April 23, 2026
Modern websites are no longer just about content—they’re about experience. One powerful pattern used by companies like Bloomberg is the sticky sidebar navigation that helps users jump between sections while reading.
What Is a Sticky Sidebar Navigation?
A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.A sticky sidebar navigation is a fixed-position menu that stays visible as users scroll through a page. It typically highlights the current section and allows quick navigation between different parts of the article.
Why It Matters
This feature improves user experience by reducing friction. Instead of scrolling endlessly, users can quickly jump to the section they care about most.
Key Benefits of Using a Sticky Sidebar
Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.Implementing a sticky sidebar offers multiple advantages for both users and website owners.
Improved Navigation
Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.Users can easily move between sections without losing context, making long-form content more digestible.
Better Engagement
When visitors can explore content effortlessly, they tend to stay longer and interact more with your page.
Professional Layout
A structured layout with a sidebar gives your website a polished, enterprise-level appearance.
How to Structure Your Content Properly
To make the most of a sidebar navigation system, your content needs to follow a clear hierarchy.
Use Headings Correctly
Always use H2 for main sections and H3 for subsections. This allows your table of contents script to automatically generate navigation links.
Keep Sections Short
Break your content into smaller sections to improve readability and scanning.
Implementing the Layout in WordPress
With tools like WPBakery, you can easily create a two-column layout where the main content sits on the left and the sidebar on the right.
Step 1: Create the Layout
Use a row with two columns—70% for content and 30% for the sidebar.
Step 2: Add Content Blocks
Insert text blocks and structure your headings properly using H2 and H3 tags.
Step 3: Enable Sticky Sidebar
Apply CSS position sticky to keep the sidebar visible while scrolling.
Enhancing User Experience with Scroll Highlight
A scroll spy feature highlights the active section in the sidebar as users scroll. This provides visual feedback and improves orientation.
Smooth Scrolling
Adding smooth scrolling creates a seamless navigation experience when users click on sidebar links.
Active Link Highlighting
Highlighting the current section helps users understand where they are within the content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While implementing a sticky sidebar is powerful, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
Overloading the Sidebar
Too many links can overwhelm users. Keep it simple and focused.
Ignoring Mobile Optimization
Make sure your sidebar collapses or repositions properly on smaller screens.
Final Thoughts
A sticky sidebar navigation is a simple yet powerful way to improve usability and engagement. With the right structure and implementation, you can create a professional reading experience similar to top-tier websites.
Start implementing this today and transform how users interact with your content.