Hey guys! Ever wanted to add a cool, dynamic news ticker to your website? Using Elementor Pro, it's super easy to create an eye-catching and informative scrolling news ticker. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your visitors stay updated with the latest information in style. Let's dive in!

Why Use a News Ticker?

Before we get started, let's talk about why a news ticker is a fantastic addition to any website. A news ticker, also known as a news scroller or a horizontal marquee, is a dynamic display that continuously scrolls headlines, announcements, or any other important information across the screen. It's a proven way to grab your visitors' attention and keep them informed about the most current updates without taking up too much space on your webpage.

Benefits of Adding a News Ticker

1. Enhances User Engagement: A well-placed news ticker instantly catches the eye and encourages users to explore the highlighted content.
2. Highlights Important Information: It's perfect for showcasing breaking news, special offers, event announcements, or critical updates.
3. Saves Space: Instead of dedicating a large area to static announcements, a ticker efficiently displays multiple messages in a compact format.
4. Improves Website Aesthetics: A professionally designed news ticker can add a touch of modernity and sophistication to your site.
5. Increases Click-Through Rates: By featuring engaging headlines, you can drive more traffic to specific pages or articles.

Now that we understand the benefits, let's get our hands dirty and start building our news ticker with Elementor Pro!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A WordPress website
• Elementor installed and activated
• Elementor Pro installed and activated (since we'll be using the Pro features)

If you don't have Elementor Pro yet, you'll need to purchase and install it. It's a worthwhile investment for the advanced features and customization options it offers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a News Ticker with Elementor Pro

Step 1: Add a New Section

First, open the page or post where you want to add the news ticker using the Elementor editor. Create a new section at the top of the page where the ticker will be prominently displayed. Adjust the section settings to fit your design preferences. Typically, a single-column section works best for a news ticker.

Step 2: Add the "Text Path" Widget

Elementor Pro doesn't have a dedicated news ticker widget, but we can achieve the same effect using the "Text Path" widget combined with some clever CSS. Search for the "Text Path" widget in the Elementor panel and drag it into the section you just created.

Step 3: Configure the Text Path

Now, let's configure the "Text Path" widget to create our news ticker effect.

• Text: Enter the text you want to scroll in the ticker. This could be news headlines, announcements, or any other important information. Separate each item with a separator like "|" or "," to create distinct messages.
• Path: Choose "Custom" path. The "Text Path" widget is designed to wrap text around a predefined path, but we will manipulate the text to move horizontally to give it the ticker effect.
• Letter Spacing: Adjust the letter spacing to control the space between characters. This can help improve readability.
• Alignment: Set the alignment to left.
• Typography: Customize the font family, size, weight, and color to match your website's design.

Step 4: Add Custom CSS for the Scrolling Effect

This is where the magic happens! We'll use custom CSS to make the text scroll horizontally. Go to the "Advanced" tab of the "Text Path" widget and find the "Custom CSS" section. Add the following CSS code:

selector {
 width: 100%;
 overflow: hidden;
 white-space: nowrap;
}

selector svg {
 display: inline-block;
 animation: ticker 15s linear infinite;
 padding-left: 100%;
}

@keyframes ticker {
 0% {
 transform: translateX(0%);
 }
 100% {
 transform: translateX(-100%);
 }
}

Let's break down this CSS code:

• selector: This refers to the main element of the widget. We set the width to 100% to fill the container, overflow: hidden to hide the text that overflows, and white-space: nowrap to prevent the text from wrapping.
• selector svg: This targets the SVG element within the widget, which contains the text. We set display: inline-block to allow the SVG to be positioned inline, animation: ticker 15s linear infinite to apply the scrolling animation, and padding-left: 100% to start the text off-screen.
• @keyframes ticker: This defines the animation. It moves the text from 0% to -100% of its width, creating the scrolling effect. The linear timing function ensures a smooth, constant speed, and infinite makes the animation loop continuously.

Adjust the animation duration (e.g., 15s) to control the scrolling speed. A smaller value will make the text scroll faster, while a larger value will slow it down.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Appearance

Now that the news ticker is scrolling, let's fine-tune its appearance to make it visually appealing. Adjust the following settings in the Elementor editor:

• Background Color: Add a background color to the section or widget to make the text stand out.
• Padding: Adjust the padding around the text to create some space between the text and the edges of the section.
• Border: Add a border to the section or widget for a more defined look.
• Box Shadow: Apply a box shadow to give the ticker a subtle depth effect.

Step 6: Add Separators

To visually separate the news items in the ticker, you can add separators between each item. You can use the "Divider" widget or simply add a character like "|" or "," between the items in the text field.

If you choose to use the "Divider" widget, you'll need to position it carefully using absolute positioning and adjust its color and size to match the ticker's design.

Step 7: Make it Responsive

It's crucial to ensure that your news ticker looks great on all devices. Use Elementor's responsive editing mode to adjust the font size, padding, and other settings for different screen sizes.

• Font Size: Reduce the font size on smaller screens to prevent the text from overflowing.
• Padding: Adjust the padding to ensure the ticker doesn't look too cramped on mobile devices.
• Scrolling Speed: You might want to adjust the scrolling speed on mobile devices to ensure the text is easily readable.

Step 8: Save and Publish

Once you're happy with the design and functionality of your news ticker, save your changes and publish the page or post. Now, your website visitors will see the scrolling news ticker at the top of the page.

Alternative Methods and Plugins

While the above method works well with Elementor Pro's built-in features, some plugins are specifically designed for creating news tickers. These plugins often come with additional features and customization options. Here are a few popular options:

• News Ticker Ultimate: A comprehensive plugin with various ticker styles and animation effects.
• Ditty News Ticker: A flexible plugin that supports multiple ticker types and content sources.
• WP News and Scrolling Widgets: A user-friendly plugin with a simple interface and essential ticker features.

These plugins can simplify the process of creating a news ticker, but they may also add extra overhead to your website. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to use a plugin or stick with the manual method.

Best Practices for News Tickers

To make the most of your news ticker, keep these best practices in mind:

• Keep it Concise: Use short, attention-grabbing headlines that quickly convey the message.
• Use Clear Typography: Choose a font that is easy to read, even when scrolling.
• Maintain Contrast: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background for readability.
• Avoid Clutter: Don't overcrowd the ticker with too much information. Focus on the most important updates.
• Test on Different Devices: Always test your news ticker on various devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions correctly.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Creating a dynamic news ticker with Elementor Pro is a fantastic way to keep your website visitors informed and engaged. By following this step-by-step guide and implementing the best practices, you can add a professional-looking news ticker to your site that enhances its aesthetics and functionality. Whether you choose to use the "Text Path" widget with custom CSS or opt for a dedicated news ticker plugin, the key is to create a ticker that is visually appealing, easy to read, and relevant to your audience. Now go ahead, give it a try, and elevate your website with a stylish news ticker!