Widget

What is a widget?

The so-called widgets are small building blocks or elements that you often see in the sidebar of websites, which perform a simple function and do not take up much space.

A more textbook definition: "A Widget is a standalone application that can be embedded into third party websites by any user on a page where they hold the copyright (e.g. a web page, blog, or profile on a social media site)."

Some common examples of widgets:

• Twitter Widget: DIe Twitter integration usually displays 3-5 of your latest tweets and also provides a link to your Twitter profile so people can easily follow you. The Widget Fetches information from your Twitter account and updates the feed in real time with the Widget.
• Music Player: You've probably seen a lot of them on musicians' sites. Music playing components come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have at least one function: they allow people to listen to your music or podcasts.
• Calendar: There are a variety of calendar embeds, but the idea is the same: Let people know about your upcoming events.
• HTML/code snippet: These are sections where you add your own code so you have full control. You can display images, add links to them, embed videos and do a lot of other things if you know some basic coding that is MUCH easier than it sounds.
• Newsletter: This way people can enter their email address in a small form and subscribe to your mailing list.

And these are just a few examples.

Why you should use widgets

Well, the small building blocks not only help you save space, they can also be ubiquitous on your website. If your sidebar is static, meaning it's on every page of your site, then these widgets will always be there. People don't have to search around to find links to your store, listen to your music, or find out when you're playing next. It's always in front of them.

And, they are easy to set up. Within WordPress, for example, you can simply select the subitem "Design  -> Widgets"and call up via Drag and drop, customize your widgets. Besides, the possibilities are pretty endless, so let your keativity run wild!