How To Edit Footer In WordPress

10-11-2023 | 5 MIN READ

Your website’s footer is key for navigation and information, and updating it can seem daunting. This guide will take you through the process, step by step, making it simple and stress-free. Whether adding contact details or a copyright note, you’ll learn how to do it quickly and effectively. Let’s jump in and start editing your footer with confidence!

Getting Started

Before we jump into editing your WordPress footer, let’s ensure you’ve got everything in place:

  • Administrator Login: You’ll need the ability to sign in to your WordPress dashboard with an admin-level account.
  • Basic WordPress Know-How: A general understanding of navigating the WordPress dashboard will be necessary. No need to be a pro or expert—we’ll guide you through.
  • Site Backup: It is always good to have a recent website backup. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can restore it.
  • Content Ready: Have whatever you want to add to your footer—like text or links—at hand.

With these essentials, you can begin tailoring your footer to your needs!

Step By Step Guide How To Edit Footer In WordPress – 

Editing the footer in WordPress can be done in several ways, depending on the theme you’re using and whether you want to make simple changes or more complex customizations. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Customizing Your Footer via WordPress Customizer

Step 1: Open the Customizer

First, log in to your WordPress Dashboard. Go to the ‘Appearance’ section and click on ‘Customize’. This action will launch the WordPress Customizer, which is your central hub for all things design on your website.

Step 2: Find Footer Options

Once you’re in the customizer, scout for a section titled ‘Footer,’ ‘Widgets,’ or similar variations—this depends on the theme you’ve chosen for your site.

Step 3: Make Your Edits

In the footer section, you can update text, switch up the layout, play around with color schemes, and more. If widgets are in your footer, you can add new ones, adjust the existing ones, or shuffle them around to fit your vision better.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

After you’ve made the necessary update and are satisfied with the look and feel, click the ‘Publish’ button. This will make all your changes live for your website visitors to see.

By following these steps, you can personalize your site’s footer without any fuss!

How to Update Footer Widgets in WordPress

Step 1: Finding Widgets

To get started, log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate to ‘Appearance’. From there, you’ll want to click on ‘Widgets’. This area is where all the widget magic happens.

Step 2: Customizing Footer Widgets

In the Widgets area, you’ll find the section designated for the footer. It’s a drag-and-drop, letting you move widgets into your footer space effortlessly. Want to change what’s in a widget? Just click on it, and you can modify its contents.

Step 3: Saving Your Widgets

Once you update widgets to your important content, hit ‘Save’ on each one. This will save your changes and ensure your footer reflects your new customizations.

And there you have it — refreshing your footer widgets is just that simple!

How to Modify the Footer via Theme Editor in WordPress

Step 1: Enter the Theme Editor

First, log in to the admin area of your WordPress site. Then, head over to ‘Appearance’ and click on ‘Theme Editor’. This is where you can make direct edits to your theme’s files.

Step 2: Locate the Footer File

In the Theme Editor, you’ll see many files on the right side. Here, you need to find one called ‘footer.php’. This is the file that controls what shows up in the footer of your site.

Step 3: Edit with Care

Now, you’re in the territory where every change counts. Editing ‘footer.php’ means you’re working with the site’s code. If you’re new to code like PHP or HTML, it’s wise to ask for help or use a detailed guide. You want to avoid any missteps that could affect your site’s look or functionality.

Step 4: Save Your Edits

After making your changes, press the ‘Update File’ button to save them. This will apply your edits to the website.

Remember, always approach direct code edits with caution and back up your site before you start.

Streamlining Footer Edits with a Plugin

Step 1: Plugin Installation

Ready to tweak your footer without touching a line of code? Let’s start. Dive into your WordPress dashboard, click on ‘Plugins’, and then select ‘Add New’. Here, you can search for a handy plugin like ‘Insert Headers and Footers’—a favorite for its simplicity—or any plugin that suits your theme and needs.

Step 2: Activate Your Plugin

Found the one you need? Great, now install it. Once that’s done, hit ‘Activate’ to get it up and running.

Step 3: Customize Your Footer

With your plugin active, you’ll see new options to adjust your footer. Each

 

plugin has its instructions, but they’re all about making changes easy. Follow these, and you’ll have your footer looking just how you want it.

Smart Moves Before Editing Your Website

  1. Back It Up: Think of a backup as your website’s safety net. Before you change anything, secure a backup. This way, if something slips, you can always restore to the previous version without a hitch.
  2. Use a Child Theme: Working on your theme’s code? Set up a child theme first. It’s like saving your work on a separate sheet of paper so the main document remains unchanged. This way, your tweaks will be clear when your main theme gets updated.
  3. Refresh Your Cache: Done with changes? It is time to clear the cache, which is like erasing the whiteboard before writing new information. It ensures your visitors see the latest version of your site without old data getting in the way.

Remember these tips, and you’ll sidestep common pitfalls that can trip up even seasoned website editors.

We’ve covered the essentials of editing your WordPress footer, giving you the power to enhance your site’s functionality and style. If you’re still feeling unsure or prefer a hands-off approach, remember that a white-label WordPress agency is always an option. They can handle these customizations, allowing you to focus on what you do best. With the steps provided, whether you go with yourself or seek expert assistance, you’re on the right track to making your website as unique as your vision.

Interested in working with us?

Would love to hear from you!

Contact Us

Request a Quote

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.