How to Show Different Sidebars for Each Post and Page in WordPress

Would you like to have unique sidebars for specific posts and pages on your WordPress site? Sometimes, it’s useful to have the same sidebar across your site, but other times, you might need different sidebars for certain posts or pages.

In this guide, we will explain how to set up and display different sidebars for each post and page in WordPress.

When You Might Need Different Sidebars in WordPress

Most WordPress themes come with a default sidebar where you can add widgets and content, like a search bar or a list of recent posts. Normally, this sidebar looks the same on all posts, pages, categories, and archive pages. However, you might want different sidebar widgets on specific posts and pages. For instance, you might display unique content in the sidebar of your most popular posts or show ads that match a particular page’s content. You could also use different contact forms based on the page’s content.

Let’s explore how to create and show different sidebars for each post and page in WordPress.

Method 1: Using a Simple Plugin to Display Different Sidebars

If your theme supports sidebar widgets, you can easily create multiple sidebars using the Lightweight Sidebar Manager plugin. This plugin lets you create as many sidebars as you want and assign them to different posts and pages.

1. Install the Plugin: Start by installing and activating the Lightweight Sidebar Manager plugin. You can find detailed instructions on how to install a WordPress plugin if you need help.
2. Create a New Sidebar: Go to Appearance » Sidebars and click the ‘Add New’ button. Enter a title for the new sidebar, which is just for your reference.
3. Set Sidebar Location: Open the ‘Sidebar To Replace’ dropdown and select where you want the sidebar to appear. Options will vary based on your theme.
4. Create Inclusion Rules: In the ‘Display On’ dropdown, choose the pages, posts, or categories where you want the sidebar to show. You can specify a single page, post, or category, or create multiple inclusion rules by clicking the ‘Add Display Rule’ button.
5. Create Exclusion Rules (Optional): If needed, you can also set exclusion rules to control where the sidebar doesn’t appear. Click the ‘Add Exclusion Rule’ button and select the pages or posts to exclude.
6. Set User Role Visibility: You can choose to show the sidebar to specific user roles, such as only for logged-in members.
7. Add a Description (Optional): Use this field to leave notes or reminders for yourself or other admins.
8. Publish the Sidebar: Click ‘Publish’ to save your new sidebar.

After creating your sidebar, go to Appearance » Widgets. You’ll see your new sidebar listed along with the default widget areas. Add widgets to your sidebar just like any other widget section, and click ‘Update’ when you’re done.

Method 2: Creating a Different Sidebar with a Page Builder Plugin

If your theme doesn’t support sidebars, you can use a page builder plugin like SeedProd. This plugin lets you create custom pages and sidebars without any coding.

1. Install SeedProd: Start by installing and activating the SeedProd plugin.
2. Create a Custom Page: Use SeedProd to create a custom page layout that includes a sidebar.
3. Add Widgets to Sidebar: Use the drag-and-drop builder to add blocks to your sidebar. SeedProd offers many blocks, like opt-in forms, social profiles, countdown timers, contact forms, and more.
4. Publish Your Page: Once you’ve designed your page and sidebar, publish it.

With these methods, you can easily display different sidebars for each post and page on your WordPress site, giving you more control over your site’s content and layout.