by Floating Action Button Plugin for WordPress – A Complete Guide
Introduction
Modern websites are all about user experience (UX) and ease of navigation. A small design tweak can drastically improve how users interact with your site, and one such powerful tool is the Floating Action Button (FAB). If you’ve ever used apps like Gmail or WhatsApp, you’ve probably noticed a small circular button floating in the corner of the screen – that’s a Floating Action Button.
In WordPress, the Floating Action Button plugin allows site owners to add customizable floating buttons that perform important actions like opening a contact form, linking to social media, calling a phone number, scrolling to the top, or launching a chat widget. Since it stays visible as users scroll, it provides quick access to essential actions without cluttering the site’s design.
This article explores the Floating Action Button plugin in detail – its features, use cases, benefits, customization options, and why it’s a must-have for modern WordPress websites.
What is a Floating Action Button Plugin?
A Floating Action Button plugin is a WordPress tool that adds a sticky, round, interactive button that “floats” over your website’s content. Unlike traditional navigation links hidden in menus or footers, a FAB stays fixed in one corner of the screen, always accessible to users.
The button can be configured to trigger different actions, such as:
- Open a popup form (contact, subscription, feedback).
- Scroll the page to the top or bottom.
- Dial a phone number (on mobile).
- Send an email.
- Open WhatsApp, Messenger, or live chat.
- Link to important pages (shop, booking, portfolio).
- Display multiple action links in an expandable menu.
The plugin is popular among business sites, eCommerce stores, blogs, and service providers because it combines simplicity with functionality.
Key Features of Floating Action Button Plugin
1. Fully Customizable Button
- Change button color, size, and icon.
- Add custom tooltips for better clarity.
- Choose button positions (bottom-right, bottom-left, top-right, top-left).
2. Multi-Action Support
Some FAB plugins allow multi-level menus. For example, one floating button can expand into multiple smaller buttons (social links, contact form, call-to-action).
3. Icon Library Integration
Most FAB plugins integrate with Font Awesome or custom SVG icons, allowing you to pick from thousands of icons (chat, phone, mail, shopping cart, etc.).
4. Device Visibility Controls
You can choose to show or hide the floating button on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices for optimal responsiveness.
5. Scroll-to-Top Functionality
A very common use case is a scroll-to-top button that appears when users scroll down. This improves navigation on long pages.
6. Social Media Integration
Add direct links to WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Twitter, or Instagram for instant communication.
7. Analytics and Tracking
Some advanced FAB plugins integrate with Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel, so you can track button clicks and measure user engagement.
8. Shortcode and Widget Support
Insert FABs anywhere with shortcodes or widgets, making them highly flexible.
9. Lightweight and Performance-Friendly
Well-coded FAB plugins are lightweight and won’t slow down your site, which is crucial for SEO and user retention.
10. Multi-Language and RTL Support
Supports translations and Right-to-Left (RTL) languages, making it suitable for global websites.
Benefits of Using Floating Action Button
- Improves User Experience (UX)
Users don’t need to scroll or search for important links; the FAB keeps them within reach. - Boosts Conversions
A well-placed FAB with a call-to-action (like “Book Now” or “Contact Us”) increases leads and sales. - Enhances Mobile Usability
FABs are especially useful for mobile devices, where screen space is limited but actions must be accessible. - Saves Space
Instead of cluttering menus or sidebars, a floating button provides essential actions in one compact element. - Encourages Engagement
Adding social chat buttons or quick links encourages users to interact more with your brand. - Easy Navigation
Scroll-to-top FABs make long blogs and product catalogs much easier to navigate.
Common Use Cases of Floating Action Button
- Business Websites – Add a FAB with a contact form or phone link for instant inquiries.
- eCommerce Stores – Provide quick access to the shopping cart or checkout.
- Blogs – Include a scroll-to-top FAB for better navigation.
- Customer Support Sites – Launch a live chat widget or help center with one tap.
- Social Media Integration – Floating WhatsApp or Messenger buttons for direct customer chats.
- Appointment Booking – A FAB that opens a booking calendar for service providers.
How to Use Floating Action Button Plugin (Step-by-Step)
- Install the Plugin
- Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New.
- Search for Floating Action Button (there are multiple versions like “Floating Action Button by WPDevArt” or “WP Floating Menu”).
- Install and activate.
- Create a New Button
- Navigate to the plugin settings panel.
- Choose button type (single action or multi-action).
- Customize Design
- Select button color, size, and position.
- Pick an icon from Font Awesome or upload your own.
- Assign Actions
- Link to a page, form, phone number, or social media.
- Configure tooltips for better context.
- Set Visibility Rules
- Show only on specific pages (e.g., homepage, product pages).
- Choose visibility for mobile/desktop.
- Save and Test
- Preview the button.
- Ensure it works correctly across devices.
Free vs Pro Versions
Most Floating Action Button plugins have free and premium versions.
Free Features
- Single floating button.
- Scroll-to-top option.
- Basic customization (color, size, position).
- Icon selection.
Pro Features
- Multi-action expandable menus.
- Integration with WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Skype, etc.
- Conditional visibility (show on certain pages only).
- Advanced analytics and tracking.
- Custom branding and animations.
Comparison with Other Navigation Plugins
| Feature | Floating Action Button | Floating Menu | Sticky Header |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Saving | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Mobile-Friendly | ✔ | Moderate | Moderate |
| Multi-Action Support | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Customization | High | Medium | Medium |
| Best For | Quick actions & CTAs | Navigation menus | Branding/navigation |
The FAB plugin is best for quick actions, while floating menus or sticky headers work better for full navigation.
Advantages of Floating Action Button Plugin
- Simple setup, beginner-friendly.
- Improves UX and accessibility.
- Boosts conversions with visible CTAs.
- Fully customizable with icons and colors.
- Works seamlessly on mobile and desktop.
Limitations
- Overusing FABs may distract users.
- Too many actions in one FAB can overwhelm visitors.
- Requires thoughtful placement to avoid covering important content.
- Advanced features often locked behind premium versions.
Tips for Best Use
- Limit Actions – Keep FABs focused on 1–3 important actions.
- Choose the Right Icon – Use universally recognized icons (phone, chat, cart).
- Match Branding – Align button colors with your brand palette.
- Test on Mobile – Ensure the button doesn’t overlap with other UI elements.
- Track Engagement – Use analytics to see how often users click the FAB.
Conclusion
The Floating Action Button plugin for WordPress is a lightweight yet powerful tool to improve navigation, conversions, and user experience. By placing essential actions within easy reach, FABs ensure that visitors can interact with your website seamlessly.
Whether you want to add a scroll-to-top button, contact link, shopping cart shortcut, or social chat integration, FAB plugins provide the flexibility to customize actions to suit your site’s goals.
For businesses, bloggers, and eCommerce stores alike, a Floating Action Button can mean the difference between a lost visitor and a converted lead. With the right setup, it not only enhances usability but also drives engagement and conversions.
If you want a clean, modern, and action-focused UX for your WordPress site, the Floating Action Button plugin is an essential addition to your toolkit.
