What’s In a Widget?
Now right off the top let me say that Twitter widgets are not for all blogs and websites and there is nothing at all wrong with not having one. But for those that do have them installed, read on.
Having a Twitter widget in the sidebar of your blog can be really useful. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of having this tool on your site.
I use mine as a bulletin board of sorts, thinking about what visitors will see when they arrive. The widget is not just some fancy gadget, but has real functionality and purpose.
Use it to promote the work of others by keeping helpful links to other blogs listed. As I promote the work of others I am sensitive to the period of time that a particular post will appear.
In other words, space out the tweets so that the entries remain in the widget for a period of time. If I were to Tweet 9 posts in 30 minutes with 4 entry slots in the widget, the promotion time for many is greatly reduced.
Yes, I could expand the widget to accommodate more entries, but I don’t want to. Keeping it to 3 or 4 entries is easier on the eyes of the visitor and allows them a better opportunity to actually read what is there.
Another critical consideration for me is this, the last Tweet of the day (or night). Pay particular attention to that last Tweet, it’s the one that will occupy the top spot until you return. Do you want that to be some meaningless reply to your buddy that no one will understand?
Example: Tweet from buddy “you bowling tonight?” Your last Tweet “Yep, sure plan to”.
Using the bulletin board approach, this is a poor ad. It makes sense to 2 individuals, but how does this help the visitors to your blog over the next 12 hours while you are away?
Depending upon conversations with friends and associates, there are times when little can be done about what will be displayed overnight, but give a little thought to the use of this tool. It may be easier than you think.
Do you have a Twitter widget and how do you use it on your site?
Keep Blogging!
