Widgets »Using Widgets Effectively
We often hear from bloggers and site creators — beginners and veterans alike — who aren’t sure how to best use widgets on their site. If that sounds like you, here’s a roundup of some of our best advice on widgets (and the magical things they can accomplish). Just scroll down and visit the one(s) that address your current needs:
Intro to Widgets
Did you know there’s a tutorial site just for WordPress.com beginners at wordpress.com/learn/— and that it has a section specifically for helping you understand widgets and how to use them?
Text and Image Widget Basics
This post guides you through the basic uses of two of the most flexible widgets, the Text Widget and Image Widget, and presents a few simple ways to customize them in order to enhance the visual appeal of your sidebar.
Doing More with Image Widgets
Here you’ll find all the info you need about image widgets, to help you craft beautiful, customized widgets to suit your site’s look.
Custom Image Widgets for Non-Designers
This is a great read if you already decided to use image widgets in your sidebar, but aren’t sure how to create those sleek designs you’ve seen on other sites. A hands-on, step-by-step tutorial will get you there in no time.
Using Instagram, Flickr, and Gallery Widgets
While the Image Widget is the most common way to feature visuals in your widget areas, it’s by no means the only one. This post introduces a range of other image-focused widgets, from the Instagram Widget and Flickr Widget to the Gallery Widget.
Widgets for Building Your Community
Widgets can be powerful tools to engage your audience and foster a sense of community on your blog. Here you’ll find helpful information on mainstays like the Follow Blog Widget, My Community Widget, and Top Posts & Pages Widget.
Using the Widget Visibility Settings
You have the power to determine which widgets are displayed on each section of your site, depending on the content you wish to highlight (or tuck away). This post will show you how to set your widgets to appear only when and where you need them to.
Designing an Effective Sidebar (or Footer)
Beyond individual widgets, you probably also care about the overall look and functionality of your sidebar as a whole. This post gives you an overview of the things you’ll want to consider as you design a sidebar that suits your needs.
Versatile plans and pricing
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Personal
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