The LinkedIn share button allows users to easily share content from other websites directly to their LinkedIn profile or feed. This helps increase engagement, drive traffic, and improve search engine optimization (SEO) for both the website and the user sharing the content. However, the LinkedIn share button can sometimes be difficult for users to find on webpages. This article will explore common places to find the LinkedIn share button, why it may not always be obvious, and tips for enabling sharing to LinkedIn.
Common Locations for the LinkedIn Share Button
The LinkedIn share button is commonly found in a few standard locations on most websites and blogs:
1. Above or Below the Content
Many websites place social media share buttons, including for LinkedIn, either above or below an article or piece of content. This allows readers to easily share the page once they’ve read it. The share buttons are often contained in a “Share this article” box or similar call to action.
2. Sidebar
Websites often have a sidebar or widgetized area with menu options and content recommendations. The LinkedIn share button frequently appears in the sidebar alongside other social media buttons for sharing. This enables sharing the overall site content, rather than a specific page.
3. Floating Share Bar
Some websites use a “floating” share bar that remains visible near the top of the screen as users scroll through content. This persistent share bar keeps the LinkedIn button noticeable as visitors go down the page.
Why the LinkedIn Button Can Be Hard to Find
While LinkedIn sharing is very common, users sometimes have trouble locating the specific LinkedIn share button. There are a few reasons this can happen:
No Visible Sharing Options
Some websites simply do not have visible share buttons. This removes the ability to quickly share to LinkedIn. Sites may avoid share buttons to keep a clean interface or if social sharing is not part of their strategy.
Small or Low-Contrast Buttons
When included, share buttons are sometimes designed to be very small or subtle. This causes them to blend into the page visually. The LinkedIn button specifically may get lost alongside competing social media icons.
Odd Placement
Less commonly, websites place the share buttons in an unexpected location like the header, footer, or buried in menus. Users may not think to look for the LinkedIn option in these non-standard areas.
How to Make the LinkedIn Share Button More Visible
Here are some tips for websites looking to make their LinkedIn share button easier to find:
Use Familiar Placement
Put share buttons in expected locations like sidebars and above/below content. Don’t hide them away in unseen areas.
Make the LinkedIn Button Clearly Labeled
Label buttons with text like “Share to LinkedIn” so the icon is unambiguous. The LinkedIn logo itself may not be enough.
Increase Size and Contrast
Design share buttons to stand out on the page with sufficient size and contrast from background colors.
Limit Competing Buttons
Too many competing social media icons can camouflage the LinkedIn option. Prioritize the most relevant services.
Implement Persistent Sharing
Use a fixed “floating” share bar that remains visible as visitors scroll the page to keep the LinkedIn button in view.
Finding the Button on Common Sites
To demonstrate, here is where to find the LinkedIn share button on some popular sites:
Perhaps ironically, the LinkedIn share button can also blend into LinkedIn itself. But it can be found prominently in the sidebar of profile pages and at the top of news feed posts:
New York Times
The New York Times uses labeled share buttons prominently below articles to enable quick sharing to LinkedIn:
Forbes
Forbes highlights social sharing with large icons above articles, including a visible LinkedIn button:
Conclusion
While sometimes hidden, the LinkedIn share button provides an important way to increase engagement. Website owners can optimize by placing share buttons prominently in expected locations and drawing attention to the LinkedIn icon. When in doubt, putting “Share to LinkedIn” in text alongside the button helps users find it. With a bit of design focus, sites can allow their visitors to easily share content to enrich their professional social media networks.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Above content | Seen before reading, allows sharing full page | Requires scrolling back up after reading |
Below content | Convenient after reading, context specific | Requires scrolling down, won’t be seen if visitor leaves before end |
Sidebar | Always visible while scrolling | Shares the whole site, not specific pages |
Floating bar | Visible at all times during scrolling | Can be distracting, uses screen space |
Some people have trouble finding the LinkedIn share button – here are some tips to make it more visible:
Make it obvious
– Use clear labels like “Share on LinkedIn”
– Use a bold color that stands out
– Put it in an expected location like sidebar or content footer
Keep it prominent
– Large size so it doesn’t get missed
– Consistent placement on all pages
– Avoid burying it among other sharing options
Simplify design
– Declutter competing icons and buttons
– Don’t hide in menus or non-standard spots
– Have a persistent sharing toolbar that stays visible
Prioritizing the LinkedIn share button helps visitors share your content easily!
The LinkedIn share button allows easy sharing to LinkedIn profiles and feeds. However, it can sometimes be tricky to find on webpages due to small size, poor contrast, unusual location, or competing icons. Website owners should place share buttons prominently in expected locations like sidebars, content footers, and persistent toolbars. Labelling the buttons, using strong contrast, and simplifying surrounding clutter helps highlight the LinkedIn icon. Well-designed share options encourage visitors to spread site content through their professional networks.
Some best practices for making the LinkedIn share button visible include:
– Place in familiar locations like sidebar, header, and near content
– Use clear descriptive text labels like “Share on LinkedIn”
– Increase size and contrast from background
– Limit competing social media buttons around it
– Use a fixed floating toolbar that stays visible while scrolling
– Keep consistent across all pages on the site
– Avoid burying in menus, footer, or other hard to find spots
Prioritizing the discoverability and visibility of the LinkedIn sharing option allows more users to easily share content to their networks. This can improve traffic, engagement, and search visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I add a LinkedIn share button?
Adding a LinkedIn share button makes it easy for visitors to share your content to their professional networks. This can drive more traffic and engagement with your site.
Where is the best place to put the LinkedIn share button?
The best places are sidebar, header, content footer, or floating toolbar – anywhere visible and convenient. Avoid hard to find spots like buried menus.
How do I add a LinkedIn share button to my site?
You can easily add LinkedIn sharing by installing their sharing plugin and embedding the code on pages. Customize button size, color, and labels as needed.
Should the LinkedIn button be labeled or just use the icon?
Labeling as “Share on LinkedIn” or similar text makes it absolutely clear what the button does, especially for first-time visitors.
How big should the LinkedIn share button be?
Size it prominently so it stands out – at least 36px or larger is recommended. Avoid tiny share buttons that blend in.