When it comes to running a Shopify store, you've probably given a lot of thought to your products, your homepage, and even your checkout process. But what about your blog? More specifically, what about your blog sidebar? It might seem like a small detail, but customizing your Shopify blog sidebar can make a significant difference in how your readers engage with your content. It's like the unsung hero of your site, quietly influencing how visitors interact with your brand.
In this guide, we're going to walk through the process of customizing your Shopify blog sidebar. We'll cover everything from why it's important to the specific elements you might want to include. By the end, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of how to use this often-overlooked feature to enhance reader engagement and improve the overall experience on your site. Let's get started!
Why Your Blog Sidebar Matters
You might be thinking, "Does anyone even look at the sidebar?" Well, yes! The sidebar is a prime piece of real estate on your blog. It offers additional navigation options, highlights important content, and can even drive conversions. Think of it as your blog's personal assistant, ready to guide visitors to the most relevant and engaging parts of your site.
Consider your own browsing habits. When you're reading an article, where do your eyes naturally gravitate when you're looking for more information? Chances are, it's the sidebar. A well-designed sidebar can help keep readers on your site longer by providing them with quick access to more content, whether it's related posts, category links, or even a call-to-action.
Moreover, sidebars can help reinforce your brand's messaging and values. By carefully choosing what to include, you can subtly remind readers of who you are and what you stand for. This can be anything from a mission statement to a curated list of your most popular posts. In short, the sidebar is an opportunity to create a richer, more engaging experience for your readers.
Understanding Your Audience
Before you start adding widgets and links willy-nilly, it's important to understand who your audience is and what they're looking for. Are they first-time visitors or loyal followers? Are they searching for information or looking to make a purchase? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you tailor your sidebar to better meet their needs.
For example, if your audience consists mainly of first-time visitors, you might want to include a short bio or introduction in your sidebar. This can help new readers get to know you and your brand more quickly. On the other hand, if your audience is mostly returning visitors, you might want to focus on updates or new content that they haven't seen yet.
Understanding your audience can also help you decide what tone to use in your sidebar. If you're speaking to a younger, more casual crowd, you might use informal language and emojis. If your audience is more professional, you might opt for a cleaner, more polished look. The key is to make the sidebar feel like an extension of your brand's voice and style.
Choosing the Right Elements
Once you have a good sense of your audience, it's time to decide what to include in your sidebar. The options are nearly endless, but here are a few common elements you might consider:
- Search Bar: A search bar can make it easier for visitors to find what they're looking for. It's particularly useful if you have a lot of content on your blog.
- Categories: Grouping your posts into categories can help readers easily find content that interests them.
- Recent Posts: Highlighting your most recent posts can encourage readers to explore your newest content.
- Popular Posts: Showcasing your most popular posts can give new readers an idea of what your blog is all about.
- Social Media Links: Encourage readers to follow you on social media by including links to your profiles.
- Newsletter Signup: A simple form inviting readers to join your email list can be a great way to build your audience.
- Call-to-Action: Whether it's a button to shop your store or a link to a special promotion, a clear call-to-action can drive conversions.
The key is to choose elements that align with your goals and serve your audience. You don't want your sidebar to feel cluttered, so be selective about what you include. It's better to have a few well-chosen elements than to overwhelm your readers with too much information.
Designing a Visually Appealing Sidebar
Now that you've decided what to include in your sidebar, it's time to think about design. A visually appealing sidebar can draw readers' attention and make your blog look more polished and professional.
Start by choosing colors and fonts that match the rest of your site's design. Consistency is crucial for creating a cohesive look. You might also want to use icons or images to make certain elements stand out. For example, an eye-catching icon next to your newsletter signup can make it more noticeable.
Don't forget about spacing and alignment. Make sure there's enough space between elements so that the sidebar doesn't feel cramped. Aligning elements properly can also make the sidebar look cleaner and more organized. If you're not sure where to start, look at other blogs for inspiration or consider using a pre-made theme that offers sidebar customization options.
Using Widgets and Apps
Shopify offers a range of widgets and apps that can help you customize your sidebar. These tools can add functionality and make it easier to manage your blog.
For example, there are widgets that can display recent tweets, Instagram photos, or Facebook posts. This can be a great way to keep your sidebar fresh and engaging. There are also apps that can help you add a search bar, social media links, or newsletter signup forms.
When choosing widgets and apps, make sure they're compatible with your Shopify theme and that they don't slow down your site. Test them out to make sure they work properly and don't interfere with other elements on your page. If you're not sure which ones to use, read reviews or reach out to the app developer for support.
Testing and Optimizing Your Sidebar
Once you've set up your sidebar, don't just set it and forget it. It's important to test and optimize it to make sure it's meeting your goals.
Start by tracking metrics like engagement, bounce rate, and conversion rate. This can give you an idea of how your sidebar is performing and whether it's helping you achieve your objectives. You can use tools like Google Analytics or Shopify's built-in analytics to track these metrics.
If you're not seeing the results you want, consider making changes and testing them. This could be as simple as changing the order of elements, adding a new call-to-action, or tweaking the design. The key is to experiment and see what works best for your audience.
Keeping Your Sidebar Fresh
Even if your sidebar is working well, it's a good idea to update it regularly. This can keep your blog feeling fresh and encourage readers to come back for more.
Consider updating your sidebar whenever you publish a new post, launch a new product, or run a special promotion. You might also want to change it up for holidays or other special events. The more dynamic your sidebar, the more likely readers are to engage with it.
Of course, you don't want to change things so often that your readers get confused. The key is to strike a balance between keeping things fresh and maintaining a sense of consistency. If you're not sure how often to update your sidebar, consider setting a schedule or creating a content calendar.
Examples of Effective Sidebars
Sometimes, the best way to learn is by example. Here are a few websites with effective sidebars that might inspire you:
- TechCrunch: Their sidebar includes a mix of recent and popular posts, along with a newsletter signup and links to social media profiles.
- BuzzFeed: Known for its engaging content, BuzzFeed's sidebar features trending topics and a list of categories to explore.
- Blogilates: This fitness blog includes a sidebar with links to workout videos, a shop, and a newsletter signup form.
Look at these examples and think about what works well. Is it the layout, the choice of elements, or something else? Use these insights to inform your own sidebar design.
Integrating Your Sidebar with Your Overall Content Strategy
Your sidebar shouldn't exist in a vacuum. It should be part of your overall content strategy and support your larger goals.
Consider how your sidebar can help you achieve your content marketing objectives. For example, if you're focused on building an email list, make sure your sidebar includes a prominent newsletter signup form. If you're trying to drive sales, include a call-to-action that encourages readers to visit your shop.
Your sidebar can also reinforce your brand's messaging and values. Use it to highlight content that aligns with your mission, or share updates that demonstrate your commitment to your audience. The more integrated your sidebar is with your overall strategy, the more effective it will be.
Final Thoughts
Customizing your Shopify blog sidebar might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on reader engagement. By understanding your audience, choosing the right elements, and designing a visually appealing sidebar, you can create a more engaging experience for your readers.
And if you're looking to take your SEO efforts to the next level, consider working with Pattern. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and turning that traffic into paying customers. Unlike most SEO agencies, we focus on results, not just rankings. Our programmatic landing pages target hundreds of search terms, helping your brand get found by more people who are ready to buy. Plus, our conversion-focused content is designed to turn visitors into paying customers. At Pattern, we don't make SEO a guessing game — we make it a growth channel that drives sales and lowers your customer acquisition costs.