Comments on: BABB-4: Blog Sidebar Makeover

By: Kara

Kara — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:36:01 +0000

I’ve found that “link page” exchanges really don’t hold a lot of weight anymore, and navigation exchanges seem to benefit. I’ve made a point on some of my bigger sites to do more navigation exchanges, which seem to have a MUCH bigger impact than the link pages. I honestly think Google especially is paying closer attention to this.

But like you said it depends on the value of the page and the content to begin with. When links are in navigations though, they end up on more quality pages.

Just my thoughts.

By: Lynn Terry

Lynn Terry — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:36:32 +0000

You bring up a good point, Kara – but I’m not sure which is truly best SEO-wise. Sitewide links in the sidebar dont carry as much weight as a link in the content area of a relevant web page. Both ways you have dillution from the number of outgoing links… but with the separate page you have the advantage of the links being in the content area of the page.

Thoughts?

By: Kara

Kara — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:13:33 +0000

Going to play devil’s advocate here for a minute….

I think I have a problem removing the blogroll from the navigation. Seems like taking a step backwards in SEO.One of the main reasons I like to exchange links with blogs is the number of backlinks you get automatically from them because they are like navigation exchanges. I think I would pass on an exchange with a blog who has their links on a “link page”. There’s no benefit for me, and I’d be giving them loads of links in return.

I guess that’s just me, but I’m wondering if freeing up a small amount of space is worth the risk moving your links like that.

By: Stefani

Stefani — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:39:21 +0000

Great post! I have a few things I think I may remove from my sidebar.

By: Soli

Soli — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:05:21 +0000

Seem like some people really do not care about the number of widgets and this tell on the page loading speed.

By: Debi McGee

Debi McGee — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:13:00 +0000

With the tweak to the size of the RenRadio banner, my sidebar is pretty much the way I want it. I am still considering whether I want to continue with the random images. I like having them there but they take up a lot of space. May consider moving them even further down.

By: Linda Stacy

Linda Stacy — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:34:44 +0000

I’m having trouble getting this one done. I’m in the process of customizing a new theme for my blog so I don’t want to update this sidebar. I’m trying to keep the new one uncluttered, but there’s a lot I want in it. I’ll just have to work harder on the “look.” Probably won’t get it done today.

By: The Family CEO

The Family CEO — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:09:00 +0000

I really needed this one! So far I have made my archived posts into a drop-down box instead of a list on my side bar and shortened my blog roll and put it on a separate page.

I really like the way you list your blog roll individually and write a little blurb about each blog. That is next up on my to-do list.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:03:58 +0000

Thanks a bunch and wow that was fast! I’m actually at my Tuesday volunteer “job” at our local ALS of Nevada, but once I get back to the office I’ll be checking this out

By: Lynn Terry

Lynn Terry — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:34:08 +0000

Hi Diane,

In your WordPress dashboard, go to Manage > Pages and then “create a new page”. This will allow you to create any new pages you like.

I personally chose to create my own blog roll page and just add links manually. I used a bulleted list as you can see here: http://www.clicknewz.com/blog-roll/ . The “about us” page is usually set up with your theme, but if not you can create that one the same way.

Once you create those pages, view your blog and see if your theme automatically puts them in the navigation at the top or in the sidebar. If not you will want to add those links manually in your template.

By: Diane Scott

Diane Scott — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:26:17 +0000

…. I should have added making additional pages like “About Us” and the extraneous stuff, including moving the blogroll, etc., that you speak of…

By: Diane Scott

Diane Scott — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:25:17 +0000

Hi Lynn! Quick question for you or anyone willing to answer since our blog use is sort of new (using wordpress used to use blogger). I read that you can create “pages” which I found in our admin area. Do you then make a text box and enter the url by hand or is there a way to link it up somewhere on the sidebar automatically?

Hope that makes sense

Thanks!

By: Melissa Ingold

Melissa Ingold — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:58:30 +0000

I have seen many sidebars way to full. What a great idea to clean up your sidebar. Thanks.

By: Lynn Terry

Lynn Terry — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:19:32 +0000

Sure – but instead of Ads, you can fill the space with links to your best posts, category links, a brief bio, etc. Too much advertising can turn a visitor off – but a well structured sidebar that piques interest can encourage them to explore your site a bit deeper.

By: Lane

Lane — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:44:44 +0000

I agree with what you said, but it seems your sidebar should have at least enough “stuff” to fill the first screen. Perhaps relevant photos or other attractive low-content items could be used where you don’t use enough ads to fill the space.