- Go to Content -> Blocks
- Create a new block (button: Add New Block)
- Enable: Yes
- Block Title: Footer Links Block
- Identifier: footer_links_block
- Store view: whatever is appropriate for your installation
- Content: just put some content here
- Save
- Go to Content -> Widgets
- Create a new widget (button: Add Widget)
- Type: CMS Static Block
- Design Theme: Your theme
- Click Continue
- Configure Storefront Properties
- Widget Title: Footer Links
- Assign to Store Views: whatever is appropriate for your installation
- Click Add Layout Update
- Display on: All Pages
- Container: CMS Footer Links
- Click on the Widget Options tab
- Click on the button Select Block
- Select your block: Footer Links Block
- Click on Save (top right orange button)
- Refresh caches