The easiest way to connect your social media accounts to your website

How DO other solopreneurs get those slick little icons on their website that allow visitors to seamlessly click through and find them on social media?

It looks complicated right? Maybe you are thinking you even have to be able to write code?

Shhh! I’m going to reveal a secret… it’s much easier than you think!

I have one word for you: PLUGINS.

What on earth is one of those when it’s at home you may be thinking…

Here’s the definition from the techie people who developed WordPress (the software that was used to build this and all my client websites):

“Plugins are ways to extend and add to the functionality that already exists in WordPress.

The core of WordPress is designed to be lean and lightweight, to maximize flexibility and minimize code bloat. Plugins then offer custom functions and features so that each user can tailor their site to their specific needs.”

So getting past “code bloat” (which thank goodness it isn’t necessary to understand) what a Plugin does is easily install a bit of code in the inner workings of your website that produces a lovely little feature like a set of icons that connect your website to your social media profiles…ta da!

So how do you get one of these Plugin thingies?

Once you have logged into your WordPress Dashboard you can access a directory of (apparently) 36,717 plugins simply by choosing the “Plugin” option from your sidebar and clcking on “Add New”.

Currently, if you type “social media” in the Plugin directory search box you will come up with 871 results! So to make it easy for you I am going to recommend my personal two current favourites (both used on this site).

But first…what’s the difference between Social Media Icons and Social Media Sharing Plugins?

Social Media Icons are the buttons site visitors click on to find you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram etc.

I recommend Simple Social Icons (that connects your website and social media profiles – developed by Studio Press – my favourite professional WordPress theme).

Social Media Sharing plugins allow you to add buttons to share your website content on social media – you can choose to install them on your website pages or just your blog posts.

I recommend Share This (this gives you lots of flexibility on how to share your content, both pages and blog posts, including “floating” sharing bars).

Tip: If you are using a professional theme to style your WordPress website it is advisable to start your search by seeing what the theme developers recommend. The theme website will have available any plugins that the theme developers have created. It’s best to start here as you can be assured that the plugin will work for you.

Fear not, if a plugin doesn’t work, it is simple to uninstall and delete it and find another.

How to install a Plugin in 3 easy steps

1. Find your plugin from the WordPress Plugin directory (via your WordPress site Dashboard)
2. Click to install
3. Click to activate (and edit your settings to connect to your social media accounts)

Over to you

Do you have a favourite WordPress plugin for social media that you use? Please share below in the comments, I’m always keen to hear about recommended techie resources that I can use and pass on!

(You can connect with me on social media using the social media icons to the right in the sidebar, and if you found this post useful, please share using the social media sharing buttons to the left or below this post!)

If you are struggling to understand how WordPress works you might want to consider having your site built for you instead of spending precious time you could devote to working with clients trying to figure it all out for yourself.

My Bespoke Website Package is aimed at heart-centred solopreneurs who don’t want to know all the ins and outs of website build but DO want to be able to manage their completed site. I personally guide all clients through a 1-2-1 online training session where I sit down with you and explain how everything works (in plain English, not “geek speak”) and support you as you set up your first blog post and make small site edits for yourself.

My aim is that you will feel empowered and delight in continuing to blog and build your business presence online. To find out more and start the conversation click here.

Photo credit: Death to the Stock Photo