How to Install Tweetmeme on Your Blog

Posted by Nathan in Blogging, Social Strategy, Twitter on 11 18th, 2009 | View Comments

tweetmeme

You’ve probably seen it. It’s that big green RT button with a number on top that allows people to RT a blog post and get the instant gratification of knowing that they helped that number go up.

It’s a great way to get people to share content online and feel like they are contributing to the community.

However, as I spend time throughout the blogosphere, I’ve noticed that many bloggers still are not taking advantage of this tool. My question is, why?

Although most people still prefer to share content on Facebook and via Email, there is a growing majority (such as myself) that use Twitter as their primary content sharing method. And I can tell you, that if you don’t have a RT or Tweet This button on your website, then 9 times out of 10 we’ll just move on without sharing.

Of course, the Share This plugin is a worthy tool that allows people to share your content via a variety of social networks, but usually it is buried at the bottom of a post and goes unnoticed. If you really want your readers to promote your content, then you’ve got to take the work out of it, which is why the RT button is so important.

The great thing about Wordpress plugins is that they are super easy to install. In fact, you don’t even have to use FTP to install them, as Wordpress has made it possible to install from within your admin panel. So, here’s how you do it:

1. Head to your admin panel at http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

2. Look for the Plugins drop down arrow on the left side, click it, and then click “Add New.”

3. Search for “Tweetmeme,” which should be the first result. When you find it, click the Install button on the right.

4. A pop-up box should appear with the option to Install Now. Click that to start the installation.

5. Wait for the plugin to install, click the link to activate it, and then head to the settings menu, which is accessible at the bottom left of your admin screen. Here’s what the settings box looks like:

You can choose to move it to the left, right, top, or bottom of each post, but by default it should show up on the top right. Once you’ve saved your settings, it should be good to go. Simple right?

I know this might be basic for many of you, but if this is beyond your skill set, send me an email and we’ll work out a way to get it done for you.

Hope you enjoy the new RT’s and traffic coming your way