General April 7, 2017 4 min read

Sticky Sidebars: Should Your Event Site Use One?

Should your event page use a sticky sidebar? How a sticky 'Get tickets' CTA can lift conversions, when it helps, the mobile pitfalls, and how to add one without hurting the experience.

Quick answer

A sticky sidebar (or sticky element) stays visible as visitors scroll, keeping something important — like a “Get tickets” button — always in reach. For event pages that can lift conversions, but use it carefully: it works best on desktop, can crowd small mobile screens, and must never cover content. Used with restraint, a sticky CTA is a simple way to keep the buy button in front of buyers.

  • A sticky element stays on screen as the visitor scrolls.
  • Great for keeping a “Get tickets” CTA always visible.
  • Use carefully — mind mobile space and never cover content.

A sidebar is a handy way to show relevant information without taking over your main content — and sometimes you want it to stay put as the visitor scrolls. That “sticky” behavior is perfect for keeping something important always visible, which on an event page usually means your call to action. Here is when a sticky sidebar helps, and how to use it without annoying anyone.


What a Sticky Sidebar Is

A sticky sidebar (or sticky element) stays fixed in view as the rest of the page scrolls past it. Instead of disappearing once a visitor scrolls down, the sticky content follows along, keeping it within reach the whole time. It is a small interaction detail that can have an outsized effect when used on the right element.

When It Helps

Sticky elements shine when there is something you want continuously available: a call to action, key event details, a table of contents on a long page, or navigation. The classic use is in ecommerce, keeping the buy button visible — which maps perfectly onto event pages. The flip side: do not make everything sticky, or the page feels cluttered and claustrophobic.

The Sticky Ticket CTA

For an event page, the highest-value sticky element is your ticket call to action. As visitors read about the event — speakers, schedule, venue — a sticky “Get tickets” button or bar means they can act the instant they decide, without scrolling back up. That reduced friction can meaningfully lift conversions, which is why our guide on the event landing page recommends keeping the CTA always within reach.

The moment a visitor decides to buy, the buy button should already be on screen.

Mind Mobile

Sticky elements behave very differently on small screens. A sticky sidebar that works on desktop can eat precious mobile space or cover content, which frustrates rather than helps. On mobile, a slim sticky bar at the bottom (a “Get tickets” strip) usually works better than a full sticky sidebar. Always test on real phones, since most event traffic is mobile.

How to Add One

You do not necessarily need custom code. Many themes and page builders offer a sticky option for sections or widgets, and dedicated plugins can make a chosen element sticky. Whichever route you take, keep it lightweight so it does not hurt performance, make sure it never covers important content, and test the behavior across devices before going live.

Final Thoughts

A sticky sidebar is a small touch that can pay off on event pages by keeping your ticket CTA always in reach. Use it with restraint: stick the things that matter most, respect mobile screens, never cover content, and test across devices. Done well, it quietly removes friction at the exact moment a visitor is ready to buy.

See where a sticky CTA fits on a high-converting event page.

Read: How to Build an Event Landing Page That Sells

FAQ

What is a sticky sidebar?

A sticky sidebar is a sidebar or element that stays fixed in view as the rest of the page scrolls, keeping its content always within reach. It is useful for things you want continuously visible, such as a call to action, key details, or navigation.

Should my event page have a sticky ticket button?

Often yes. A sticky “Get tickets” button or bar keeps the buy action on screen as visitors read, so they can act the moment they decide without scrolling back up. That reduced friction can lift conversions, as long as it does not cover content or crowd mobile screens.

Do sticky sidebars work on mobile?

Not always well. A full sticky sidebar can eat scarce mobile space or cover content. On phones, a slim sticky bottom bar usually works better than a sticky sidebar. Since most event traffic is mobile, always test sticky elements on real phones before going live.