WordPress Widgets: What are they and how to install them

WordPress Widgets. You can extend your WordPress site with new functionalities through Widgets. But what are Widgets exactly and how do you install them on your WordPress site? Read this article to find out.

What are WordPress Widgets?

WordPress Widgets are:

"small precoded blocks that perform a specific function on the WordPress site."

You'll find available widgets within the WordPress Dashboard under “Appearance”-“Widgets”. With widgets, website owners control the design and structure of their WordPress theme. They can add Widgets in sidebars, also known as widget-ready areas, on their WordPress pages.

To name a few available options:

Menu Archive Search Box Text field Gallery Comments Most Popular Products E-shop

IMPORTANT: You can add Widgets in different parts of the WordPress page: header, body or footer. You can choose from preset widgets or widgets downloaded from the internet.
Yet, it depends on the chosen WordPress Themes how many, which and where to add widgets. You might need to change the WordPress Template or download an external plugin to let specific Widgets function.

How to install Widgets on your WordPress sites

You can install Widget on your WordPress sites in the following way:

Log in to the WordPress Admin Area with your login credentials. Go to “Appearance” and choose “Widget”. Open the sidebar to which you wish to add the Widget. Find the specific Widget in the list of Widgets. Click and drag the Widget to the desired place you wish it to appear.

TIP: Use Widgets with wisdom. Do not overuse them as it may overwhelm your web visitors. Choose the location of each new web functionality. And reconsider whether the used widgets make sense after a few months of functioning.

 

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