Widget

A widget is a stand-alone programmed element that can be embedded on a web page. This often means Java scripts, apps or plug-ins. Widgets aim to provide useful information to the user of a website in a simple and understandable way.

Definition

The word widget is a combination of the two terms window and gadget. This refers to an easy-to-use programming element as part of a window system or a web page.

Many websites offer widgets in the form of JavaScript or iFrames. This allows website operators to offer their users additional functions without having to reprogram the Content Management System (CMD).

Often websites use widgets as part of their content syndication, when offers are quickly exchanged to provide more content. In order for the user to be able to use these widgets, a so-called widget engine must be installed on his end device. This can be Java, but also Windows offers such an engine with its tile design since Windows 8.

What are widgets for?

Widgets, plug-ins, apps – the lines often blur. The original idea of the developers IBM, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Digital Equipment Corporation was to offer an element that could react independently to mouse and keyboard commands of the user.

Because websites could easily customize it according to their own needs, its popularity grew with the prominence of the Internet.

• A widget is a separate window that you can add to your website without much effort. A classic here is a Java Script.
• A plug-in is an extension of the basic software that integrates the corresponding programming into the original software.
• An app is a stand-alone program for smartphones, which is increasingly also available for computers. The tiles that Windows offers since Windows 8 are a mixture of widget and app.

Classic applications in the form of a widget are for example a clock, the battery indicator, a simple fitness app, a notebook, a calendar or a weatherapp.

How can you use widgets in your SEO work?

In the field of search engine optimization, you can use widgets to enhance your site. Because they are easily programmable, you can add them to your website without much effort. This way, you can offer more content to your users or break up the content to improve the user experience.

If you include external widgets , this will additionally increase the reach of your website and generate more organic traffic. Such widgets offer, for example, weather pages that you can use on your website.

It’s important that you don’t just look for smooth functionality and visual integration, but that they don’t slow down your load times and provide value.

Conclusion

A widget is a small element that you can put on your page without having to change your programming. With this, you can provide value to the user, drive up your page view time, generate more traffic, and ultimately increase your reach.