Do you want to increase user interaction on your WordPress website? One effective method is to display recent comments in the sidebar. This feature not only keeps visitors informed about ongoing discussions but also encourages their participation. In this article, we will guide you on how to easily showcase recent comments in your WordPress sidebar using two different methods.
Method 1: Using the ‘Latest Comments’ Block
WordPress provides a default block specifically designed to display the latest comments, making it easy to add to your sidebar. Follow these steps to implement this method:
1. Go to Appearance » Widgets in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click the plus ‘+’ icon at the top of the screen to add a new widget.
3. Search for ‘comments’ and drag the ‘Latest Comments’ block to your sidebar.
4. Click the ‘Update’ button, and you’re done!
Upon visiting your website, you will notice a section showing recent comments. This block includes the commenters’ Gravatars and names, a link to the post, the comment date, and an excerpt of the comment. What’s even more convenient is that the ‘Latest Comments’ block can be used not only in the sidebar but also in your posts and pages.
Compared to the classic ‘Recent Comments’ widget, the latest comments block provides a significant improvement. As a result, most users won’t need to rely on third-party plugins to display recent comments in the sidebar.
Method 2: Using the ‘Decent Comments’ Plugin
If you prefer more control over the display of your recent comments, you can use the ‘Decent Comments’ plugin. This plugin offers customization options and a wide range of settings. Follow these steps to implement this method:
1. Install and activate the ‘Decent Comments’ plugin in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance » Widgets and add the ‘Decent Comments’ widget to a sidebar.
3. Customize the widget according to your preferences. You can add a title, select the number of comments to display, choose the display order, and more.
4. Click the ‘Update’ button to save your settings.
Upon visiting your website, the ‘Decent Comments’ widget will be displayed in the sidebar, showcasing your recent comments. This method is ideal if you want complete control over the appearance and functionality of your comment section.
That’s it! By following these methods, you can easily integrate recent comments into your WordPress sidebar and enhance user engagement on your site. We hope this tutorial has been helpful. If you want to learn more about optimizing your WordPress site, check out our other articles on topics such as obtaining a free email domain and proven tips to increase blog traffic. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more WordPress video tutorials and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.
