictable responsiveness: The editor’s built-in stacking behavior keeps mobile views consistent without extra testing for every tweak.
  • Lower ongoing costs: Fewer development tickets and less reliance on custom styling means we spend less time and money maintaining pages.

We benefit from transparency too: using the platform’s built-in tools means fewer hidden dependencies and a clearer picture of maintenance needs. That aligns with our commitment to simple pricing and real support—there are no hidden fees for basic layout capabilities, and support teams can help when needed because the structure is standard and reproducible.

Real user feedback (what teams tell us)

“We used to hire a developer for every layout change. With nested containers, our marketer can build and update landing pages in minutes.”
“The team loves that we no longer need to guess padding and margins. The editor’s nested structure makes pages consistent and easier to maintain.”

FAQ

  • Q: What exactly is a nested container?A: A nested container is a column or row placed inside an existing column. It lets us split a column into additional sub-columns or rows so we can arrange elements side by side or stacked within the same parent area.
  • Q: Do we need to know CSS to use nested containers?A: No. Nested containers are a drag-and-drop feature designed to reduce reliance on custom CSS. For most layouts, we can achieve the desired result without touching code.
  • Q: How many columns can we nest?A: The editor typically offers multiple column options—commonly up to six columns—but the exact number may vary. We can choose the layout that fits our content and nest it inside any parent column.
  • Q: Will nested columns be mobile-friendly?A: Yes. The editor handles stacking behavior for mobile. Nested columns typically stack vertically on smaller screens, but we should preview and adjust order or sizes if needed to preserve user flow.
  • Q: Can we change the order of stacked elements on mobile?A: Many editors allow reordering of stacked elements or adjusting visibility per device. If that’s not available in your editor, consider changing the nested order in the desktop layout so the mobile stack is logical.
  • Q: Are there performance concerns with heavy nesting?A: Reasonable nesting won’t impact performance. However, extremely deep and complex nesting combined with many heavy assets (large images or scripts) can increase page size. Keep structure clear and optimize media.
  • Q: Can nested containers contain other elements like forms or widgets?A: Absolutely. Forms, testimonials, icons, images, and widgets can all live inside nested columns. That’s one of the strengths—creating compact, context-rich blocks without extra coding.
  • Q: What if the editor doesn’t allow a specific nested layout we want?A: If the editor lacks a certain nested configuration, consider approximating it with stacked nested rows or use duplication to create visually similar sections. If custom behavior is required, evaluate whether a simple CSS tweak is worth the trade-off.
  • Q: How do we test nested layouts across devices?A: Use the editor’s device preview options, and then test on actual devices when possible. Pay attention to font sizes, button touch targets, and the stacking order on smaller screens.
  • Q: What are common mistakes to avoid?A: Avoid over-nesting, relying on absolute positioning, and leaving inconsistent padding values. Keep the structure logical so teammates can edit without second-guessing the layout.

Quick checklist before publishing

  • Preview desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
  • Confirm CTAs appear in the intended order on all devices.
  • Keep padding and margin consistent across similar sections.
  • Test forms or interactive elements that live in nested columns.
  • Use duplication to keep repeated blocks consistent across the page.
  • Optimize images and media for performance.

Conclusion

Nested containers are a simple but powerful way to make our pages look professional, maintainable, and responsive—without custom CSS or lengthy back-and-forth with developers. By nesting columns inside existing columns, we can create side-by-side buttons, complex headers, pricing tables, mixed media blocks, and other sophisticated layouts quickly.

We recommend starting with a small section—like a CTA area—to get comfortable with nesting. Build one module the way you want it, duplicate it where needed, and keep the structure clean. That approach saves time, reduces tech headaches, and keeps our pages consistent across team members.

If we stay focused on clarity, consistent spacing, and testing for mobile, nested containers become one of the most efficient tools in our page-building toolkit. They give us more creative flexibility while keeping maintenance predictable—an ideal combination for growing teams and busy marketers.

Let’s implement nested containers on our next page and spend less time fighting layout and more time focusing on messaging and conversions.

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