What Is a Widget on a Website?

Written By Jocelyn Figueroa

Are you curious about what a widget on a website actually is? You're in the right place! Widgets are nifty little tools that help make your website more functional and engaging for visitors. Let’s dive deeper into the world of web widgets and discover how they can enhance your site.

If you're interested in having widgets on your website, see the widgets that we offer.

What Is a Web Widget?

A web widget is a piece of code that you can easily add to your website. It’s designed to perform specific functions or display information without requiring a lot of technical knowledge. Think of it as a digital tool that enhances your website's functionality.

Types of Web Widgets

Widgets can be used for various purposes. Here are some popular examples:

Social media widgets are useful for keeping your website visitors up to date with the daily or weekly activities of your business.

Social Media Widget:

These allow you to display your social media feeds or integration buttons, making it easy for users to engage with your social accounts.

A contact form widget is a widget code that allows people to reach out to you. These widgets ofter offer more customization that the website platform's built in forms, so they are highly sought after.

Contact Form Widgets:

These forms let visitors easily reach out to you or provide feedback.

A weather widget would be great for the user experience if the business offers outdoor events. This will make the website page more informative.

Weather Widgets:

Display the current weather updates for your location.

A search widget is one of the most valuable web widgets that you can have. This website widget allows people to find content easily on your website, without having to manually click through a punch of web pages.

Search Widgets:

Help visitors find content on your site quickly.

A calendar website widget provides a very specific function. When you embed this code, you will be able to have updated lists of your upcoming events.

Calendar Widgets:

A calendar widget is great for scheduling events or showing upcoming activities.

A live chat widget is one of the most common web widgets out there on desktop and mobile devices. These web widgets are proven to increase customer engagement.

Chat Widgets:

Enable live chat support on your website for instant help.

Example of a Widget on a Website

This social media widget allows social media integration. See how it pulls up to date posts from social media platforms? This means that people won't have to leave your website to view your social media strategy!

You might be asking, what is an example of a widget? Let’s take a look at a social media widget. This widget can show your Twitter or Instagram feed directly on your web page, allowing users to view your latest posts and follow you right then and there.

Why Use Widgets on a Web Page?

Using website widgets can significantly enhance user engagement and create a better user experience. Here’s how:

A web widget can add functionality and movement to a website. They are extremely valuable because some web platforms don't allow specific functions that you may need.

Enhance Functionality:

Widgets allow you to add tools and features that improve the overall functionality of your site.

Web widgets increase user experience, engage users, and can even provide user generated content depending on the web widget that you use.

User Interaction:

They encourage users to interact with your content, leading to higher engagement levels.

As you have seen with some of our web widget examples, some of them can be used to gather feedback. Such as the contact form widget, forms and surveys website widgets, the chat widget and more.

Gather Feedback:

Use survey web widgets to collect feedback from your visitors, helping you improve your services.

Widgets forms and a contact widget are great ways for a website owner to gain more leads. All you need is a customizable widget, an embed code, and a great strategy!

Collect Leads:

Contact form widgets can help you gather information from potential customers, genuinely interested in your offerings.

How to Use Widgets Effectively

The placement of a web widget is very important. For example, you don't want a social media widget at the top of your home web page. People went to your website for more information, not to check out your social media.

Widget Placement:

Think about where to place your widgets for maximum effectiveness. For example, a chat widget should be easily accessible, possibly at the bottom right corner of your site.

A custom widget makes for great customer success stories. You want to stand out on the web, not blend in! Web widgets offer this.

Customization:

Many widgets allow for customization—make them match your site's design for better visual user experiences.

Common Widget Examples

Here are just a few examples of commonly used widgets:

Want more customer engagement? See what they think! Add a web application to your web page asking them for some feedback.

1. Survey Web Widgets:

Great for gathering feedback.

A news widget will keep your users up to date on what's going on. This isn't just another blog post - it's a way for your users to stay connected.

2. News Widgets:

Keep users updated with relevant news.

Want to increase your site's search engine ranking? Then you need more people talking about you! Collecting leads genuinely interested is one thing, having people refer you to their friends is better!

3. Social Sharing Prompts:

Encourage visitors to share your content on their social media accounts.

The Benefits of Widgets for Website Owners

Using widgets provides significant benefits, including:

Web widgets allow for more efficiently manage bookings. They will look great on mobile phones and desktops, and will offer excellent customer support.

Improved Customer Communication:

Live chat widgets can enhance customer support.

Want great customer support? Then you need to have convenient tools on your website. Many chat widgets will offer you this.

User Convenience:

Make it easy for visitors to find what they need, improving their experience on your site.

A web widget will enhance user engagement on desktop and mobile devices. Search widget options to see what your website visitors will find useful.

Enhanced User Engagement:

Interactive elements keep users interested and encourage them to explore more.

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Jocelyn Figueroa
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