How Do I Create a Feature Rotator in SoCast?

Feature Rotators are an excellent way to highlight important content on your website’s homepage. They draw attention to contests, sponsors, morning shows, breaking news, and special events.

Below are step-by-step instructions for adding various types of content to a Feature Rotator. You can mix and match content types within the same rotator.

Who Is This Article For?

• Users with the Manage Feature Rotator permission.
• Users with access to Pages, Blogs, Contests, or Sidebars.
• Applicable to all themes.

Best Practices

• Do not use images from the Stock Image tool in the Feature Rotator.
• For best display, ensure all feature images in the rotator are the same size as the rotator itself.
• For a consistent user experience, either all or none of the features in the rotator should contain a URL.
• If using multiple rotators on the same page, dedicate each rotator to a specific type of content or purpose for clarity.
• Do not place multiple rotators within the same visible area on a page to avoid distracting or confusing users.

Sizing Restrictions

• Default Feature Rotator size: 800px width x 450px height.
• Hero 1.0 Theme:
  • No Sidebar: Max image width is 1060px.
  • With Sidebar: Max image width is 1060px minus your sidebar width.
• SoCast 2.0 Theme:
  • No Sidebar: Max image width is 1080px.
  • With Sidebar: Max image width is 1080px minus your sidebar width.

Step-by-Step Guide: Configure Rotator Settings

1. Go to Promotions > Feature Rotator.
2. Click the Add Feature Rotator button.
3. Set up the Feature Rotator settings:
   1. Name: Enter a name for the Feature Rotator (this will not appear on the website).
   2. Height: Enter the height in pixels. There is no height limit.
   3. Width: Enter the width in pixels. The default maximum is 800px, but refer to your theme’s specifications above.
4. Click Save. You are now ready to add features.

Step-by-Step Guide: Select a Feature Type

For live examples of Feature Rotators, visit: http://d1698.cms.socastsrm.com/feature-rotator-examples/

1. Add From Media Library: Select an image from your computer or the media library. After uploading, complete the remaining fields for the feature.
2. Add Blog Post Feature: Select a published blog post from your station/website. Only published blogs are available (drafts, scheduled, or syndicated blogs cannot be added).
3. Add Contest Feature: Select a published contest from your station/website, including those scheduled to start in the future. Draft or syndicated contests cannot be added.
4. Add Event Feature: Select a published event from your station/website, including upcoming or past events. Draft or syndicated events cannot be added.

Step-by-Step Guide: Configure Additional Feature Options

1. Title: Add a caption for the image (appears below the image).
2. URL: Add a click-through URL for the image.
3. Sub-Title: Add additional or teaser text below the caption (e.g., "Presented by Budweiser").
4. Target: Choose whether the URL opens in a new window or the current window.
5. Publish Date: Select the date you want the feature to become visible in the rotator. This uses the station’s timezone.
6. Expiry Date: Select the date you want the feature to be removed from rotation. This also uses the station’s timezone.
7. Enabled: Toggle the image on or off for a specific period.
8. Repeat the process to add additional images or features.
9. Click Save when finished.