Running a WordPress blog takes a lot of time. You know… posting fresh content, updating your blog’s look from time to time, handling the comments, replying to them. Then there’s the promotional side, building backlinks and all that stuff. Anyway, I recently came across Facebook comments.

It immediately caught my attention as who wouldn’t want Facebook commenting on their blog? I mean, the original WordPress commenting system is OK and all… But In my opinion, it’s kind of bland and simply boring. So I thought I’d spice up my blog by installing Facebook comments. You know what happened?

A dramatic increase in overall commenting. Yeah, it was pretty nice. So I thought I’d show everyone how to install facebook comments on a WordPress blog. So in conclusion on the whole reason why you should install Facebook comments:

  • It looks bad ass
  • It increases comment activity
  • It adds more of a “social” look to your site
  • It generates traffic!
  • Less spam

Clearly, installing it is a no brainer. Thing is, when I first tried to install Facebook comments I ran into a couple of obstacles. You can actually install Facebook comments manually or you can use a WordPress plugin. I vote for the plugin as doing it manually involves some theme editing. You know, html crap and if you me at all, you’ll know I’m really not that tech savvy. So follow the steps below and you’ll have Facebook comments up and running within the next 10 minutes!

1. Create A Facebook App

I have no idea why this is necessary, but it has to be done. Go here and create your app. When you load that page, just login to your Facebook account if you’re not already logged in. You’ll be brought to this page… just follow the instruction:

Facebook App

Next, you need to fill out a few details. Name the app whatever you like. I’d just name it after your website and the same goes for the description:

Facebook App

Once done, save the changes. Then go to the website tab where you need to fill in the URL and domain fields.

Facebook App

Make sure you enter your URL correctly including the / at the end. That’s all you have to do for the App creation part. When you’re on that page, take note of your application ID and Secret. Save them in your notepad or something.

2. Install Facebook Comments Plugin

There are a couple of different WordPress plugins for Facebook comments. From what I can tell, they are all pretty much the same. The one that worked for me is called Facebook Comments For WordPress. You can download it here, then just upload it to your blog.

3. Edit Plugin Settings

Really simple to do, I even took a screenshot of my settings for you. Of course, you’ll find the plugin settings under the WordPress settings tab. There are several other settings that the image doesn’t show you, but these are the key ones you mustn’t miss.

Facebook Comments Settings

On the settings page, you need to enter your Facebook application ID and Secret. Also, you can take a look at my other settings. I use the new Facebook commenting system. There’s V1 and V2 right now, not sure if there’s any difference between them. I’d say just keep it as new. Also, make you you tick the include Facebook comments on blog.

If you want to hide WordPress’s default commenting system altogether, tick the second box. You can play around with the other settings as you please. One other setting that’s vital is the comment box width. You’ll find that setting if you scroll down the page a little. You should adjust the width according to your blog post’s width.

That’s about it. There’s also a colour scheme choice, there’s a dark and light option. I would go with light, but it’s up to you. I feel that the Facebook commenting system is about to explode. I’m sure it will be practically mandatory for a successful blog within the next year or two. There are also a couple of other benefits.

Way less spam! I hate spammers. I mean, how am I supposed to build a relationship with someone called “cheap Viagra”, or “how to get my ex back”. In all honestly, they get on my nerves and I keep trying to fight them off with expensive “combat spam” plugins. You’ll find that if you turn off the default WordPress commenting system and activate Facebook comments, you’ll practically eliminate spam altogether.

The downside is that you will get less comments. As like 30% of people who comment on blogs only do it for the free backlink. Another cool feature, the comments get posted on Facebook. This means random Facebook users might see Jill’s comment on Jill’s wall and decide to add to the conversation. Really powerful feature, it can practically start Facebook conversations which will appear on your blog.

In Prosperity

David Wood

P.S. If you’d like to learn how to explode your blog’s traffic, dominate the search engines and even receive thousands of daily visitors straight from sites like Facebook, put your email in the form on the right!

Be Sociable, Share!

Tagged with:

Filed under: Post Topics

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!