We build a list with some of the best free WordPress network media plugins for social sharing.
Social Sharing is now an integral part of our internet experience. Social media is constantly on the rise and is becoming popular with older folk.
With so much information on the internet, tracking down what you really need is a real feat. Search engines make it possible to find the information you need, but social media also plays a significant role in helping you find your favorite websites. Why? Your friends or the people you follow have a lot in common with you, and when they share something, it is far more likely that you’ll find the shared information of interest.
72% of internet users are active on social media, representing a marketing opportunity you cannot ignore. After search engines, it is social media that drives the most traffic to websites. Unlike normal advertisements and television slots, it serves as a 2-way communication and helps build brand awareness.
Creating good content is only 50% of the job. Getting it before the target audience is the other tricky half. That’s where social sharing can give a leg up. You can tap a share button from almost any screen, and content is instantly shareble, which provides insightful information about website traffic sources over the past few years from search engines and social networks.
There are many Social Sharing Plugins For WordPress available that you could use on your website. I’ve picked a few popular ones here for a quick read.
Best Social Sharing WordPress Plugins
Share Buttons by AddToAny: Best Social Sharing WordPress Plugins
We make use of this plugin here at Visualmodo WordPress themes blog. Although you are unlikely to use them, Share Buttons by AddToAny offers more than 100 share buttons. It finds a place in this list because it allows for much customization. Social media presence can also be up using Google Analytics.
Active installs: 200,000+, Star rating 4.7.
Simple Share Buttons Adder
A simple plugin with which you can add share buttons to all your posts and pages, Simple Share Buttons Adder lets you pick an image set that goes well with your website or add your own.
The features packed in this plugin are –
- Firstly, 10 different button sets that scale perfectly to mobile devices.
- Secondly, custom color with color picker functionality.
- URLs can be shorter.
- Change share tags and buttons placed where you want them.
- Finally, all share button events can be using a track from your dashboard.
The most recent update (Nov 2015) includes Yummly sharing functionality – Users can now share recipes from the same page without using messy popups. These buttons can only be placed on individual pages. The email popup option has been made easier to use. Twitter share counts have been removed officially, and so this version has been released without it.
Purchase Price: The premium version is also available. For $10, you can activate Simple Share Buttons on 1 site, for $25 on 3 places, and $100 on an unlimited number of websites.
Active installs: 100,000+, Star rating 4.7.
SumoMe
SumoMe is not a single app but a suite of apps designed to increase traffic. Moreover, a WordPress-compatible version of SumoMe makes it easy to integrate with WordPress sites. You don’t need to use the entire suite; you can pick only the ones you want by creating an account.
This app can add share buttons over individual targeted images and facilitates URL shortening and statistics. It supports 16 social services, including Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. In addition, UTM will help you see exactly how much traffic every shared link is directing your way.
Purchase Price: Free branding and paid options. So, starting at $10/month for their starter pack and $100/month for their professional group.
Add This: Best Social Sharing WordPress Plugins
With Add This social sharing icon, various designs, and icon sizes are possible. It supports over 200 social media services. Moreover, the makers claim that websites that use Add This sharing buttons witness a 20% increase in sharing.
The plugin is free, but there’s a premium version. So, the premium version has additional features like a floating sidebar and other widgets.
Active installs: 200,000+, Star rating 3.7.
Shareaholic
Shareaholic is one of the more popular social sharing plugins. Their award-winning toolset for websites increases page views, repeat visits, time on site, and sharing rates. The easy-to-use analytics keyboard will help understand audiences and deliver appropriate content.
The following features can all be found in Shareaholic,
- A variety of looks for the social sharing buttons are more attractive than the native buttons.
- Support for WordPress, Drupal, Tumblr, Shopify, and more.
- Support for social analytics and shortcode placement.
- Related content is displayed.
- Control over the display of share counts.
Shareaholic (in the words of the developers) is an all-in-one content amplification and monetization platform that includes social sharing.
Purchase Price: It is free, but you must register to access the offered features.
Active installs 100,000+, Star rating 3.8.