For me, I found ElfSight through Google. I am interested in building a community on my website, but my web builder does lack social engagement features. That is what lead me to search for website widgets on Google, and I found ElfSight. While I also came across others such as Powr and CommonNinja, I’ll be honest and say that so far I am liking Elfsight the best. There are more precise features in the free plan, such as anonymous commenting in the comment widget, or adding over five tracks in the background music widget, and adding a background image in the player. Plus, if I upgrade, the price is very reasonable.
There are some bugs that need to worked out, but with the little time I have been here, it has been serving my goals quite well.
I found Elfsight using a search engine (not Google), and if I were looking today I may start with either a search engine/LLM.
This really all depends on what’s already open in my browser windows, or if I just started up the laptop, or on the go with a highly portable device (smartphone/tablet).
Note that even today if I chose the search engine, I would ultimately move my research to multiple LLMs for a deeper conversational dive to finetune the results.
So you’re combining Google search with LLM for deeper research, that’s interesting! I actually also see it as a perfect combo, as LLMs do a great job when it comes to analysis and comparisons.
Typically I use my preferred search engine first, and multiple LLMs depending on what I’m researching, never Google search by default. Google search is used by one of the LLMs that power the tools I use. There are some search engines that I don’t use, Google is one and Bing is another along with many more.
In my case, I have a what you may call a “proprietary” research workflow. It may include various a/b live tests in my own virtual lab long before I make a decision to “lock into” any tool/service provider for the long term. I did the same for Eflsifght. My research workflow is perpetually being improved to ensure I always choose wisely based on my defined long-term objectives/goals.
If you recall, I only really “locked into” Elfsight after the Blog Widget was launched in 2024 (I think). For about probably 2 years prior I was testing Elfsight widgets while I searched for other alternatives. I’m probably more detailed in my research of tools/service providers that most people.
Today I’m on a Pro Plan until near the end of 2027, and looking forward to adding more prepaid years, as well as the launch of Elfsight’s affordable new Agency Account . And, I wouldn’t mind getting a “paywall” or “lead capture” feature for the Blog Widget .
@iammasterweb, that’s a seriously thoughtful approach, especially the idea of a “proprietary” research workflow. I’m sure this kind of work always pays off.
The way you test tools over a long period before committing makes a lot of sense. Out of curiosity - what are the key things you’re usually evaluating during those tests?
And really glad you ended up sticking with the Blog Widget after all that research
As for updates, I don’t have anything to share right now, but I noted your idea about paywall / lead capture
Yes @Helga it was really necessary for my use cases. And I had the time.
Recall I’m just a “webdev tinkerer” more commercial in my approach, though techie. There were quite a few key things I was evaluating beyond Elfsight’s price point which was already great.
Ultimately it came down to:
Actual real compatibility with the web platforms as advertised, in particular one. I tested two platforms.
The quality and ease of using the widgets as advertised for various use cases with that one particular platform.
How Elfsight’s widget rendered visually when integrated into that one platform. There were some basic visual aesthetics that were important given my objectives.
The real performance of the widgets integrated into that one platform along with one other non Elfsight integration. You could say I was stress testing them all together to see if they would get along great . Overtime I’ll be paying a very close eye on security and data protection compliance requirements for my own use cases.
Elfsight’s regular Support, and Customer Care practices. I usually look for providers with 24/7/366 support taking into consideration the leap years .
This community. I use another USA based provider that offers their Support, Customer Care, and Knowledge Base 24/7/366 and they are exceptional. Elfisight has been just as exceptional, though I think your human support agents are not available on weekends (I think).
That’s it pretty much. I needed to be sure about “locking in.” I still look around from time to time, but Elsight will still be foundational. I don’t think there are any real competitors at this time once you lock into all the widgets.
That’s a really smart approach, @iammasterweb, very thought-out!
I agree, one always seeks the best option possible, so it’s always a combination of factors we consider, evaluate and compare. Even with the unmatched support and fantastic product appearance, a service cannot win the battle if it just doesn’t work the way you need
Really appreciate you sharing your experience and tips with the community!
I would still search for you via the normal Google search, however, if I’m looking for a solution for a widget and I don’t know you yet, then I would use Google’s AI search.
Ich würde immer noch über die normale Google Suche Euch suchen, jedoch wenn eine Lösung für ein Widget such und ich euch noch nicht kenne dann ehen über die KI Suche von Google.
. And, I wouldn’t mind getting a “paywall” or “lead capture” feature for the Blog Widget 
more commercial in my approach, though techie. There were quite a few key things I was evaluating beyond Elfsight’s price point which was already great.
