Contents
What is a widget?
A widget is a graphical application that can be placed on a web page, a computer desktop, or a smartphone screen. These small programs significantly enhance the functionality of gadgets and online platforms by providing users with valuable information. For example, the Unisender website features a widget that includes hyperlinks to social media pages. With it, users can easily navigate to the company's page on "VKontakte," "Odnoklassniki," YouTube, or Telegram simply by clicking a button.
Why are widgets needed?
On mobile devices and computers, widgets are often installed to inform users or perform auxiliary functions. They can take various forms:
- Weather window on a smartphone screen;
- Calendar on the desktop;
- Calculator or music player.
For businesses, widgets serve commercial purposes, helping to advertise products, gather visitor data, communicate with clients, increase conversion rates, and boost sales. They solve numerous other tasks:
- Attracting attention: Bright windows and buttons on the website make it more appealing, increasing the time users spend on the page.
- Interactivity: Graphical applications simplify information retrieval, replacing lengthy texts with convenient online calculators.
- Customization to client needs: Widgets allow users to obtain additional information, such as through chats.
The use of widgets significantly expands the functionality of a website, allowing for the integration of ready-made solutions, such as service bookings or ticket purchases, without the need to create new software.
Types of widgets on websites
There are many types of widgets commonly used on commercial websites:
- Callback: Allows customers to quickly contact the company through a button that opens a form for entering contact details.
- Pop-up: A pop-up window with promotions or offers that should be unobtrusive and easily closable.
- Chats and chatbots: Allow for instant consultations with specialists or automated responses to frequently asked questions.
- Calculators: Useful for financial calculations, allowing users to quickly navigate product costs.
- Countdown timer: Creates a sense of urgency by showing the time remaining for promotions.
- Social media and messenger buttons: Provide transitions to social media pages and allow communication with the brand.
- Subscription form: Serves to collect contact information and send useful offers.
- Notification panel: Informs about new products and promotions without interfering with the main content of the website.
- Entertainment mechanics: Games and surveys to engage users and collect data.
- Online booking form: Allows users to schedule services directly through the website.
- Social proof: Shows user interest in the company's products, increasing trust and likelihood of purchase.
- Upsell and cross-sell widgets: Offer related products or more expensive alternatives, increasing the average check.
How to properly use widgets
When selecting and configuring widgets, it is important to consider their objectives and the needs of the target audience. For example, chatbots should effectively respond to customer inquiries, while calculators should simplify financial calculations. To avoid negative perceptions, refrain from excessive use of pop-ups and other intrusive tools. All widgets should be visually appealing and unobtrusive to maintain user attention and promote sales growth. Additionally, each widget should fulfill its function, providing benefits to both sellers and buyers. If it does not, it may be worth considering improvements or replacements.