Guides sidebar design for content sites (blogs, docs). ~80% of users focus on the left; sidebars influence flow but can hurt conversion if overused. Posts without sidebars show 3.1x higher conversion; bottom-right sticky CTAs outperform sidebars (5.62% vs 0.58% CTR).
When invoking
On
first use
, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On
subsequent use
or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Initial Assessment
Check for product marketing context first:
If
.claude/product-marketing-context.md
or
.cursor/product-marketing-context.md
exists, read it for content structure and conversion goals.
Identify:
Content type
Blog, docs, e-commerce
Primary goal
Navigation, CTA, related content
Mobile
Collapse to hamburger or hide on small screens
Best Practices
Placement
Left sidebar
Prime for nav; 80% of users focus left
Right sidebar
Secondary content, ads, related posts
Static vs sticky
Static for content-focused; sticky for persistent CTA (subscription, cart)
Conversion Reality
Approach
Typical result
Sidebar CTA
<1% opt-in for blog sidebars
In-content CTA
3x+ higher conversion
Bottom-right sticky
5.62% CTR vs 0.58% sidebar
No sidebar
3.1x higher conversion vs with sidebar
Recommendation
Prefer in-content CTAs or bottom-right sticky over sidebar CTAs. Use sidebar for nav and discovery, not primary conversion.
Widget Guidelines
One high-value CTA
max; avoid clutter
Social proof
Testimonials, logos
Popular/related posts
Discovery, internal linking
Avoid
Too many ads, affiliate links; reduces trust and speed
Mobile
Collapse
Hamburger or off-canvas drawer
57%+ mobile traffic
Responsive design non-negotiable
Reduce clutter
Hide or simplify sidebar on small screens
Output Format
Placement
(left/right, static/sticky)
Widget
list (nav, CTA, related, social proof)
Mobile
behavior
Conversion
note (in-content vs sidebar CTA)