Ever scrolled through your WordPress site and wished you could add a bold, eye-catching button to guide your visitors? Whether you want to drive sales, capture leads, or simply make your site more interactive, learning how to add a button is a game-changer.
Knowing how to easily add buttons helps you create a friendlier, more action-oriented website—no coding needed.
This article walks you through simple steps, useful tips, and smart strategies to make buttons work for your goals.
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How to Add a Button in WordPress: A Friendly Guide
Adding buttons in WordPress is easier than you might think! Whether you want to create eye-catching call-to-action (CTA) buttons or simply add a stylish link to another page, WordPress offers several simple ways to achieve this—often without touching a line of code.
Below, you’ll find straightforward instructions, practical tips, and solutions to common challenges. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to add and customize buttons with confidence.
Why Use Buttons in WordPress?
Buttons play a vital role on any website. They are highly visible, clickable elements that guide your visitors towards taking key actions such as:
- Downloading a file
- Submitting a contact form
- Purchasing a product
- Signing up for a newsletter
- Navigating to another important page
Buttons help drive conversions and improve the user experience.
Methods for Adding Buttons in WordPress
There are multiple ways to add buttons in WordPress. The right method depends on your comfort level and the level of customization you need. Let’s explore the most popular options.
1. Using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) – Easiest Method
If your site was created or updated after 2018, you probably have the WordPress Block Editor (also called Gutenberg). Here’s how you can add a button with just a few clicks:
Steps to Add a Button Block
- Open the post or page where you’d like to add a button.
- Click the “+” button to add a new block.
- Search for “Button” and select the Buttons or Button block.
- Enter your button text, such as “Learn More” or “Buy Now”.
- Click the link icon to add a destination URL.
- Use the block settings panel on the right to customize button style, color, and alignment.
Customizing Your Button
- Text color: Change the button’s font color for better visibility.
- Background color: Pick a color that stands out or matches your branding.
- Rounded corners or outline: Many themes let you select “pill” shapes or add a border.
- Alignment: Choose left, right, or center alignment for desktop and mobile responsiveness.
Key Benefits
- Absolutely no coding required.
- Button blocks are mobile-friendly and accessible.
- Easy to update at any time.
2. Using WordPress Classic Editor or Custom HTML
If you’re using the Classic Editor or want more control, you can add a button using HTML and CSS:
Steps to Add a Button with HTML
- In your post/page editor, switch to the “Text” or “HTML” tab.
- Paste the following code where you want the button to appear:
Click Here
- To style the button, add the following CSS in the “Additional CSS” section of your theme customizer:
.custom-button {
background-color: #0073aa;
color: #fff;
padding: 12px 25px;
border-radius: 4px;
text-decoration: none;
display: inline-block;
}
.custom-button:hover {
background-color: #005177;
}
When to Use This Method
- You want a unique style not provided by your theme or plugin.
- You’re comfortable with a bit of CSS.
Challenge
- Requires editing code and may not be as user-friendly for everyone.
- Changes to theme or blocks may affect your button styling.
3. Using WordPress Plugins for Advanced Buttons
There are plugins designed to help you create stylish, customizable buttons with zero coding. Most are free, with optional premium features. Plugins add extra design options like icons, animations, gradients, and hover effects.
Popular Button Plugins
- Ultimate Blocks: Adds a user-friendly button block with advanced styling.
- WPForms: Useful if you want buttons inside forms.
- Shortcodes Ultimate: Provides a library of shortcodes for buttons and more.
Steps to Use a Button Plugin
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for your chosen plugin (e.g., “Ultimate Blocks”).
- Install and activate the plugin.
- In your post/page editor, select the button block provided by the plugin and customize as desired.
Benefits
- More design choices and advanced features.
- Consistent styling across your website.
- Usually drag-and-drop and easy to use.
Challenge
- Some plugins require a learning curve.
- Installing multiple plugins can slow down your site—choose carefully.
4. Using Theme Customizer or Page Builder Plugins
Premium themes and page builder plugins (like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or WPBakery) often come with dedicated button widgets or modules.
Using a Theme’s Button Options
- Edit your page with your theme’s builder or customizer.
- Look for a “Button” module, widget, or element.
- Drag it onto your page and customize it using the settings panel.
Why Choose This Method?
- Usually offers the most creative options (icons, hover animations, gradients).
- Seamlessly matches your website’s style.
Best Practices & Practical Tips
To ensure your buttons drive results and look great, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use Clear, Action-Oriented Text: Say exactly what you want visitors to do, like “Download Now” or “Start Free Trial”.
- Make Buttons Stand Out: Pick contrasting colors so buttons are easy to spot. But avoid colors that clash with your branding.
- Check Mobile Responsiveness: Buttons should be large enough to tap on smartphones.
- Ensure Accessibility: Use enough color contrast and add descriptive text for users with screen readers.
- Limit the Number of Buttons per Page: Too many buttons can confuse your visitors. Focus on your main goal for each page.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the straightforward process, you might face some hiccups. Here’s how to handle them:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Button not displaying | Check if the block or plugin is active and compatible with your theme. |
| Button styling broken | Clear your browser cache and check for conflicting CSS from themes or plugins. |
| Button doesn’t work on mobile | Make sure the button size is adequate and test on multiple devices. |
| Can’t find the Buttons block | Try searching for “Buttons” in the block inserter, not just “Button”. |
| Unable to add link | Use the “Add Link” button and confirm the URL starts with http:// or https://. |
Extra Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Preview Before Publishing: Always use the “Preview” feature to see how your button looks on desktop and mobile.
- Reuse Buttons Easily: Once you’re happy with a button’s design, save it as a reusable block or template for future use.
- Update Plugins and Themes: Keep them updated to avoid compatibility issues with the button features.
- If Using Custom CSS: Document your changes so you (or another editor) can update them easily later.
Cost Tips
- Adding basic buttons in WordPress is free if using the built-in blocks or simple plugins.
- Most free plugins provide robust styling options.
- Some advanced features (like animations, extra styles, or marketing integrations) require a premium plugin or theme, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $100+ per year.
- If you sell products, be aware of payment processing fees if your buttons link to checkout pages.
Summary
Adding a button in WordPress is a practical way to engage your visitors and drive them to take action. Using the built-in Block Editor (Gutenberg), Classic Editor with HTML, free plugins, or premium builder tools, you can create attractive and effective buttons with little effort. Remember to keep design simple, check for mobile compatibility, and focus on user experience. With the tips above, your WordPress buttons will be both beautiful and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I add a button to my WordPress page without coding?
You can add a button using the WordPress Block Editor. Simply insert a “Button” block, type in your button text, set the link, and customize its appearance with the built-in settings—no coding needed.
Can I use my own styles or colors for buttons?
Yes! Both the Button block and most button plugins let you choose custom colors, fonts, and shapes. You can also add custom CSS for more advanced styling if you want a unique look.
What should I do if my button doesn’t work or display correctly?
First, check for plugin or theme conflicts—try deactivating recently added plugins. Also, make sure you are using a theme compatible with the latest WordPress version. Clearing your site and browser cache can also solve display problems.
Are there any costs involved in adding buttons?
The basic methods (using the block editor or a free plugin) are free. If you want premium button designs or features, you might consider a paid plugin or theme, which can vary in price.
How do I track how many people click my buttons?
You can set up event tracking using Google Analytics or a plugin designed for button tracking. Some button or marketing plugins offer built-in reports showing how many times each button is clicked.
With these tools and tips, you’re ready to add stylish, functional buttons to any WordPress site—no web development degree needed!