The footer tends to be the most underutilized part of a blog. Most blogs have an empty footer or one containing a link to their blog’s theme designer and nothing else.
(But then there are ladies like the ones I featured here that have got it figured out!)
The Problem With Most Footers
A Dead-End
If you’ve seen my post on creating your Blog Blueprint, you know that I believe your entire blog should play a part in your overall strategy. That includes your footer.
If readers make it down to your footer it means they’ve read your entire post or page. They liked what you had to say and they’re ready for more. Instead of leading your readers to a dead-end, you should show them where to go next.
Taking the time to optimize your footer can increase conversions and keep readers on your site longer.
Wasted Space
Even if you’re going for a minimal look, just having your Terms & Conditions in your footer is a waste of space. You certainly don’t need a big footer, like mine, but adding some social media icons at the very least will encourage your readers to check you out on other platforms.
Not sure how to add social media icons to your footer in WordPress? I’ve created a free tutorial for you!
What To Do Instead
Your footer should be a key part of helping you reach your blog and business goals.
Check out this post on defining high-value goals, grab your free workbook, and come back here with your three supporting goals.
* insert Jeopardy song here *
You’re back!
Now you can take those three supporting goals and put your footer to use. The great thing about most WordPress themes is that there are generally three widget areas. Perfect for adding content for your three supporting goals!
As a quick illustration, I’ll use myself as an example.
- Main goal: build a full-time income through value-packed products and services
- Supporting goal 1: Grow my email list
- Supporting goal 2: Build trust with my audience
- Supporting goal 3: Grow my social media reach
Now, if you check out my footer you can clearly see those three supporting goals reflected. I’m building trust through encouraging readers to check out my About page to learn more about me. I then link to my free course, which grows my email list and continues building trust by proving my knowledge. And at the far right are links to my social media accounts, which make it easy for people to follow me on other platforms.
If you need a bit more inspiration, here are some ways I’ve seen footers put to good use:
- Email opt-in with some sort of free incentive
- Social media links
- Links to top pages
- Links to most popular posts
- Social media widgets – ex: show latest pins on Pinterest or latest Instagram posts
- Blog and business mission statement
How Can You Use Your Footer?
Are you planning to update your footer based on this post? What changes are you going to make?
If you’re already putting your footer to good use let us know what your goals are and how your footer is helping you out!
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