Are you trying to fix the Sidebar Below Content Error in WordPress?
The layout of your WordPress site can take a lot of time and effort, but it is essential for User Experience (UX) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Because of this, it can be annoying when a seemingly random error, such as the sidebar below content error, disrupts your site’s display.
Here, we’ll look at the most common causes of this error and I’ll show you three simple steps to fix it.
So let’s get rid of the sidebar below content error in WordPress!
Overview of the Sidebar Below Content Error in WordPress
Sidebars Dropping Below WordPress Content: Common Causes
WordPress sidebars typically contain widgets, sign-up forms, links to related content, or similar content that you’ll want across your site.
Occasionally, your sidebars may appear at the bottom of the page rather than to the left or right, due to bugs or errors. It goes without saying that this can make even the best-designed website look bad.
This can happen mostly for three reasons:
Understanding the Causes of the Error
Theme Issues
The most common cause of the sidebar appearing below the content is an HTML or CSS error breaking the layout.
Each <div> in HTML needs to be properly closed. If the template responsible for displaying the page has an unclosed <div> tag, then this would break the layout.
Similarly, an unwanted closing </div> tag may also affect the layout and cause the sidebar to move down.
Apart from HTML, CSS also affects the overall design of every element on your WordPress website. It is used to define the width, alignment, and floating of elements in your layout.
To put it simply, if the width of your content area is more than the available space, then it will force the sidebar to move down.
Plugin Issues
If you added a new plugin or made a recent change affecting your page layout, it could be the cause of the sidebar below content error in WordPress.
When you install or update a plugin, it can sometimes alter the structure of your theme’s layout, causing the sidebar to drop below the content.
It’s important to note that not all plugins are created equally, and some may have compatibility issues with your theme or other installed plugins.
Custom Code
If you have manually added or modified any code in your WordPress theme files, it’s possible that an error in the code is causing the sidebar below content issue.
This can happen if you have accidentally introduced a syntax error or made a mistake while editing the code.
Custom code can affect the overall structure and layout of your WordPress website, including the placement of sidebars and content.
How to Fix the Sidebar Below Content Error in WordPress
Method 1: Changing Themes
The first step in fixing the sidebar below content error is to try changing your WordPress theme. This can help determine if the issue is caused by a specific theme or if it is a more general problem.
To change your theme, go to the Appearance → Themes section in your WordPress admin dashboard. Here, you can browse through the available themes and activate a different one.
After activating a new theme, check if the sidebar appears correctly. If it does, then the issue was likely with your previous theme.
Method 2: Disabling Plugins
If changing the theme did not solve the sidebar below content error, the next step is to disable all plugins on your WordPress site.
To do this, go to the Plugins → Installed Plugins section in your WordPress admin dashboard. Select all the plugins, choose the “Deactivate” option from the bulk actions dropdown menu, and click “Apply”.
After deactivating the plugins, check if the sidebar displays correctly. If it does, then one of the plugins was causing the issue.
Method 3: Checking for Custom Code
If neither changing the theme nor disabling plugins resolved the sidebar below content error, you should check for any custom code that may be causing the issue.
Review any recent changes you made to your theme files or added custom code snippets to your WordPress site. Look for any syntax errors, unclosed tags, or extra closing tags.
If you find any issues, correct them and save the changes. Then, reload your website and check if the sidebar appears correctly.
Method 4: Adjusting CSS Code
If the sidebar is still dropping below the content, the issue may be related to the CSS code of your WordPress theme.
You can inspect the CSS code using your browser’s developer tools to identify any width or float settings that may be causing the problem.
Make sure that the sum of the widths of the content and sidebar elements does not exceed the width of the wrap element. Adjust the CSS code accordingly to ensure that the sidebar appears next to the content.
Preventing the Sidebar Below Content Error in WordPress
Regularly Updating Themes and Plugins
One of the best ways to prevent the sidebar below content error in WordPress is to keep your themes and plugins updated.
Updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements, which can help prevent layout issues like the sidebar dropping below the content.
Make it a habit to regularly check for updates and apply them as soon as they become available. This will help ensure that you are running the latest versions of your themes and plugins, reducing the risk of errors.
Avoiding Custom Code
If you’re not comfortable with coding or making changes to your theme files, it’s best to avoid adding custom code to your WordPress site.
While custom code can provide additional functionality and customization options, it can also introduce errors if not implemented correctly.
If possible, use plugins or theme options to achieve the desired changes instead of modifying the code directly.
Testing Before Going Live
Before making any changes to your live WordPress site, it’s a good practice to test them on a staging or local environment.
This allowsyou to identify any issues, like the sidebar below content error, before they affect your live site and potentially harm your user experience or SEO.
Once you have tested the changes and confirmed that they do not cause any errors, you can confidently apply them to your live site.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sidebar below content error in WordPress can be caused by various factors, including theme issues, plugin conflicts, custom code, or CSS problems. By following the methods outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix this error, ensuring a consistent and professional layout for your WordPress site.
Preventing this error in the future involves regularly updating your themes and plugins, avoiding custom code if possible, and testing any changes before applying them to your live site. By adopting these best practices, you can minimize the risk of encountering the sidebar below content error and maintain a well-functioning WordPress site.
Lorenzo has been using the internet for as long as he can remember. He was there for the early days of message boards, he watched social media take over, and he’s excited to see what comes next.
