When readers flip through a magazine, their eyes are drawn not only to the main article but also to the smaller, complementary pieces on the page: sidebars. A well-crafted sidebar can enhance your story, provide extra context, and give readers a break from the main narrative. But how do you write one that truly stands out? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

What is a sidebar?

A sidebar is a short article or box of information that sits alongside the main story. It can provide:

  • Additional facts or statistics

  • Expert quotes or commentary

  • Step-by-step instructions

  • Profiles or case studies

  • Fun facts or lists

Think of it as a mini-article that complements the main story without distracting from it.

Step 1: Decide its purpose

Before you start writing, ask yourself: What will this sidebar do for the reader?

  • Clarify a complex concept?

  • Offer practical tips?

  • Highlight an expert’s perspective?

  • Share a related anecdote?

A sidebar should add value, not repeat the main article.

Step 2: Keep it concise

Sidebars are meant to be quick reads. Aim for 150–300 words. Use short sentences, bullet points, or numbered lists to make the content easy to scan.

Step 3: Make it visually distinct

Magazines use design elements to set sidebars apart. Consider:

  • Boxes or borders around the sidebar

  • Different background color or shading

  • Pull quotes or callouts to highlight key points

  • Images or icons to illustrate ideas

Good design will catch the reader’s eye and draw them into the sidebar.

Step 4: Write in a complementary tone

Match the sidebar’s tone to the main article, but feel free to make it slightly punchier or more playful if it fits the content. Remember: the sidebar is a side conversation with the reader.

Step 5: Edit ruthlessly

With sidebars, every word counts. Cut anything that doesn’t serve the sidebar’s purpose. Make sure each sentence is clear, direct, and engaging.

Sidebar Ideas to Try

  • Quick tips: “5 Ways to Boost Your Productivity”

  • Did-you-know facts: Short, surprising statistics

  • Mini profiles: Highlight someone relevant to the story

  • Step-by-step guides: How-to content in bite-sized pieces

Final thoughts

A great sidebar enhances your magazine article. It draws the eye, adds value, and gives readers a reason to linger on the page. Keep it concise, focused, and visually appealing, and you’ll create sidebars that your readers actually look forward to reading.

Sidebar Example: 3 quick morning habits that transform your day

1. Hydrate first thing
Before coffee or breakfast, drink a full glass of water. It jumpstarts your metabolism and helps you feel alert.

2. 5-minute movement
Stretch, do yoga, or a short walk. Just five minutes gets your blood flowing and wakes up your body.

3. Plan one priority
Pick the single most important task for the day. Write it down and focus on it first. Small wins lead to big momentum.

Pro tip: Keep a “morning essentials” basket with your water bottle, workout mat, and journal ready to grab—it removes friction and makes routines stick.

This sidebar is:

  • Concise: 150 words max

  • Actionable: Gives readers something they can do immediately

  • Visually scannable: Numbered list with bold headers

  • Complementary: Supports the main article without repeating it

This article was created with AI support and edited by the MTI team.

Leave A Comment

Related posts

Magazine Training International’s mission is to encourage, strengthen, and provide training and resources to Christian magazine publishers as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ.