When was the last time you took a look at your sidebar?
The sidebar is one of those things that we set up when we set up our blogs, and then we kind of forget about it. Perhaps you add something to it from time to time (like when April rolls around), but then you don't think about it again. So, today is just a friendly reminder that it might be time to take a look and weed out some things. Do all your sidebar bits still work?
First, go take a look at your sidebar. You can either click on "View Blog" or click on the eye icon on any of your posts.
Slowly scroll. Is there anything there that no longer works? Is there anything there that you no longer want there? Back in April I noticed I had a lot of A to Z Challenge trophies that took up an awful lot of space, so I moved the majority of them to a page and only left the most recent on the sidebar.
Adding to or deleting from your sidebar is pretty simple. First, go to "Layout".
Then, scroll down to the sidebar.
Anything you want to delete, first click on "Edit". Then you'll get the choices of "Remove", "Cancel", or "Save". "Remove" will delete it. "Cancel" will leave it there. "Save" is if you make any changes to it (although, when I just check it, I generally click on "Save" just to be safe).
Of course, not all of my gadgets have labels, so if you're anything like me, be extra careful if you're planning to delete anything.
Speaking of, have you looked at the gadgets lately?
Now might be a good time to add some of these. Or update them.
The main one I want to point out is the HTML/JavaScript one. That's how you can add things not from Google/Blogger to your sidebar. You just need to get the HTML code. Most of the time, if you're adding something that you're getting from another blogger (like the A to Z Challenge trophies), they'll provide the HTML for you.
If you add a gadget, you can just put it where you want it by dragging the box. Make sure to hit save (the floppy disc icon). Then go back and look to make sure all the gadgets are positioned where you want them.
What do you have on your sidebar? (Is there anything I should add?) When was the last time you checked it/updated it? Is there anything on my sidebar you have questions about?
This is Birgit. Thank you for posting this because I need to clean up my sidebar since much is out of date and no longer shows.
ReplyDeleteI know you've been busy. When you get some time, this would be a good thing to do.
Deletewell, I haven't even looked! Now I will. ;)
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder. I know I don't look at my sidebar enough, either.
DeleteI updated months ago, and I'm pleased with - until I change again ;) I found that on a smartphone, the sidebar doesn't show unless you click on the three lines at the top right of the screen (for my blog). I'm keeping the Blog Archive section collapsed, as I'm sure I'm the only one who looks at it ;)
ReplyDeleteMy sidebar has way too much old clutter in it. It deserves a cleaning.
ReplyDeleteI think we're all in the same boat :)
Deleteyeah, thank you for sharing informative post. :)
ReplyDeleteHope it helps.
DeleteThat's very good information.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to have to take a look at my sidebar
ReplyDeleteIt's a good idea to do it every once in a while.
DeleteI could probably use a refresh of my sidebar and blog. I've probably got dozens of broken links. Sometimes keeping up with things gets to be too much lol.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot going on. It's hard to stay up-to-date sometimes.
DeleteFunny how sidebars are like the “junk drawers” of blogs we set them up, then forget they exist! Your reminder is spot-on; I’m tempted to go clean mine up before it starts growing cobwebs. Love the tip about moving trophies to their own page
ReplyDeleteI just follow your blog this morning
Greetings from Indonesia
Jamie here: It's been a while since I've checked my sidebar. The most recent thing I added was my Instagram link. I don't know how many blogs I have lined are still active. I did a cleanup of my blog list one year, deleting those no longer active. I haven't done that since.
ReplyDelete