What is a sidebar? Sidebars are a common feature found on many websites that provide space to display additional content and functionality.
If you’re a web designer or user looking for more information on sidebars, join us to see how sidebars can take your website to the next level.
Understanding the sidebar
A sidebar is a vertical column that appears on the side of a webpage or blog that provides additional information to users. It usually appears on every page of the website in the form of a search bar, recent posts, popular posts, categories, tags, social media links, advertisements or other widgets that enhance the user experience and ease navigation options.
The content and layout of the sidebar can vary depending on the design and purpose of the website, but its main function is to complement the main content and provide users with easy access to information and tools.
Common Uses and Benefits of Sidebars
Sidebars encourage people to further explore a website by showing links to popular or similar content. People may click through and read additional articles, resulting in higher page views and time spent on the website.
Sidebar is a popular feature on websites and is commonly used for various purposes. Here are some of the most common uses of sidebars:
- Search
- call to action
- Related Content
- author information
- Guidance
- social media links
- commercials
- contact information
Website owners can use sidebars strategically to enhance the user experience and achieve their website objectives.
Left and Right sidebar
Left sidebars are often used for navigation purposes and may include categories, archives, social media links, and other supplemental content. They are also traditionally used for websites or WordPress widgets. Because left sidebars are usually located at the top left of the page, they are easily accessible by users.
On the other hand, the right sidebars are often used for promotional or advertising purposes. They display advertisements, call-to-action buttons, and links to sponsored content that generate revenue for the website. The right sidebar can also be used to display related content or social media links.
Importance of Navigation on a Website
Imagine you are in a new city, and are eager to see all its sights. You’re excited to visit famous sites, taste local cuisine, and meet new people, but you have no map, no directions, and no idea where to start. Your enthusiasm wanes, and you start to feel overwhelmed, wondering if the trip was a mistake.
This scenario is similar to what users experience when they land on a website with poor navigation. Like a map, navigation on a website is important for providing users with directions. Good website navigation allows users to easily find the information they need, explore the site’s offerings, and take the desired action.
Modifying Content in the Sidebar
To modify the content in the sidebar on a website or WordPress, you can follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Access the website’s Content Management System (CMS) or website builder by logging into the dashboard or backend interface.
- Step 2: Navigate to the section of the CMS or website builder that controls the sidebar content. Website design can be labeled as a side bar, Widgetor something like that.
- Step 3: Use the CMS or website builder tool to add, remove, or rearrange the widgets that can be added to the sidebar.
- Step 4: Preview the changes to make sure they appear in the sidebar as intended.
- Step 5: Save or publish changes to go live on the website.
Modifying the content in the sidebar can be a straightforward process, depending on the complexity of the website design and the CMS or website builder being used.
What is a sidebar? Optimize yours today
What is a sidebar In a nutshell, it may seem like a small part of a website, but it can have a big impact on user experience and engagement. A well-designed sidebar can make a website more memorable by providing quick access to important information, guiding users toward relevant content, and reinforcing branding and personality.
