Comments on: 5 Essential Sidebar Items

By: Doyle

Doyle — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:32:15 +0000

I’m with you Andrew. Less is more.

I’ve also been thinking about the archives issue. I was wondering if Michael could identify the drop down list widget?

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:37:04 +0000

I agree with your comments about the calendar and archives. A better tool, I think, than a long list of archive dates is to use a dropdown list, which takes up less space. There’s a good widget plugin for that.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:25:04 +0000

That’s a great idea………you did that with your links as well a while back, right?

By: Jon - SmartWealthyRich

Jon - SmartWealthyRich — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:05:00 +0000

Well I thought of maybe creating a new page in wordpress called “awards” or “mentions” or something like that and have all the badges there, with maybe a little description next to each, so it would all be on the same page, and people would know what they’re about, and it would unclutter my sidebar

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 07:10:53 +0000

Jon,

The thing about the “dated archives” is that they aren’t used by many people……..having a sitemap is way better, which I know you have because I was looking through your posts recently.

As far as the badges, I know some of those are awards……personally, I wouldn’t get rid of those.

By: Jon - SmartWealthyRich

Jon - SmartWealthyRich — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 23:59:37 +0000

humm, makes me think I should do something with my “badges” section in my sidebar hehe

I never understood the calendar thing either, it’s not really good for SEO anyway. I still have the “archives by month” on my sidebar, but I guess it’s not really useful, no one ever clicks on those links. Maybe just a search bar would be enough, but first thing first, I have to clear my “badges” section lol

By: Brandon Watts

Brandon Watts — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:22:34 +0000

Thanks, Anthony! I see that you’re now using AutoRoll, and I hope that you’re enjoying the functionality that it adds to your blog.

Be sure to send me an e-mail if you have any further questions or comments!

Brandon Watts
Criteo Evangelist

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:06:58 +0000

Well, I’m not saying this is the definitive list of useful stuff, just what I see as being some of the more important ones. I may leave that pic out on my next design……..something to think about. I agree it’s good for branding purposes, however I personally get tired of looking at it. If I get tired of it, I assume others probably do all the more. haha

I’ve never understood why the calendar comes on almost every theme as standard equipment, yet few actually use it for anything. I may leave that off my next released theme.

By: Shane

Shane — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:35:42 +0000

Hmm … the sidebar is always good for ads and sponsorship links. And of course, you’ve got your pic up Anthony … a little sidebar branding is always good!

I couldn’t agree more with getting rid of the calendar. It’s about as useful as having a mini spare tire in your trunk. That’s flat. And no jack.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 21:38:45 +0000

Brandon,

Thanks for the heads up. I’ve seen widgets that provide content from other blogs, and I think they certainly can be useful. I’ll be sure to take a look at Criteo.

The point you made about the number being “modest”, I would say is important. When it comes to widgets and badges, it’s easy to over-do-it. My sidebar collects clutter like a magnet.