How to Add Facebook Recommendation Bar in WordPress

Adding a Facebook Recommendation Bar to your WordPress website can significantly enhance visitor engagement. This interactive bar appears discreetly in a corner while someone reads a post, suggesting similar content they may enjoy based on their preferences. When users click “Like,” they see more posts of interest, and it also shows if their friends have liked the content.

This tool builds visitor confidence, reduces bounce rates, and increases clicks without any coding. Facebook offers simple installation tools, and you can also use a WordPress plugin. This guide will walk you through each step, allowing your site to become more interactive, social, and engaging for every visitor in just minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding the Facebook Recommendation Bar in WordPress

Follow this detailed guide to quickly install the Facebook Recommendation Bar on your WordPress website and boost user involvement.

Step 1: Understand the Facebook Recommendation Bar

The Facebook Recommendation Bar suggests additional relevant content as users read a post. It highlights related content from your website that readers might enjoy. After someone hits “Like,” the bar suggests even more posts, driving traffic to your page. It builds trust by showing how many of their Facebook friends have liked the page. Efficiently working on both phones and laptops, it keeps readers on your website longer and simplifies the discovery of fresh information.

Step 2: Set Up a Facebook App ID

To use Facebook features on your website, you need to create a Facebook app. This process generates a unique App ID that connects your website to Facebook.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Visit https://developers.facebook.com.
2. Log in using your Facebook account.
3. Click “My Apps” at the top-right corner.
4. Select “Create App.”
5. Choose “For Everything Else” and click “Next.”
6. Enter your email address and app name.
7. Click “Create App.”
8. Navigate to “Settings > Basic” on the left menu.
9. Note the App ID – you’ll need this later.

Step 3: Install a Facebook Plugin in WordPress

To display the recommendation bar on your WordPress website, install a plugin that connects to Facebook. A straightforward approach is to use a free plugin like the Facebook Recommendation Bar plugin.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Plugins > Add New.”
3. Search for “Facebook Recommendations Bar.”
4. Click “Install Now” on a trusted plugin.
5. Click “Activate” once the installation is complete.

Some plugins also enable Facebook Like buttons and social sharing. Choose one that fits your design preferences and website requirements.

Step 4: Configure the Plugin Settings

Once the plugin is active, set up the settings for the recommendation bar. Typically, the WordPress plugin settings are found under the ‘Settings’ menu in your dashboard. Look for something labeled “Facebook” or “Social Plugins.”

Follow these steps:

1. Enter the Facebook App ID you created earlier.
2. Enable the “Recommendation Bar” option.
3. Choose where the bar should appear (e.g., bottom left or bottom right).
4. Set when it should appear (e.g., after 30 seconds or once the user scrolls 50% of the page).
5. Choose the content type – posts, pages, or both.
6. Click “Save Changes.”

Your Facebook Recommendation Bar is now active on your site.

Step 5: Customize the Appearance of the Bar

Many plugins allow you to modify the appearance of your recommendation bar to better match your site’s design and style.

You can usually adjust the following options:

• Background color
• Font size and color
• Border radius and spacing
• Animation effects or fade-in settings

The plugin’s dashboard page typically reveals most parameters. Spend some time tweaking the bar until it looks just right. You can preview the changes on one of your pages before making them live.

Step 6: Test the Recommendation Bar on Your Site

Once everything is set up, test the bar to ensure it functions correctly.

1. Visit a logged-off post or page on your site.
2. Check if the bar shows at the set time or scroll percentage by dragging it down.
3. Click “Like” to check the suggested posts that appear.
4. Verify if the links load quickly and work properly.

A mobile test is also essential to ensure it looks great on smaller displays. If you encounter any issues, double-check your App ID or plugin settings. You may also disable other plugins causing conflicts or clear your cache.

Step 7: Monitor Performance and Make Improvements

Monitoring the performance of your Facebook Recommendation Bar is a smart move once it’s active. Use website analytics tools, like Google Analytics, to see if page visits increase. Since most Facebook plugins lack tracking, rely on traffic and interaction numbers. Compare website views before and after the bar installation.

If user interaction is low, consider adjusting the following:

• When the bar appears
• The location of the bar
• Types of content recommended

Sometimes, small adjustments can significantly boost user interaction.

Step 8: Update the Plugin Regularly

To ensure optimal performance and avoid security issues, regularly update your plugins. Outdated plugins may stop working or conflict with other tools.

To maintain smooth operation:

1. Check the plugin update notifications in WordPress weekly.
2. Read the change log to see what updates include.
3. Always back up your site before updating.

An up-to-date plugin ensures better compatibility with WordPress and Facebook tools.

Conclusion

Including the Facebook Recommendation Bar on your WordPress website increases user interaction and traffic. It showcases similar posts, uses social proof to build credibility, and encourages users to keep exploring. The setup is quick and easy with a Facebook App ID and a reliable plugin. Test it on various devices and customize the look to match your website. Regular updates and performance checks help maintain functionality and ensure smooth operation. This powerful tool enhances the user experience without the need for coding. Start using it today to make your website more social, engaging, and valuable for every visitor.