Allowing users to register and login to your WordPress site using their Facebook account can benefit both them and you. For users, it‘s simpler and faster. For you, it can increase conversions and engagement.
The Benefits of Integrating Facebook Login
Here are some key reasons to add Facebook login:
Increased Signup Conversions
According to statistics from Buffer, social login integration can improve conversion rates by up to 50%. Eliminating extra steps lowers barriers to signup.
Better User Engagement
Users logged into Facebook browser are 80% more likely to engage with site content shares and likes rather than anonymous visitors according to Quintly data.
Less Abandoned Registrations
Traditional multi-page forms see up to 60% drop off according to Baymard Institute. Facebook login provides a one-click alternative.
Valuable Social Data Insights
Access to user profiles and friends list opens opportunities for segmented marketing and demographics analysis.
Clearly there are some major benefits to weigh up when considering adding Facebook integration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Facebook Login Setup
Adding login with Facebook functionality requires connecting your WordPress site to a Facebook app. This handles secure authentication and permissions.
The easiest method is by using a dedicated social login plugin. Let‘s look at how to setup the top plugins:
1. Install and Activate Social Login Plugin
There are a few great options here. To help decide, here‘s a quick comparison:
| Plugin | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Social Login WordPress Plugin | Free and open source, customizable login buttons |
| Social Jack | Auto account linking to existing users, email notifications |
| NextScripts SNAP | Can import friends also using app, customizable opt-in |
We recommend the Social Login plugin as the easiest free method.
To install:
- Get plugin from wordpress.org
- Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
- Activate the Social Login Plugin
2. Configure your Facebook Developer App
To allow users to login from Facebook, an app needs creating to handle secure OAuth authentication:
- Go to Facebook Developers
- Click My Apps > Create App
- Select Consumer then Website app purpose
- Enter your App Display Name, Contact Email, App ID Namespace
- Create App ID, accept platform dialog then Continue
- From the left sidebar, click Facebook Login > Settings
- In Valid OAuth redirect URIs enter your WordPress site URL
- Enable Web OAuth Login from the Login Products section
- Click Save Changes
Make sure you go through the app review process fully before going live. Facebook will analyze security practices and content shared during testing stages.
3. Connect Facebook App to Plugin
With the domains and permissions now configured via an approved Facebook app, it‘s time to enable and activate everything in WordPress:
- Within your WordPress admin, go to Settings > Social Login
- Check the box to enable Facebook login functionality
- Enter your Facebook App ID and App Secret keys
- Customize any further configuration options to your needs
- Save settings
You can now test logging in using your Facebook account. New users will have auto-generated accounts created.
Displaying the Facebook Login Button
With functionality working through your social login plugin, let‘s add a visible login button to your site UI using a widget:
The easiest approach is:
- Go to Appearance > Widgets
- Drag the Social Login Widget into your sidebar
- Select which networks to show e.g. Facebook icon
- Choose size and optionally enter widget title
Some best practices for further optimizing discovery and conversions:
- Display on high-traffic areas like headers, footers, landing pages
- Use button/icon paired with text prompt
- Link icons to new browser tab sign-in
For further customizations, there is the Social Connect Buttons widget and developers can also output the buttons using shortcodes.
Now visitors will see and easily understand the Facebook login option when accessing your site!
Final Thoughts
Integrating Facebook login can significantly benefit both your user experience as well as help achieve business goals like lead generation.
Just make sure to follow all the steps carefully when configuring your approved Facebook application and connecting up everything securely.
There may still be some initial CSS customizations needed depending on your WordPress theme layout.
We hope this guide covered the full process in sufficient detail. Let us know if any aspect needs further expansion or if you have any other questions!
