How to Add Social Share Buttons on WordPress

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to add social share buttons to your WordPress website.

Social share buttons are a great way to increase engagement and expand your content's reach. Let's dive into the process step-by-step.

Why Add Social Share Buttons?

Before we get into the how-to, let's quickly discuss why social share buttons are important:

1. Increased Visibility: When readers share your content, it reaches a broader audience.

2. Improved User Experience: Makes it easier for visitors to share content they enjoy.

3. Social Proof: Shows others that your content is worth sharing.

4. Trackable Engagement: Helps you understand which content resonates with your audience.

Now, let's get to the practical steps.

Methods to Add Social Share Buttons

There are several ways to add social share buttons to your WordPress site:

1. Using a plugin (easiest method)

2. Adding code manually

3. Using a theme with built-in social sharing

For this tutorial, we'll focus on adding code manually, which gives you more control over the appearance and functionality of your social share buttons.

Step-by-Step Guide to Add Social Share Buttons

Step 1: Install WPCode

First, we need to install a plugin that will allow us to easily add custom code to our WordPress site.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard

2. Go to Plugins > Add New

3. In the search bar, type "WPCode Insert Headers and Footer"

4. Look for the plugin by WPCode (formerly Insert Headers and Footers)

5. Click "Install Now", then "Activate"

Step 2: Access the Code Snippets Section

Now that we have the plugin installed, let's navigate to where we'll add our custom code.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, look for "Code Snippets" in the left-side navigation menu

2. Click on "Code Snippets", then "Header & Footer"

Step 3: Add Your Custom Code

Here's where we'll actually add the social share button code.

1. Scroll down to the "Header" section

2. You'll see an empty box/field named "Header"

3. This is where we'll paste our custom social share code

4. After pasting the code, click "Save Changes" at the top of the page

Copy The Code Below

Remember to replace the placeholder URLs with your actual blog post URL and image URL.

Optimizing Your Social Share Strategy

Adding the buttons is just the first step. Here are some tips to maximize their effectiveness:

1. Choose the Right Networks

Focus on platforms where your audience is most active. Don't overwhelm users with too many options. For instance, if you're running a B2B blog, LinkedIn might be more important than Pinterest.

2. Position Buttons Strategically

Place buttons where they're easily visible but not intrusive. Common locations include:

+ Above the content

+ Below the content

+ Floating on the side

Experiment with different positions to see what works best for your site layout and audience.

3. Use Eye-Catching Icons

Make sure your buttons are visually appealing and match your site's design.

You can use custom CSS to style your buttons if you're comfortable with coding, or choose a plugin that allows for easy customization.

4. Encourage Sharing

Occasionally remind your readers to share your content if they find it valuable. You could add a call-to-action at the end of your posts, like "Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!"

5. Monitor Performance

Use analytics to track which content gets shared most often and on which platforms.

This can inform your content strategy and help you focus on the most effective sharing channels.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Buttons Not Displaying

If your social share buttons aren't showing up, try these steps:

+ Double-check if the WPCode plugin is activated

+ Clear your website cache

+ Ensure there are no conflicts with other plugins by temporarily deactivating them

Incorrect Share Count

Some plugins may display inaccurate share counts initially. Give it some time to sync properly.

If the issue persists, you might need to use a different plugin or custom solution that pulls real-time data from social networks.

Slow Page Load Times

If adding social share buttons significantly slows down your site, consider:

+ Reducing the number of buttons

+ Using a more lightweight plugin

+ Optimizing your overall WordPress performance (e.g., using a caching plugin, optimizing images)

Alternative Methods for Adding Social Share Buttons

While we've focused on adding custom code, there are other methods you might want to consider:

Using a Plugin

There are many WordPress plugins designed specifically for adding social share buttons. Some popular options include:

+ Social Warfare

+ Shared Counts

+ Sassy Social Share

These plugins often offer easy customization and additional features like share counts.

Theme-Integrated Buttons

Some WordPress themes come with built-in social sharing options. Check your theme's documentation or settings to see if this feature is available.

Conclusion

Adding social share buttons to your WordPress site is a simple yet effective way to boost your content's reach and engagement.

Whether you choose to use a plugin or add custom code, the process is straightforward and the benefits are significant.

Remember, the key is to make sharing as easy as possible for your visitors while maintaining a clean, user-friendly design.

Experiment with different button styles, positions, and networks to find what works best for your audience.

Have you implemented social share buttons on your WordPress site? What has been your experience? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Lastly, don't forget to regularly review and update your social sharing strategy. As social media platforms evolve and your audience's preferences change, you may need to adjust your approach to maintain optimal engagement.