Question

How to Insert Hyperlink in WordPress: Easy Step-by-Step G…

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever felt stuck trying to make your WordPress posts more interactive? Adding hyperlinks is a simple yet powerful way to connect your readers to valuable resources, boost your SEO, and create a richer reading experience.

Whether you’re a blogging beginner or just need a quick refresher, knowing how to insert hyperlinks can transform your content. In this article, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions along with handy tips to make linking easy and effective. Let’s dive in!

Related Video

How to Insert a Hyperlink in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding hyperlinks to your WordPress posts and pages is essential for shaping engaging, user-friendly content. Not only do hyperlinks connect readers to valuable resources, but they also help with navigation, encourage longer visits, and improve your website’s SEO. If you’re new to WordPress, don’t worry—creating hyperlinks is straightforward, whether you use the Block Editor (Gutenberg) or the Classic Editor. Let’s explore the easiest methods and best practices to insert and optimize links in WordPress.

Understanding Hyperlinks in WordPress

A hyperlink—commonly referred to as a link—is a clickable piece of text or an image that takes visitors to another page, website, or resource. In WordPress, hyperlinks can be created within blog posts, pages, navigation menus, images, or buttons. You can add either internal links (within your site) or external links (to other websites).

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Hyperlink in WordPress

1. Using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)

The Block Editor is standard in newer versions of WordPress and offers an intuitive interface for content creation. Here’s how to add a hyperlink:

  1. Open the Post or Page
    Navigate to the WordPress dashboard. Click on “Posts” or “Pages” and select the item you want to edit.

  2. Highlight the Text to Link
    Click into your paragraph or block. Use your mouse to highlight the word or phrase you want to turn into a hyperlink.

  3. Click the Link Button
    In the toolbar that pops up, look for the link icon (usually shaped like a chain link) and click it.

  4. Enter the URL
    A field appears where you can paste or type in your desired URL.

  5. To link internally, start typing the title of another post or page, and WordPress will suggest options.

  6. For external links, paste the full URL.

  7. Apply the Link
    Press “Enter” or click the “Apply” button (often a right-facing arrow).

  8. Optional: Open Link in a New Tab
    After adding the link, you can set it to open in a new browser tab by clicking the link options (gear icon) and toggling “Open in new tab”.

  9. Update or Publish Your Content
    Don’t forget to save your changes!

Visual Guide:

  • Highlight text Click link icon Insert URL Apply.

2. Using the Classic Editor

If you’re using the Classic Editor plugin or an older version of WordPress, the process is just as easy:

  1. Highlight your desired text.
  2. Click the “Insert/edit link” button (a chain link icon) above the editor toolbar.
  3. Paste the URL or search for internal pages by title.
  4. Click “Apply” (or ‘Add Link’).
  5. Optionally, select “Open link in a new tab.”
  6. Save or update your post/page.

3. Adding Hyperlinks to Images

Links aren’t just for text. You can make images clickable:

  1. Click on the image in your block or classic editor.
  2. Locate the link icon in the image toolbar.
  3. Enter the URL or select a page.
  4. Apply and update your content.

4. Inserting Links Manually with HTML

If you’re comfortable with code, you can directly add hyperlinks using HTML in the “Custom HTML” block or the ‘Text’ tab of the Classic Editor:

Your Link Text

To open a link in a new tab:

Your Link Text

Types of Links You Can Add

  • Internal Links:
    Direct users to another part of your website (like related articles or services).
    Example: Linking from a blog post about “SEO Tips” to your in-depth “Keyword Research Guide”.

  • External Links:
    Send users to other websites (useful for sources, references, or affiliate links).
    Example: Linking to a respected resource for more information on a topic.

  • Anchor Links:
    Navigate to a specific section within a page (useful for long tutorials or FAQ pages).

  • Email Links:
    Let visitors click to send you an email.
    Example: Email Us

Benefits of Adding Hyperlinks

  • Enhances User Experience: Makes content interactive and engaging.
  • Boosts SEO: Internal linking helps search engines understand your site’s structure and improves page authority.
  • Keeps Visitors on Your Site: Linked related content encourages users to explore more pages.
  • Adds Credibility: Linking to reputable external sources shows thorough research and authenticity.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  • Broken Links:
    Over time, links can break if pages are moved or deleted.
    Solution: Regularly check and update links using plugins that scan for broken links.

  • Wrong Link Placement:
    Linking irrelevant words or random images confuses users.
    Solution: Always link clear, descriptive text so users know what to expect.

  • Too Many Links:
    Over-linking can distract readers.
    Solution: Use links sparingly and purposefully.

Best Practices for Adding Hyperlinks in WordPress

  • Use Descriptive Anchor Text:
    Instead of “click here”, use text that tells users where the link goes (e.g., “learn more about SEO strategies”).

  • Open External Links in New Tabs:
    This keeps visitors on your site even when they check out a resource elsewhere.

  • Add Alt Text to Linked Images:
    Screen readers and search engines use alt text to understand image links.

  • Check Mobile Responsiveness:
    Make sure links are easy to tap on mobile devices.

  • Avoid Spammy or Unreliable External Links:
    Only link to trustworthy sites to protect your site’s reputation.

  • Update Links Regularly:
    Outdated links can frustrate visitors and harm search rankings.

Practical Tips and Advice

  • Internal Linking Strategy:
    Linking to your own posts or services not only boosts SEO but also guides readers to your best content.

  • Utilize WordPress Plugins:
    Consider tools that manage and monitor links, such as Broken Link Checker or SEO plugins that suggest link placement.

  • Monitor Link Performance:
    Use analytics to see which links get clicked most, so you can optimize your linking strategy.

  • Accessible Linking:
    Ensure that link color stands out and add underlines if necessary. Screen readers benefit from descriptive anchor text.

Cost Considerations

The core WordPress functionality for adding hyperlinks is 100% free. If you need advanced tools:

  • Free Solutions:
    All the essential hyperlink features are included in WordPress.org and WordPress.com (free and paid plans).
  • Premium Plugins:
    Link monitoring or management plugins might charge a fee. Evaluate if premium features align with your needs before purchasing.

There are no shipping costs or external fees when it comes to inserting hyperlinks, unless you invest in third-party plugins or professional help.

Summary

Inserting hyperlinks in WordPress is a simple yet powerful way to connect, inform, and engage your audience. Whether you use the Block Editor, Classic Editor, or even HTML, you can easily add, edit, and manage links. By following best practices, regularly checking your links, and thinking strategically about where you direct your users, you’ll create a richer, more interactive website experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add links to images in WordPress?
Absolutely! You can make any image clickable by selecting it and then entering a link using the link icon in the editor toolbar.

2. How do I add a link that opens in a new tab?
After inserting a link, look for the settings or options gear icon and toggle “Open in new tab.” This is helpful for external links so visitors stay on your site.

3. What’s the difference between internal and external links?
Internal links connect readers to other pages or posts within your own website, while external links send them to other sites.

4. Is it necessary to use “nofollow” on some links?
Using “nofollow” is recommended for links to sponsored content, affiliate links, or untrusted sites, telling search engines not to transfer SEO value.

5. How can I check for broken links on my WordPress site?
You can manually check each link or use WordPress plugins like Broken Link Checker to automatically find and manage broken hyperlinks.

By mastering hyperlinks in WordPress, you’re building a more effective, user-friendly, and search-friendly website. Happy linking!

Post Views: 25