Are you taking advantage of the space to the side of your blogs?
If not, you should.
A well-designed blog sidebar can be a powerful tool to enhance your site’s functionality and user experience. From showcasing key content to driving email signups or social engagement, a sidebar provides a space to connect with your audience and achieve your blog’s goals.
But designing an effective sidebar requires strategy and a well thought out plan.
In this post, we’ll explore what a blog sidebar is and why it’s beneficial. Then we’ll dive into best practices for designing one, the tools to make the process easier, and lastly share some examples of standout blog sidebars to inspire your own.
What is the sidebar of a blog?
A blog sidebar is a vertical column, typically displayed on the right or left side of your main content. It’s a dedicated space where bloggers can showcase additional elements, such as navigation menus, email opt-ins, popular posts, social media widgets, or advertisements. Sidebars help enhance the user experience by providing easy access to key content and tools.
Why is having a sidebar on your blog a good idea?
A website sidebar is an effective way to engage your readers and achieve specific goals, such as boosting email signups, increasing page views, or promoting social media engagement. If done right, it keeps important content visible without disrupting the main post, enhancing functionality and navigation.
How to get the most out of your blog’s sidebar
Your blog’s sidebar is prime real estate for boosting engagement, highlighting key content, and driving conversions. But to make the most of it, you need a smart design strategy. Here are some best practices to guide you:
1. Define a clear purpose
Use your sidebar strategically. Think about what you want your sidebar to achieve. Is it growing your email list, promoting popular posts, or increasing social engagement? Whatever your goal is, ensure every element in your sidebar works toward that purpose.
2. Prioritize content hierarchy
Not everything needs to go at the top of your sidebar. Put the most important items—like email signups, CTAs, or key links—at eye level so they grab attention first.
3. Keep it simple and minimalist
Less is more when it comes to sidebar design. Avoid cramming it with too many widgets or features. A clean, uncluttered sidebar feels professional and keeps visitors focused on what matters most.
4. Make it visually appealing
Your sidebar should look like it belongs on your site. Use your blog’s colors, fonts, and overall style for consistency. Adding small icons, buttons, or clean graphics can make the space more engaging.
5. Use white space wisely
Don’t underestimate the power of breathing room. White space between elements improves readability and creates a polished, inviting design.
6. Include social media integration
Make it easy for readers to follow or connect with you. Add social sharing buttons, a live feed, or follow widgets to your sidebar to boost your social media presence.
7. Promote key content
Use your sidebar to showcase what’s important. This could be a “Popular Posts” section, a list of categories, or a feature for your newest content. It’s a simple way to keep readers exploring your site.
8. Incorporate lead magnets
Sidebars are perfect for collecting email signups. Offer value, like an exclusive ebook, checklist, or other free resource, to encourage visitors to subscribe.
9. Add search functionality
Don’t make readers hunt for a search bar—it’s an essential tool for helping them find the content they’re interested in.
10. Make it responsive
Your sidebar should look just as good on mobile as it does on desktop. If it doesn’t work well on smaller screens, consider simplifying its design or moving key elements elsewhere.
11. Test for performance
Use analytics tools to track how your sidebar is performing. For example, see how often users click on a signup form or a promoted post. Regularly edit your sidebar based on what works.
12. Limit ads and avoid clutter
If you include ads, use them sparingly. Too many can overwhelm visitors and make your blog feel less authentic. Stick to relevant ads that align with your audience’s interests.
13. Keep it consistent across pages
Don’t confuse readers by having different sidebars on different posts. A consistent design helps create a cohesive, professional experience across your blog.
8 tools to support your sidebar design process
Designing the perfect blog sidebar requires the right tools to help you enhance functionality, improve usability, and achieve your goals. Here are some tools and blog sidebar widgets that will definitely help.
1. Social plugins and widgets
These tools allow you to integrate social media into your sidebar, adding features like sharing buttons, follow widgets, or live social feeds to boost engagement and increase your audience reach.
Where to get it: Curator, AddThis, Smash Balloon
2. Email opt-in form builders
Add visually appealing email signup forms to your sidebar to encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter or download exclusive resources.
Where to get it: OptinMonster, Kit, Mailchimp
3. Content recommendation tools
Showcase your most popular posts, related articles, or featured content directly in your sidebar to keep visitors engaged and on your site longer.
Where to get it: Outbrain, Contextual Related Posts, Jetpack
4. Analytics and heatmap tools
Understand how visitors interact with your sidebar by tracking clicks, engagement, and performance. Use this data to optimize your design for better results.
Where to get it: Hotjar, Google Analytics, Crazy Egg
5. Ad management tools
Simplify managing and displaying ads within your sidebar menu. These tools help you organize ad placements while keeping your blog’s design clean.
Where to get it: Ad Inserter, Google Ad Manager, Mediavine
6. Design and customization tools
Use drag-and-drop editors to customize your sidebar’s layout and style. These tools give you full creative control over how widgets, text, and images are displayed.
Where to get it: Elementor, SeedProd, Beaver Builder
7. Search bar tools
Help users find content quickly by adding a powerful and functional search bar to your sidebar.
Where to get it: SearchWP, Ajax Search Lite, Jetpack
8. Social proof and notification tools
Build trust and credibility by displaying real-time user activity, testimonials, or notification pop-ups in your sidebar.
Where to get it: Fomo, ProveSource, TrustPulse
3 noteworthy blog sidebar examples
In case you are wanting a little inspiration, here are some examples of sidebars to get those creative juices flowing.
1. Designers Oasis
The Designers Oasis blog sidebar integrates a visually clear social sharing widget, prioritizing engagement. The minimalist design uses consistent colors and incorporates plenty of white space, making it unobtrusive and easy to navigate. A subtle yet effective approach!
2. ProBlogger
This sidebar on ProBlogger’s blog exemplifies effective hierarchy by placing the newsletter signup at the top. It also features clear social follow buttons and a visually clean design that uses consistent colors and spacing to organize key content.
3. TechCrunch
TechCrunch’s sidebar uses a bold design to highlight its "Most Popular" section, showcasing trending posts. The simple layout and high-contrast colors direct attention to key content, making it easy for readers to discover popular articles.
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