Navpods

What are Navpods?

Navpods are another way to direct users to content. Navpods can be used to draw attention to events, resources or products. Navpods allow you to show relationships between related content pages. Navpods allow people to move quickly or take action at any point while reading through the content of a given page. Use them to:

  • Make calls to action: Donate, join ALA, register for an event, apply for an opportunity, etc.
  • Direct users to related resources and initiatives.
  • Promote a related publication, product or event.

How To Create a Landing Page Navpod ("Ad" Pod)

The image must be 150 x 150 pixels. Graphic images usually load faster in the PNG file format. Prepare alt text to communicate any text in the image and the purpose of the image. Follow the steps below, but use <front> in the Show navpod on specific pages path selection area.  Creating an image with a white background and no border will blend the graphic into the text area, as shown below.

sample navpod

Homepage navpods display three across, as shown in the resized sample from AASL, below. Navpods can be stylistically similar and/or use related colors.

example of 3 landing page navpods

Navpods on Other Pages

Step 1: Create (or Procure) an Image

Starting out with a NavPod Image Template, use a photo editing tool of your choice to create the Navpod image.

Step 2: Create Navpod Content

Using the Add Content command, choose Navpod from the list (note you will not see this unless you have elevated edit rights). 

Complete the Navpod fields using the following tips::

  1. The title is required.
  2. Upload your image using the Choose File widget. Use the templates or create a 69x49px image.
  3. The Body content area is required. Use the Bold command in the WYSIWYG editor to create a title-like effect.
  4. The next two fields are for the link text and the URL. The link will also be automatically attached to the image.
  5. Use the required Weight dropdown to set the sort order. Remember, the smaller the number, the higher it floats in the grouping.
  6. Set the page(s) or paths on which you want the navpod to display. 

Step 3: Show or Hide the Navpod

When creating the navpod, you can set its path to be visible on a specific page, several pages, an entire directory, or the entire microsite. Those with the role of site admin, or content editor, advanced* have permission to use the Navpod content type.

*role permissions vary across unit sites.

Best Practices for Navpods

Image from PowerPoint attachment describing Group, Arrange and Save As Picture commands in Powerpoint

When creating a navpod aim for visual appeal:

  • Keep the words to a minimum.
  • Don't clutter a navpod with links.
  • Have a plan for how long it should stay in place and have a reminder on Outlook to take it down/swap it out as soon as the information is out of date.
  • Save the pod image in .png file formats so it will load faster.