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Styling WordPress with Widgets and Plugins
Tips and tools that can make these design options work best for you
If you've uploaded and installed Wordpress (WP), you're probably anxious to style your site with widgets and plugins. In this article, Linda provides tips and tools that can make these design options work best for you.
More Plugins
When you go to the Theme Hybrid site, you may learn that some widgets do not work with those themes. But, in addition to the plugins I mentioned in the previous article, I discovered some plugins that do work and that can add a dimension to your site as well:
- Video Widget: Add some YouTube/Daily Motion/Google sidebar videos with this plugin, based upon Executable PHP widget for multiple widgets, YouTube widget for the idea, and Video Embedder for the video HTML library. You can see that widget in action in the upper right column at Appomattox News (refresh the page to see new videos).
- Hybrid Hook Widgets: Want more links in your left sidebar? Go for it with widgets that compliment the Hybrid Hook. While you're at the Theme Hybrid site, you might want to pick up on some Hybrid Tabs as well.
- AddtoAny: This button allows readers to add your article or site to any number of social media sites. The developer stays on top of WordPress upgrades, too, so expect to use that upgrade option for your plugins with this widget (that's a good thing). You'll have settings for this widget, so take time to make sure it's placed on the page where you want it (after or before a post, etc.).
Conclusion
I talked about Child Themes in the previous article, and now that membership in Theme Hybrid is free, you might want to join to learn more about Child Themes there as well. In the next article, I'll begin working with a theme from Justin's choices (most likely Theme Hybrid), and I'll show you how easy it is to leave that original code alone. Seriously – it's easy. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
In the meantime, here are some more links about WP widgets (in no particular order). Note that some of these articles and videos already seem outdated, as WP is moving right along in development of their widget aspects:
- WordPress Plugin Directory: I'll repeat my previous warning here: Not all plugins are created equal, even if WP lists them in a directory. Keep it simple, utilize widgets rather than plugins when possible, and your life will be much more relaxing.
- Widgetbox: Once again, choose carefully. Just know this resource is here if you need it.
- Working with WordPress Widgets: Watch this video to gain some insight into how to use WP widgets.
- How to use Wordpress Widgets: Another video that may help you learn more about widgets.
- How To Use WordPress Sidebar Widgets: I included this short tutorial, as it shows what the text box widget looks like.
Linda Goin
Linda Goin carries an A.A. in graphic design, a B.F.A. in visual communications with a minor in business and marketing and an M.A. in American History with a minor in the Reformation. While the latter degree doesn't seem to fit with the first two educational experiences, Linda used her 25-year design expertise on archaeological digs and in the study of material culture. Now she uses her education and experiences in social media experiments.
Accolades for her work include fifteen first-place Colorado Press Association awards, numerous fine art and graphic design awards, and interviews about content development with The Wall St. Journal, Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, and L.A. Times.