How to Add a WordPress Widget to a Blog Post or Webpage

Widgets are content blocks added to the sidebar or footer of your WordPress website. They make it easy for you to drag and drop elements onto your pages—you can add anything from a navigation menu to a brand logo to a lead form. 

While you can use WordPress native functions to add widgets to your website, the default settings don’t allow you to display (or disable) these widgets on specific blog posts or webpages. By default, WordPress widgets will show up on all of your webpages whether you want them to show or not. The solution: plugins. With the help of plugins, you can add custom widget functionality to any post or page.

Why Add a Widget to a WordPress Page or Post

Normally, you would add a widget to your sidebar that would display on every page of your website. This content serves as a reminder to the visitor to engage with additional resources. 

This sidebar content isn’t always relevant to all your posts and pages on your website. Instead, your visitors would benefit from relevant sidebar content as it relates to a specific page. 

Maybe you want to create a how-to blog post about creating videos with sample videos in the sidebar. Or you’d like a Contact Us page with a custom form widget in the sidebar like the one below.

By customizing the widgets that you display on a specific page or post, you tailor the website experience for your visitors. 

How to Add a Widget to a WordPress Page

Let’s explore how plugins can help you add a widget to a WordPress page. With an easy setup process, you can update your page in just a few minutes. 

1. AMR Shortcode Any Widget

AMR Shortcode Any Widget is a popular widget for non-technical users. You can insert widgets onto your pages with a simple shortcode.

Here’s how to use it:

• Install and activate the plugin.
• Go to Appearance > Widgets.
• You’ll see a new widget area labeled Widgets for Shortcodes.

• Drag and drop your desired widgets to this area.
• Add a title to the widget and click Save.
• A shortcode will display, like this: [do_widget id=media_gallery-2]

• Go to the desired page or post where you want to add the widget. 
• Insert the shortcode into the Visual Editor.
• The widget will appear like this:
  
  

2. Content Blocks (Custom Post Widget)

Content Blocks is another plugin that lets you add widgets using the built-in shortcode functionality.  What makes this plugin special is its ability to create a widget with custom content using the WYSIWYG editor.

Here’s how to use it:

• Install and activate the plugin.
• On the left-hand side of your dashboard, click Content Blocks.

• Then, click Add Content Block.
• Add a title to the content block.
• Insert your desired content into the Visual Editor.

• Click Publish. 
• On the same page, scroll down until you see Content Block Shortcodes on the right-hand side.
  
  
• Copy the shortcode and insert it into the Visual Editor of your desired page or post.
• Preview the content to see your changes.

3. WP Page Widget

WP Page Widget is an effective tool for creating widgetized page layouts. You can use it with any sidebar-enabled WordPress theme.

Here’s how to use it:

• Install and activate the plugin.
• On the left-hand side of your dashboard, go to Settings > Page widgets settings.
• Beside Available for post type, check Post and Page. Then, select your desired sidebars to customize. Also, select Yes to customize by default.
  
  
• Go to the desired page or post where you want to add the widget. Scroll down to the Page Widgets section.

• Drag and drop your desired widgets to this area.
• Preview the content to see your changes.

4. Custom Sidebars – Dynamic Widget Area Manager

Custom Sidebars helps you target specific visitors with relevant content. It integrates seamlessly within your widget menu, and you can set up as many unique sidebars as you want.

Here’s how to use it:

• Install and activate the plugin.
• Go to Appearance > Widgets.
• You’ll see a new widget area labeled Custom Sidebars.

• You can create a custom sidebar or drag and drop the default widgets under Theme Sidebars.
• For both types, you can control where the sidebar appears.
• Click the down arrow on the desired widget. Then, click Visibility.

• Click the + button to see your filter options for adding the widget to specific pages and posts.

• Save your widget settings.
• Preview the content to see your changes.

5. Cherry Sidebars

With Cherry Sidebars, you’re not limited to one widget area on your website. This plugin is useful for adding widgets anywhere on the page grouping and selecting specific pages to display your widget. 

Here’s how to use it:

• Install and activate the plugin.
• Go to Appearance > Widgets.
• You’ll see a new widget area labeled Cherry Sidebars.
• You can create a custom sidebar or use your default sidebars. Drag and drop your desired widgets.
  
  
• Go to the desired page or post where you want to add the widget. 
• Scroll down until you see Post Sidebars on the right-hand side.

• From the drop-down menu, select the sidebars you want to use.
• Save the page or post draft.
• Preview the content to see your changes.

6. Sidebar & Widget Manager for WordPress

Sidebar & Widget Manager for WordPress is a premium plugin giving you full control of your content. You can drag and drop widgets to create unique layouts. It’s also compatible with WooCommerce. Learn more about the plugin and its installation process here. 

Source: EnvatoMarket

Customizing your blog posts and webpages with widgets is critical to engaging your visitors. While WordPress’ default settings won’t always work for what you need, plugins offer an alternative solution to get the job done.