The Dark Side of Social Media Buttons
Are social media buttons on your website doing more harm than good? You might be surprised to learn that they can negatively impact your site’s performance, security, and even your visitors’ privacy.
Low Engagement, High Risks
Social media buttons are often touted as a way to increase engagement and sharing on your website. But the reality is that they’re rarely used, with click-through rates as low as 0.21%. Meanwhile, these buttons can slow down your site, compromise security, and raise privacy concerns.
The Performance Cost
Adding social media buttons to your site can significantly increase page weight, leading to slower load times and a poor user experience. Facebook’s share button alone downloads a whopping 786Kb of code, while Twitter and LinkedIn add even more bulk. This can be particularly problematic on mobile devices, where data speeds are slower and users are more likely to abandon slow-loading sites.
Privacy Concerns
Social media companies collect user data for their own benefit, not yours. By adding their buttons to your site, you’re potentially exposing your visitors to data collection and tracking. In fact, the European Court of Justice has ruled that website owners can be held liable for data collection when using share buttons.
A Better Way: URL-Based Share APIs
So, what’s the alternative? URL-based share APIs offer a lightweight, secure way to enable sharing on your site without the risks associated with social media buttons. These APIs don’t require third-party JavaScript, reducing the risk of security breaches and data tracking.
The Web Share API
The Web Share API is a new, browser-based API that allows visitors to share content with other apps on their device. This API provides a consistent, user-friendly experience across different platforms and devices. By using the Web Share API, you can offer a seamless sharing experience while minimizing the risks associated with social media buttons.
A Progressive Solution
Our solution combines the Web Share API with URL-based share APIs for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This approach provides a progressive, enhanced sharing experience that works across different browsers and devices. You can view the full demonstration on CodePen.io.
Take Control of Social Sharing
Don’t let social media buttons compromise your site’s performance, security, and user experience. By adopting a more thoughtful approach to social sharing, you can provide a better experience for your visitors while protecting their privacy and security.