Just about everyone has a blog these days. Just about every one of these blogs have got a typical blog design that consists of a header, content area, footer and yes, the magical sidebar. Do you really look at these sidebars? Do you ever use them or do you just skip by them? So the big question remains, are they really useful?
Calendar, blogroll, recent posts…
The default sidebar setup isn’t that special or creative. Most blogs out there drag in the standard widgets available that generally consists of the above. A post calendar, a blogroll, some recent posts or perhaps recent comments. Surprisingly many blogs still have the default WordPress “Meta” widget as well. All I can ask there is why
Consider your sidebar your second navigation?
Your sidebar is there on every blogpage. It’s the second most fixed navigational object apart from the main navigation. Use those two in conjunction. The sidebar can promote your pages immensely!
Without any hesitation, I would consider having a big RSS, subscription note right up on the first sidebar slot. You want people to subscribe to your content, you want to gain readers, that is your goal with the blogging, right? Other good things to include in your sidebar are links to featured posts, featured articles. Make sure people get to the places you want them in. Use the space to make an eye-catching image that people will notice and click on. Use the sidebar to extend the usability of your site and promote yourself on it!
Would you use your own sidebar?
Think about it. Would you use your own sidebar the way it is setup right now? If your answer is yes, then either you have a great sidebar, or it only works for you as the writer of the blog. It might help you find old things you want to reference, but not your viewers to find the content they want. Go and ask a couple of people you know and get them to navigate it and see what they think!
What is in your sidebar and what do you think?
I’m very interested, what is in your blog sidebar and what do you think? Are sidebars useful or unnecessary? Do post your sidebar setup in the comments with your opinion!
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I think the sidebars are a necessary evil. I think many folks take note of the sidebar, and have an expectation for the things you mentioned–RSS Feed, About Author, Ads–even the popular magazine styled themes take advantage of some sort of sidebar.
If more people were at 1280×1024 or higher resolution, I would be inclined to use a three column layout, if only to move some of my sidebar content higher up on the page. Much of the content I want to share is pushed below the midline of the monitor, which means new users miss out.
I’ve always thought of the side-bar kind of like the dust jacket of a hardcover book. It’s a good spot to place a photo of the author and a few notes of interest. Maybe a tasteful or creative nav widget, or a display of awards or qualifications.
I think the info laden side-bars are cumbersome. The three column blog layouts are dangerous, imho. They encourage bloggers to be widget or link reliant, instead of content driven.