Part 31. Use a plugin or tool to create a ‘recent posts’ section on your blog’s
sidebar
There are many different plugins and tools available that can be used to create a “recent posts” section on the sidebar of a blog. Some of the most popular options include the WordPress plugin “Recent Posts Widget Extended,” the Blogger gadget “Recent Posts,” and the Joomla module “mod_recentposts.”
One of the main benefits of using a plugin or tool to create a recent posts section is that it can save a lot of time and effort compared to manually coding the section yourself. These tools are often user-friendly and easy to install, so even those with little to no coding experience can add a recent posts section to their blog.
Another benefit of using a plugin or tool is that they often come with a variety of customization options, allowing users to tailor the recent posts section to their specific needs. For example, some plugins allow users to choose how many posts to display, while others allow users to choose which post types to include or exclude.
When choosing a plugin or tool to create a recent posts section, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Compatibility: Make sure the plugin or tool is compatible with the platform you are using for your blog (e.g. WordPress, Blogger, Joomla).
Features: Consider the features offered by the plugin or tool, such as the number of posts that can be displayed and the ability to customize the appearance of the recent posts section.
Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get a sense of the plugin’s or tool’s performance and any potential issues.
Support: Consider the level of support offered by the plugin or tool’s developer.
Once you have chosen a plugin or tool, installation and setup are usually straightforward.
For example, in WordPress, you can install the plugin from the WordPress repository, activate it, and then add the “Recent Posts” widget to your sidebar from the “Appearance” > “Widgets” section of the WordPress dashboard.
Similarly, In Blogger, you can add the “Recent Posts” gadget to your sidebar by going to the “Layout” section of your blog’s dashboard and dragging and dropping the gadget into the sidebar area.
In Joomla, you have to install the mod_recentposts module, then activate it and add it to the sidebar area from the “Module Manager” section.
In all cases, you can customize the number of posts displayed, the post types included and the styling of the recent post section according to your preference.
In conclusion, using a plugin or tool to create a recent posts section on your blog’s sidebar can save you time and effort, while also providing customization options. It’s important to consider factors such as compatibility, features, reviews, and support when choosing a plugin or tool. Once you have chosen a plugin or tool, installation and setup are usually straightforward.
