Add a Custom Footer Message in WordPress

Adding a Custom Footer Message

Method 1: Using Functions.php (Recommended)

Add this code to your theme's functions.php file or in a site-specific plugin. It will add a custom message to the footer using the WordPress native wp_footer hook:

function add_custom_footer_message() {
    echo '<div class="footer-message">';
    echo 'Your custom footer message here. © ' . date('Y') . ' All Rights Reserved.';
    echo '</div>';
}
add_action('wp_footer', 'add_custom_footer_message');

To style your footer message, add this CSS to your theme's stylesheet or Customizer:

function add_footer_message_styles() {
    echo '<style>
        .footer-message {
            text-align: center;
            padding: 20px;
            background: #f5f5f5;
            margin-top: 20px;
        }
    </style>';
}
add_action('wp_head', 'add_footer_message_styles');

Method 2: Dynamic Footer Message with Settings

This more advanced solution adds a customizable footer message through the WordPress Customizer:

function footer_message_customizer($wp_customize) {
    $wp_customize->add_section('footer_message_section', array(
        'title' => 'Footer Message',
        'priority' => 120
    ));

    $wp_customize->add_setting('footer_message_text', array(
        'default' => 'Your custom footer message here',
        'sanitize_callback' => 'wp_kses_post'
    ));

    $wp_customize->add_control('footer_message_text', array(
        'label' => 'Footer Message',
        'section' => 'footer_message_section',
        'type' => 'textarea'
    ));
}
add_action('customize_register', 'footer_message_customizer');

function display_custom_footer_message() {
    $message = get_theme_mod('footer_message_text');
    if ($message) {
        echo '<div class="footer-message">' . wp_kses_post($message) . '</div>';
    }
}
add_action('wp_footer', 'display_custom_footer_message');

Plugin Alternative

If you prefer using a plugin, here are reliable options:

1. Footer Text - Simple plugin for adding custom footer text
2. Insert Headers and Footers - Adds custom code to header/footer

Important Notes:

• Place code snippets in your child theme's functions.php file
• Test the code in a development environment first
• Adjust CSS styles to match your theme's design
• Use wp_kses_post() for security when outputting HTML content
• Remember to escape dynamic content properly
• Consider mobile responsiveness when styling the footer message

The Customizer method (Method 2) is ideal for clients who need to update the footer message without editing code.