Update: I have now started using a new SEO plugin that has this feature built right in. Killing two birds with one stone is something I like! This is still a great plugin too. Either way, read below for why you might want to put content in your footer.
I have recently started using Tentblogger's RSS Add Footer and I'm a fan. If you're a subscriber of mine (if not, wanna be?), you may have noticed the link to my ebook in the footer of my emails:
What does it do?
Here's TentBlogger's description:
…easily add content, links, or anything else you'd like at the end of blog post via your RSS feed. Create links to anywhere you'd like such as other blogs, other posts of interest, or even affiliate sponsors and products!
Also, read his post about it.
How do you get it?
It's a WordPress plugin you can add via your Dashboard.
Go to Dashboard –> Plugins –> Add New –> search for "Add RSS Footer" and click Install.
Once it's installed, activate it and then you'll see the settings in the left column in your Dashboard near the bottom (it's the "TentBlogger" link). Edit it there. Easy peasy.
Tip: If you want to add links or images or other things besides straight text, you'll have to write it in HTML. Don't know HTML? No worries, simply act like you're creating a new post in WordPress with the information you want to include. Then, click the HTML tab for your post and copy and paste the HTML right into the plugin settings.
Why would you want to add something to your feed's footer?
Well you could do so many things with it. I linked to my ebook (as pictured above) but you could also use it:
- As a safety feature if your content is getting scraped a lot. Like TentBlogger says, if someone is grabbing your feed and reposting it elsewhere, at least you'll be sure to have a source link at the end of the post.
- To giveaway a freebie to RSS/email subscribers. You can upload the freebie to your site (like a PDF via "Add Media") and then simply grab the unique URL and provide that link to the freebie in the footer.
- To encourage readers to check out your Facebook page or other social media platform.
- For an affiliate product you're promoting. Related: How to Make Money Blogging: Affiliate Marketing Explained.
There's all kinds of things you could do with it!
Great practical advice! I really appreciate your website. I am new to blogging and just came across your blog a couple weeks ago. You have been a huge help for me to make improvements to my site.
Thanks, Rebecca. I'm so glad you stopped by!
I am HUGGING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have tried to do this for three days on my own with google…. With your help — it took 5 minutes!!!
Thanks so much!
Melanie
I am returning the hug.
Oh my, I've been banging my head on the wall over this issue for weeks now. I've searched your site several times for it, even. Thank you. Really Thank you. This will be so easily resolved now!
Glad it helped!
You have perfect time Amy! I too am hugging you for telling us how to do this!
Glad it was helpful!
This is great. Now to decide what to add.
Aha! I think you have solved more than one mystery for me
Thank you!
I have another RSS footer plug in that I haven't started using yet because I wanted to include an image link like you have ~ WOOT!! Need to check it out tonight. Does your automatically insert the post name and link back to your site? I'm guessing that is one of the features, eh?
Yes, it does. Super handy.
I don't always comment but I read all your posts! Thanks for your great info and the links to even more on your facebook page too.
I'm using WordPress SEO (by Yoast) and I suspect that this would duplicate what that already does. The one thing that I cannot figure out is how to say click here to leave a comment. I could do it for one particular post but I'm not sure what the coding would be to link back to the specific post in the feed. Do you know?
Not off the top of my head. Maybe you could find some info on Yoast's site?
Every time I read one of your articles, it's moving me closer and closer to making the switch from Blogger to WordPress. They just "get" how important seamless interactions need to be for blog readers.
I definitely recommend it!
Love RSS Footer! I've been using it for a while now too. It's so easy to edit what I've got in there so I can change it regularly.
I'm currently using RSS Footer (not the same as the RSS Add Footer). Would it be beneficial for me to make the switch?
If it's workin' for you, I wouldn't switch! The added benefit of this one is the automatic insertion of a link to your post, but if that's not a huge deal to you, I'd just stick with what you've got.
Thanks, Amy! The RSS Footer plug-in actually inserts the link as well, so I guess I can just stay with what I already use.
I use RSS Footer plug in too. I didn't know John Saddington had a plug in for this! I may have to try it out. RSS Footer plug in is hard to format IMO. I really struggle getting the HTML perfect so that it looks just like I want.
Hi Amy, I just installed the TentBlogger plugin. I'm anxious to see if I did it correctly but will have to wait until my next post goes out. I'm wondering if this works on a truncated feed? I am thinking about truncating my feed but haven't yet.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I was thinking of trying RSS Footer as scraping was causing a problem. But now I would give Tentbloggers' RSS Add Footer a try. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for this Amy!! Found your post doing a Google search on how to get a link into a footer feed!
Much obliged!