Boost Your WordPress Site: 10 Essential Footer Elements You Need to Include

The footer is the section located at the bottom of your website. While it may often be overlooked, a well-designed footer can significantly enhance the visitor experience by offering essential information.

An optimized footer can effectively guide your visitors, improve your SEO rankings, and enhance your brand’s credibility. Understanding which elements to incorporate in your footer will help it become a functional and valuable aspect of your site.

At CanadaCreate, our carefully crafted footer acts as a vital resource for our visitors, providing convenient access to our affiliated companies, free tools, guides, and important site links. This not only enhances user experience but also encourages visitors to explore more of our website.

In this checklist, we will outline the key elements you should include in the footer of your WordPress website.

What Is the Footer in WordPress?

The footer is located beneath your website’s main content and is a standard feature in web design.

The term ‘footer’ can also refer to the area of code at the bottom of your site. Third-party services such as Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, and others may require you to insert code snippets into your website’s footer, allowing you to add various features and services to your WordPress site.

Beginners often face challenges when deciding what to include in the footer section of their website. Consequently, many site owners overlook valuable opportunities to enhance their websites and improve the overall visitor experience.

Let’s explore several essential elements to include in the footer of your WordPress site and how to enhance its functionality. You can quickly navigate to the topics that interest you using the links below:

1. How to Add Links to the Footer of Your WordPress Site

Many websites incorporate links in their footer section. This practice assists visitors in easily accessing your site’s most vital content, including the About page, product listings, checkout, contact form, and more.

Most popular WordPress themes include a footer widget area that allows you to add various content and elements.

To include links in the footer, navigate to the Appearance » Menus page and click on the ‘Create a new menu’ link.

Next, enter a name for the menu. This name is for your reference, so feel free to choose any title you like.

Once you’ve named the menu, click the ‘Create Menu’ button.

Now, select the checkbox next to each item you wish to add to the menu.

Then, click on ‘Add to Menu.’

When you are satisfied with the menu setup, click on the ‘Save Menu’ button to save your changes. For additional assistance, refer to our guide on creating navigation menus in WordPress.

Now that you’ve created a menu, let’s add it to your website’s footer area by going toAppearance » Widgets. Here, click on the blue ‘+’ button.

In the ‘Search’ field, enter ‘Navigation Menu.’

When the appropriate block appears, drag and drop it into the ‘Footer’ or a similar section.

Next, open the ‘Select Menu’ dropdown and choose the footer menu you created earlier.

You may also want to enter a title, which will be displayed above the links in your website’s footer.

Once you’ve completed these steps, click the ‘Update’ button.

When you visit your website, you’ll find all the links located in the footer section.

You can also incorporate links into the footer using a drag-and-drop page builder plugin like SeedProd, allowing you to create unique footers for different WordPress pages.

For detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive tutorial on editing the footer in WordPress.

How to Add a Menu to Your Footer Using the Full Site Editor

If you’re using a block-based theme like Neve FSE or Twenty Twenty-Three, the method for adding a menu to the footer varies slightly.

First, create a navigation menu using the same steps outlined earlier. Then, navigate toAppearance»Editorin the WordPress dashboard to access the full site editor.

The full site editor will display your theme’s home template by default.

To add content to the footer, click on ‘Template Parts.’

Next, select the ‘Footer’ template part.

To modify this template part, click on the small pencil icon.

Once that’s done, click the blue ‘+’ icon in the top left corner.

In the search bar, enter ‘Navigation.’

When the appropriate block appears, drag and drop it into the footer template.

By default, the full-site editor displays one of your site’s menus. To switch to a different menu, simply click the three dots next to ‘Menu.’

You can now select a menu from the dropdown list.

Next, you can adjust the menu’s alignment, orientation, and wrapping options in the ‘Settings’ tab.

You can also customize the menu’s appearance by selecting the ‘Styles’ tab.

In this section, you can modify the text color, add a background color, change the font size, and more.

Once you’re satisfied with the menu’s appearance, click the ‘Save’ button to publish your changes.

2. Adding Code to the WordPress Footer

At times, you may need to insert code snippets into the footer of your WordPress blog or website.

While you could directly edit your theme files and insert the new code into the footer.php template, this approach is not recommended because any custom code will be lost if you change or update your WordPress theme.

Directly editing theme files can also pose risks. A simple typo or error could lead to various common WordPress issues.

The most effective way to add code to the WordPress footer is by using WPCode. This top-rated code snippets plugin allows you to easily add custom code to the footer without modifying your theme files.

Begin by installing and activating the WPCode plugin. For detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guide on installing a WordPress plugin.

After activation, navigate to Code Snippets » Header & Footer. Here, you can insert your code snippet into the ‘Footer’ section.

Remember to click the ‘Save Changes’ button to apply your updates. For further guidance, check out our article on adding header and footer code in WordPress.

3. Include a Privacy Policy Link in Your WordPress Footer

To meet GDPR and other privacy regulations in various countries, you must create a privacy policy page in WordPress and link to it on every page and post.

Since the footer is displayed on every page of your website, it’s an ideal location for this link.

First, navigate to Settings » Privacy in the admin dashboard. You will see that WordPress has already generated a draft for a Privacy Policy page.

To utilize the default Privacy Policy page, simply click ‘Use This Page.’ If you prefer a different page, open the dropdown menu and select an alternative page from the list.

You can easily create a new privacy policy page from this screen. Just click the ‘Create’ button, and WordPress will automatically generate a new post with some standard privacy policy text.

Regardless of how you create the privacy policy page, you can modify it like any other page in WordPress. For instance, you can include additional details about your requirements and terms and conditions.

Once you’re satisfied with the information provided, click the ‘Publish’ button to make your privacy policy accessible to the public.

After that, you’ll need to include a link to your website’s footer. One way to do this is by adding a navigation menu to the footer, following the same steps mentioned earlier.

If you’re using a block-based WordPress theme, you can also add the privacy policy as a separate link. To do this, simply access the footer template part using the same method described earlier.

Next, click the ‘+’ button and select ‘Paragraph.’

When the appropriate block appears, drag and drop it into your footer.

You can now enter the text you want visitors to see, such as ‘Privacy Policy.’

Then, simply hyperlink the text to your privacy policy page.

For detailed instructions, please refer to our beginner’s guide on how to add a link.

Once you’ve completed that, click ‘Save’ to activate the link on your WordPress site.

4. Include a Copyright Date in Your WordPress Footer

Consider informing your visitors that your content is protected by adding a copyright date in the footer. You can easily do this by entering the text in your theme settings.

Many popular WordPress themes provide an option to add text in the footer area, so check if your theme supports this feature.

Navigate to the Appearance » Customize section and search for any footer settings in the left-hand menu. These options are typically labeled ‘Footer Options’, ‘Footer Settings’, or something similar.

To insert the copyright symbol, simply copy and paste the following into the ‘Footer Credits,’ ‘Copyright Text’, or an equivalent section.

© Copyright 2016-2023. All rights reserved.

The WordPress Theme Customizer will refresh automatically, allowing you to preview how the copyright text will appear on your site.

Depending on your theme, you might also have the ability to adjust the font size and text alignment through the theme settings.

If you’re satisfied with how the copyright notice appears, click the ‘Publish’ button to make your updates live.

Pro Tip:This method requires you to update the copyright notice annually. To automatically display the current year, check out our guide on adding a dynamic copyright date in your WordPress footer.

How to Add a Copyright Date to Your Footer Using the Full Site Editor

If you’re using a block-based theme, adding a copyright date to your footer is straightforward. Just navigate to Themes »Editor and access the footer template part by following the same steps outlined earlier.

Next, click the ‘+’ icon and search for ‘Shortcode.’

When you see the correct block, drag and drop it into the footer template part.

In the shortcode block, enter the following:

© Copyright 2016-2023. All rights reserved.

Finally, click the ‘Save’ button to publish the copyright notice.

5. Remove ‘Powered by’ Links from Your WordPress Footer

Many free WordPress themes include footer links. Usually, this is a ‘Powered by WordPress’ message that directs users to the official WordPress site, but some theme developers may also add links to their own websites.

Outgoing links can lead visitors away from your website and negatively impact your WordPress SEO. Therefore, it’s advisable to remove them from the footer section by navigating to Appearance » Customize.

Some themes may complicate the removal of these links, requiring you to explore various settings.

We recommend starting by searching for settings labeled ‘Footer Options,’ ‘Footer & Copyright Options,’ or something similar.

In this section, you should have the ability to delete the links or replace them with your own URLs.

Certain themes embed the links directly in the theme files, preventing removal through the WordPress Customizer.

In such cases, you can eliminate these links by editing the footer.php file. For detailed guidance, please refer to our tutorial on removing the ‘Powered by WordPress’ footer links.

Removing ‘Powered By’ Links Using the Full Site Editor

To eliminate the ‘Powered By’ links in a block-enabled theme, simply access the footer template in the full site editor using the same method outlined earlier.

Within the editor, locate the text that says ‘Proudly powered by WordPress’ or something similar. You can replace it with your own message by typing it into the ‘Paragraph’ block.

To completely remove the text, select the ‘Paragraph’ block and then click on the three-dotted ‘options’ button.

Next, click on ‘Remove Paragraph’ to delete the block.

After that, click on ‘Save.’ When you visit your website, you will notice that the text has been successfully removed.

6. How to Integrate Instagram Feed into Your WordPress Footer

Do you frequently share stunning photos and videos on Instagram?

Visitors to your website won’t see your Instagram content unless you display it. Therefore, consider showcasing your recent Instagram photos in your website’s footer.

This is a simple way to promote your social media presence and encourage more followers on Instagram.

The easiest method to add a photo feed to your WordPress footer is by using the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin. It is the top Instagram plugin for WordPress, enabling you to effortlessly incorporate a photo feed into your website.

Once you add the social media feed to your footer, Smash Balloon will automatically fetch new Instagram photos. This ensures that your footer always displays your latest Instagram content to website visitors.

If you operate an online store, you can increase your sales by incorporating shoppable Instagram images in your WordPress footer.

Smash Balloon provides all the necessary tools to customize the appearance of your Instagram feed in the footer.

You can select from various layouts, include a ‘Follow’ button, optimize your feed for mobile devices, and more using the intuitive Smash Balloon editor.

For detailed instructions, please refer to our guide on how to easily embed Instagram in WordPress.

Once you are satisfied with the appearance of your feed, it’s time to add it to your website’s footer. Simply navigate to Appearance » Widgets and click on the blue ‘+’ button.

In the search bar, enter ‘Instagram Feed’ to locate the appropriate block. Keep in mind that WordPress features a built-in Instagram Feed button, so ensure you select the block that displays the official Instagram logo.

You can now drag and drop the block into your site’s footer.

After that, click on ‘Update.’ Then, you can visit your website to see your Instagram feed displayed in the footer.

Integrating an Instagram Feed Using the Full Site Editor

Adding the Smash Balloon Instagram feed to a block-enabled WordPress theme is a straightforward process.

Begin by accessing the footer template in the full site editor, following the same steps outlined earlier. Next, click the ‘+’ icon within the footer template.

Once that’s complete, enter ‘Instagram Feed’ into the search bar and choose the appropriate block when it appears to incorporate it into the footer.

The full-site editor will automatically display the Instagram feed you have set up.

After that, simply click ‘Save’ to publish your customized Instagram photo feed.

7. Implement a Sticky Footer Bar in WordPress

Looking to showcase special promotions or alerts in the footer section?

You can create a sticky footer bar that remains fixed at the bottom of the screen while visitors scroll.

To set up this sticky footer bar, you will need OptinMonster, the leading conversion optimization tool available, which helps convert website visitors into subscribers and customers.

OptinMonster also includes robust display rules, allowing you to present personalized messages in your website’s footer.

First, sign up for an OptinMonster account.

Next, install and activate the OptinMonster plugin on your WordPress site. After activation, select ‘Connect Your Existing Account.’

Enter your OptinMonster account email address and password.

After connecting, navigate to theOptinMonster » Campaignspage and click on either ‘Create your first campaign’ or ‘Add New’.

On the following screen, select ‘Floating Bar’ as your campaign type and choose a template.

To see a preview of an OptinMonster template, hover over it and click the ‘Preview’ button.

Once you find a template you like, click the ‘Use Template’ button.

Next, enter a name for your campaign. This is for your reference, so feel free to use any title you prefer.

After that, click on ‘Start Building’.

This will direct you to OptinMonster’s drag-and-drop campaign builder, where you can customize the footer bar. Click on any element to edit it or drag and drop new blocks from the left column.

When you are satisfied with the campaign design, click the ‘Publish’ button.

Then, choose ‘Publish’ to make your campaign live.

You can now click the ‘Save’ button to save your changes, and then click the ‘X’ in the upper-right corner to exit the OptinMonster campaign builder.

In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to the ‘Status’ dropdown and select ‘Published.’

Then, click on ‘Save.’

Now, go to your WordPress website to see the floating footer bar in action.

You can also utilize OptinMonster to create various high-converting campaigns, including slide-in footer popups, countdown timers, and targeted footer notifications that can assist in recovering abandoned cart sales.

8. Incorporate Social Media Buttons in Your WordPress Footer

A great way to utilize the footer space in your WordPress theme is by showcasing social media icons. This simple addition promotes your profiles and helps you gain more followers on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and others.

The most effective method to add these buttons is by using the Social Icons Widget plugin. This plugin supports all major social networks and offers multiple icon styles for you to choose from.

After activating the Social Icons Widget, go to the Appearance » Widgets page. Click on the ‘+’ button and search for the ‘Social Icons Block.’

When the correct block appears, drag and drop it into the footer area.

By default, the Social Icons Block includes several social media icons.

To link these icons to your social media profiles, simply click on the icon. In the pop-up bar, enter the URL of the page you wish to promote.

Would you like to choose a different icon for this social media platform?

Just click on the ‘Edit Details’ link. This will open a window where you can select a new image for the social icon.

Repeat this process for each social media icon included.

To remove one of the default icons, click on ‘Delete icon.’

There are numerous social media platforms and websites that you might want to include in your footer.

To add more, click on the ‘+’ button.

You can now select a social media icon and add a link by following the same steps outlined above.

Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement of the social media icons, click on ‘Update.’ Then, visit your website and scroll down to the footer area to see the social buttons in action.

Bonus:Looking to enhance your website with additional social features? Check out our expert recommendations for the best social media plugins for WordPress to expand your audience.

Integrating Social Buttons Using the Full Site Editor

Are you utilizing a block-enabled theme? If so, you can add social icons to the footer by navigating toThemes»Editorand access the footer template section.

Click the ‘+’ button and search for the ‘Social Icons block.’

Once the correct block is displayed, drag and drop it into the footer template.

This will insert a block featuring the default social media icons.

You can customize these icons and add additional social buttons by following the same steps outlined previously.

When you are satisfied with the appearance of the buttons, click the ‘Save’ button. Now, when you visit your website, the social icons will be visible in the footer.

9. Include a Phone Number in Your WordPress Footer

If you provide customer support via phone, including your phone number in the WordPress footer can facilitate user contact.

You’ll need a business phone number for this. We recommend Nextiva, the top business phone service for small enterprises.

Nextiva offers affordable calling options and advanced features like call forwarding, unlimited free domestic calls, voicemail to email and text, and more.

You can use the same number across multiple devices and manage calls from any internet-connected device.

To enhance your website, make sure to include your business phone number. A simple way to do this is by using the WP Call Button plugin, which allows you to add a click-to-call button to your WordPress site.

After activating the plugin, navigate to the Settings » WP Call Button section in your WordPress dashboard.

In this section, toggle the ‘Call Now Button Status’ switch to ‘Active.’

Next, enter your business phone number in the ‘Phone Number’ field.

The default text on the button is ‘Call Us,’ but you can customize it by entering your preferred message in the ‘Call Button Text’ field.

Then, scroll down to the Call Button Position section and select where you want the button to appear on your site. You can position it in the bottom-right corner or create a banner that spans the entire footer.

Once you are satisfied with your button settings, click ‘Save Changes.’ You can then visit your website to see the click-to-call button in action.

Prefer not to use a click-to-call button? Check out our guide on adding clickable phone numbers in WordPress for alternative methods.

10. Include a Contact Form in the Footer of Your WordPress Site

Your website’s footer can be a valuable space rather than just an endpoint. If you’ve included a navigation menu as described earlier, you’re on the right track. Additionally, consider adding a contact form in the footer to encourage customer engagement.

This is where WPForms becomes essential.

WPForms is the top-rated contact form plugin for WordPress, featuring a pre-built Simple Contact Form template that enables you to create a contact form in just a few clicks.

Once you’ve activated the plugin, navigate toWPForms » Add Newand enter a name for your contact form. This name is for your reference, so feel free to choose any title you prefer.

Next, locate the ‘Simple Contact Form’ template and click the ‘Use Template’ button.

WPForms will now launch the template in its form builder. The template includes all the essential fields you typically need, but you can easily add more by dragging them from the left-hand menu and dropping them onto your form.

You can also click on any field to modify it and rearrange the fields in your form using a simple drag-and-drop method.

To remove a field, just hover over it and click the small trash can icon that appears.

When you’re satisfied with your changes, click the ‘Save’ button to store your updates.

To integrate a contact form into your footer, navigate to the Appearance » Widgets section in your WordPress dashboard.

Here, click the ‘+’ button and search for ‘WPForms.’ Once the appropriate block appears, drag and drop it into your theme’s footer area.

Next, open the ‘Form’ dropdown menu and select your desired contact form.

You can also add an optional title that will display above the contact form.

After completing these steps, click the ‘Update’ button.

Now, when you visit your website, you’ll see the new contact form in the footer.

Adding a Contact Form Using the Full Site Editor

Looking to add a contact form to the footer of a block-based theme?

Then, navigate to Themes »Editor and access the footer template section. Click the ‘+’ icon and search for ‘WPForms’ to locate the correct block.

Then, simply drag the block into the footer area.

In the WPForms block, open the ‘Select a Form’ dropdown and choose the contact form you created.

When you’re ready to publish the contact form, just click the ‘Save’ button.

Bonus: Inspiring Footer Design Examples to Spark Your Creativity

After deciding on the features for your footer, explore various footer design examples for additional inspiration.

For instance, check out the footer design on CanadaCreate. You’ll see a clean and simple layout that includes important links to our products and free tools.

Our footer effectively presents all necessary information for readers without appearing cluttered, making it an excellent reference.

In a similar vein, OptinMonster’s footer includes links to essential pages such as documentation and highlights the software’s top features. This design encourages users to further explore the site, potentially leading to purchases.

Alternatively, consider Neil Patel’s footer, which is concise and user-friendly, featuring quick navigation links for readers.

Incorporating a footer like this allows you to provide users with essential information about your site while keeping their focus on the main content.

For more creative ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out our curated list of the best footer design examples.

We trust this article has guided you in selecting essential elements to enhance your WordPress footer’s functionality. Additionally, check out our guide on creating a sticky floating footer bar in WordPress and explore our collection of effective sidebar strategies for optimal results.

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