Are you wondering how you can display categories in WordPress? In this post, I am going to show you two different ways that you display categories in your WordPress art blog so your readers will stay on your site longer.
How to Display Categories in WordPress
Have you ever gone to a website and found it difficult to find the content that you were looking for?
Maybe the site didn’t have a search box or any links that would guide you to your destination.
There is nothing more frustrating than to scroll down page after page of articles to try to find what you need. If you are lucky enough you might find the article you were searching for.
I don’t know about you but many times I will leave a site if I have to scroll through a few pages to try to find something I am searching for.
One way to keep your readers happy and coming back for more is by properly managing categories.
Categories make it simple for readers to find what they are interested in. If you use them correctly you will make it a pleasurable experience for your audience.
If you are new to WordPress read How to Add Categories in WordPress.
If you are interested in more information you might be interested in my eBooks or online courses:
WordPress Dashboard Guide – eBook
WordPress SEO Basics – eBook
WordPress Basics Course – Online video course
WordPress SEO Basics Course – Online Video Course
Plan Before You Display Categories in WordPress
Before you start adding categories to your artist blog you will want to sit down and sketch a plan for where you would like your categories to be.
WordPress allows you to have categories in the main menu and the sidebar.
The top menu bar will be visible to your audience once they land on your website. Most blogs and websites have a top menu bar because it will be available for a visitor on any page they are viewing.
The top menu bar will inspire your readers to visit other areas of your site.
The sidebar is another common place to include categories, however, it is not as common as it was a few years ago. The main reason is that the sidebar is not viewable from a mobile device. More and more people are surfing the web from their mobile devices so the sidebar holds little weight.
You will have a choice for where you would like the categories to be displayed on the sidebar. You can display them on the top, middle or bottom of the sidebar.
Try them in different locations and find what works best for your audience.
I have found that my audience clicks on the links more when I have it on the bottom of the sidebar. When they are done reading an article, the categories are conveniently located for them to find other content that they will be interested in. I do have the categories on the top menu bar as well.
How To Display Categories In The Sidebar
Login to your WordPress art blog
Hover over the Appearance link. The link will be located on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard.
Click Widgets link.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on an affiliate link, Nevue Fine Art Marketing may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to, Bluehost, Tailwind, Skimlinks, SareASale and StudioPress. To learn more visit Affiliate Link Disclosure Policy
You will be directed to where all of your available widgets are. The widgets that are available depend on the Theme that you are using.
Click and Drag Categories from the left and drop it in the Sidebar Box.
You will be able to place it wherever you would like in the sidebar by clicking and dragging.
How To Display Categories In The Menu Bar
Login to your WordPress art blog
Hover over the Appearance link. The link will be located on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard.
Click Menu
Check the box next to the categories that you wish to add to your menu bar.
When you are finished selecting your categories click the Add Menu link.
You will be able to drag and drop them in the order that you wish.
Here is a sample of how this site is designed. I have the Parent and Child Categories laid out so it will be easy to navigate.
Changing the layout is easy. All you have to do is drag and drop the categories to the location that you would like.
I have rearranged my layout several times to find out what my audience prefers.
Are you happy with your category layout?
Conclusion:
It is easy to display categories on a WordPress site. Take advantage of this option and make it an enjoyable experience for your visitors.
You might also be interested in:
- New Course WordPress SEO Basics
- How Artists Get Found Online?
- Business Mindset for the Artist
- Where to Sell Art Online – How to Get Started
- Facebook Fan Page: How Often to Post
Did you enjoy this article? Don’t forget to sign up for my free weekly newsletter.
You can also join me on:
Learn how to start, grow and monetize your online art business.
Art Business eBooks
Art Business Workbooks
Art Business Planners
28 Day Blogging Challenge for Visual Artists