How to Add "Follow Us" on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Adding a "Follow Us" Section is Important
3. Methods to Add a "Follow Us" Section on Shopify
4. Best Practices for Your "Follow Us" Section
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands they follow on social media? In today's digital marketplace, building a strong online presence is essential for ecommerce success. One effective way to enhance your brand's visibility and foster customer loyalty is by encouraging your visitors to follow you on social media. Specifically, adding a "Follow Us" section to your Shopify store can significantly increase your social media following, thus amplifying your reach and engagement.

In this blog post, we will dive into the practical steps on how to add a "Follow Us" section on Shopify. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of various methods to implement this feature, along with the benefits it brings to your ecommerce strategy. We’ll cover everything from basic settings in your Shopify admin to more advanced coding techniques, accommodating both beginners and experienced users.

Let’s embark on this journey to enhance your Shopify store’s social media integration, making it a pivotal part of your ecommerce strategy.

Why Adding a "Follow Us" Section is Important

Enhancing Customer Engagement

Social media serves as a powerful channel for interacting with customers. By having a visible "Follow Us" section, you encourage visitors to connect with your brand, leading to higher engagement levels. This interaction can cultivate a sense of community, where customers feel more aligned with your brand.

Increasing Brand Awareness

A strong social media presence can elevate your brand visibility. When customers follow you, your brand appears in their feeds, providing ongoing exposure that can drive repeat business. This consistent visibility can contribute to building brand loyalty and trust.

Driving Traffic to Your Store

Social media platforms are not just for engagement; they can also be a source of traffic to your store. By sharing promotions, updates, and content, you can guide followers back to your Shopify store, increasing the chances of conversions.

Gathering Customer Insights

Social media allows you to gather valuable customer insights through interactions, comments, and engagement metrics. This feedback can inform your marketing strategies and product offerings, aligning them with customer preferences.

Methods to Add a "Follow Us" Section on Shopify

Now that we've established the importance of having a "Follow Us" section, let’s explore the various methods to implement this feature on your Shopify store.

Method 1: Using Shopify Theme Editor

The simplest way to add a "Follow Us" section is by using the built-in Shopify Theme Editor. Here’s how:

1. Log into your Shopify Admin: Go to your Shopify store and log in.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes: Click on "Online Store" in the left sidebar, then select "Themes."
3. Customize your Theme: Next to the theme you want to edit, click on "Customize."
4. Access the Footer Section: Scroll down to the footer section of your theme.
5. Add Social Media Links: Look for the option to add social media links. Here, you can input your social media URLs. Make sure to enable the "Follow Us" option, if available.
6. Save Changes: Click "Save" to apply the changes to your store.

This method is straightforward and requires no coding knowledge, making it ideal for beginners.

Method 2: Modifying the Code in Theme Files

For those who are comfortable with coding, adding a "Follow Us" section directly into your theme files provides more customization options. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access the Code Editor: From your Shopify Admin, go to "Online Store" > "Themes." Click on "Actions" next to your theme and select "Edit code."

2. Locate the Footer File: In the Sections folder, find the footer.liquid file. This file controls the footer content of your site.

3. Insert HTML for "Follow Us" Section: You can add the following code snippet where you want the "Follow Us" section to appear in your footer:

   <div class="follow-us">
       <h4>Follow Us</h4>
       <ul class="social-media-links">
           <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourpage" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
           <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yourpage" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li>
           <li><a href="https://www.twitter.com/yourpage" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li>
           <li><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/yourpage" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></li>
       </ul>
   </div>
   

4. Style Your Section: You can also add custom CSS in the base.css file to style your "Follow Us" section according to your brand aesthetics. For example:

   .follow-us {
       text-align: center;
       margin: 20px 0;
   }
   .social-media-links {
       list-style: none;
       padding: 0;
   }
   .social-media-links li {
       display: inline;
       margin: 0 10px;
   }
   

5. Save Changes: Once you’re done, click "Save" to apply the changes.

Method 3: Using a Shopify App

If you're looking for a quick and hassle-free solution, consider using a Shopify app designed for social media integration. Apps like Social Media Icons or Instafeed allow you to add social media buttons easily without any coding. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Shopify App Store: Go to the Shopify App Store and search for social media integration apps.
2. Install Your Chosen App: Select an app that fits your needs and click "Add app" to install it.
3. Configure the App: Follow the app's instructions to set up your "Follow Us" section. Most apps will have user-friendly interfaces that require minimal setup.
4. Position the Icons: Many apps allow you to position the icons anywhere on your site, including the footer, header, or even a dedicated section.
5. Save and View Changes: Make sure to save your settings and check how it looks on your storefront.

Method 4: Adding to the Thank You Page

Another strategic location for your "Follow Us" section is on the Thank You page after a purchase. This can encourage customers to follow you after completing their transaction. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Online Store > Themes: Access the theme editor as described earlier.
2. Edit the Checkout Settings: Navigate to "Settings" > "Checkout."
3. Scroll to Order Status Page: In this section, you can edit the content that appears on the order confirmation page.
4. Insert a "Follow Us" Message: Add a short message encouraging customers to follow you on social media, along with the links.

This method can effectively capture the attention of satisfied customers right after their purchase, increasing the likelihood of them following your brand.

Best Practices for Your "Follow Us" Section

1. Use Eye-Catching Icons

Make sure your social media icons are visually appealing and recognizable. Utilize standard logos and ensure they stand out against your store’s design.

2. Provide Clear Calls-to-Action

Encourage visitors to follow you by using clear and inviting language. Phrases like “Join our community” or “Stay updated with our latest news” can be effective motivators.

3. Regularly Update Your Links

Ensure that the links to your social media profiles are always up to date. Broken links can create a frustrating user experience and diminish trust in your brand.

4. Optimize for Mobile

Given that a significant portion of ecommerce traffic comes from mobile devices, ensure that your "Follow Us" section is mobile-friendly. Test how it appears on various devices and adjust as necessary.

Conclusion

Adding a "Follow Us" section to your Shopify store is an essential step towards enhancing customer engagement and growing your brand presence. Whether you choose to use the Shopify theme editor, modify your code directly, or leverage a dedicated app, the options are plentiful and accessible.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively encourage visitors to connect with you on social media, thus paving the way for increased traffic, engagement, and ultimately, sales.

If you're looking to take your ecommerce strategy to the next level, consider exploring our PowerCommerce eStore Suite. With advanced features designed to optimize your storefront performance, streamline operations, and drive conversions, we are committed to empowering your ecommerce success.

FAQ Section

1. Can I add a "Follow Us" section without coding knowledge?
Yes! You can use the Shopify Theme Editor to add social media links easily, or you can install a dedicated app that handles this for you.

2. What social media platforms should I include?
Focus on platforms where your target audience is most active. Typically, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are good options.

3. Is it necessary to have a "Follow Us" section?
While not mandatory, it significantly enhances customer engagement and helps in building a loyal customer base.

4. How can I track the success of my social media engagement?
Utilize analytics tools provided by social media platforms to monitor growth and engagement metrics.

5. Can I customize the appearance of my "Follow Us" section?
Absolutely! If you modify the code, you can style it as per your brand’s aesthetic. Apps also offer customization features for a seamless look.

By following these guidelines, you can build a strong community around your brand, fostering loyalty and driving sales. Let’s harness the power of social media to elevate your Shopify store!