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How to Insert a Hyperlink in WordPress: The Definitive Guide

Inserting hyperlinks in WordPress is a fundamental skill, yet it’s the cornerstone of a connected and engaging online experience. You can create these connections using the WordPress editor’s intuitive interface in the Block Editor (Gutenberg) or the Classic Editor, by simply selecting the text or image, clicking the link icon, and pasting or searching for the desired URL.

Inserting Hyperlinks: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting your WordPress journey, mastering hyperlinks is crucial for creating a rich and interactive website. Let’s break down the process in both the Block Editor (Gutenberg) and the Classic Editor.

Using the Block Editor (Gutenberg)

The Block Editor, also known as Gutenberg, offers a visual and intuitive way to manage your content. Here’s how to insert a hyperlink:

Open the Post or Page: Navigate to the post or page you want to edit within your WordPress dashboard.
Select the Text: Highlight the text you want to transform into a hyperlink.
Click the Link Icon: In the formatting toolbar that appears above the selected text, click the link icon (it looks like a chain link).
Insert the URL: A text box will appear. You can either:
- Paste the URL: Paste the URL of the website or page you want to link to.
- Search for Existing Content: Start typing the title of another post or page on your website. WordPress will suggest relevant content, making internal linking a breeze.
Link Options (Optional): After inserting the URL, you’ll typically see options like:
- Open in New Tab: This allows the link to open in a new browser tab, keeping visitors on your website longer. It’s generally recommended for external links.
- No Follow: Adds a “nofollow” attribute to the link, which tells search engines not to pass on link equity.
Apply the Link: Press the Enter key or click the Apply button (usually a small arrow) to finalize the hyperlink.

Using the Classic Editor

For those who prefer the older, more familiar interface, the Classic Editor still provides a straightforward method for inserting hyperlinks:

Open the Post or Page: As with the Block Editor, start by opening the post or page you wish to modify.
Select the Text: Highlight the text you want to make into a hyperlink.
Click the “Insert/Edit Link” Button: In the toolbar above the text editor, click the “Insert/Edit Link” button (it also looks like a chain link).
Insert the URL: A popup window will appear. In the “URL” field, paste the URL you want to link to.
Link Options (Optional): The popup window also offers several options:
- Title: Adding a title attribute can improve accessibility and SEO by providing context to the link.
- Open link in a new tab/window: Check this box to open the link in a new browser tab.
- Link to existing content: This allows you to search for existing posts or pages on your website to link to internally.
Add Link: Click the “Add Link” button to apply the hyperlink.

Inserting Hyperlinks in Images

Adding links to images is a powerful way to create visually engaging content. The process is similar in both editors:

Block Editor (Gutenberg)

Insert or Select the Image: Add an image block or select an existing image block.
Click the Link Icon: In the image block’s toolbar, click the link icon.
Insert the URL: Paste the URL you want to link to.
Link Options (Optional): Choose whether to open the link in a new tab.
Apply the Link: Press Enter or click the Apply button.

Classic Editor

Insert or Select the Image: Add or select the image you want to link.
Click the “Insert/Edit Link” Button: With the image selected, click the “Insert/Edit Link” button in the toolbar.
Insert the URL: In the popup window, paste the URL into the “URL” field.
Link Options (Optional): Set the title and choose whether to open the link in a new tab.
Update: Click the “Update” button to apply the link.

Optimizing Hyperlinks for SEO and User Experience

While inserting hyperlinks is technically simple, strategic linking significantly impacts your website’s SEO and user experience. Here are some key considerations:

Anchor Text: Choose descriptive and relevant anchor text (the words that form the hyperlink). Avoid generic phrases like “click here.” For example, instead of “Click here to learn more about WordPress,” use “Learn more about WordPress”.
Relevance: Ensure the linked content is highly relevant to the context where the hyperlink appears. A mismatch will frustrate users and can negatively affect your SEO.
Internal Linking: Internal links help search engines understand your website’s structure and distribute link equity. Strategically link related content to improve navigation and SEO.
External Linking: Linking to authoritative external websites can enhance your credibility and provide valuable resources to your audience.
Avoid Broken Links: Regularly check your website for broken links (links that lead to non-existent pages). Broken links create a poor user experience and harm your SEO. Use a broken link checker plugin for easy maintenance.
“Nofollow” vs. “Dofollow” Links: Understand the difference between “nofollow” and “dofollow” links. “Dofollow” links pass link equity to the linked website, while “nofollow” links do not. Generally, you should use “nofollow” links for sponsored content and affiliate links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about inserting hyperlinks in WordPress:

1. How do I make a hyperlink open in a new tab?

In both the Block Editor and Classic Editor, there’s an option to “Open in new tab” or “Open link in a new window/tab” when creating or editing a hyperlink. Select this option to ensure the link opens in a new browser tab.

2. What is anchor text, and why is it important?

Anchor text is the clickable text that forms the hyperlink. It’s crucial because search engines use it to understand the topic of the linked page. Use descriptive and relevant anchor text for better SEO and user experience.

3. How do I create an internal link in WordPress?

When inserting a link, both editors allow you to search for existing posts or pages on your website. Simply start typing the title of the content you want to link to, and WordPress will suggest relevant options.

4. What is a “nofollow” link, and when should I use it?

A “nofollow” link tells search engines not to pass on link equity to the linked website. You should use “nofollow” links for sponsored content, affiliate links, and potentially untrusted websites.

5. How do I check for broken links on my WordPress website?

You can use a broken link checker plugin like “Broken Link Checker” to automatically scan your website for broken links and notify you when they are found.

6. Can I add a hyperlink to an image in WordPress?

Yes, you can add a hyperlink to an image. Select the image, click the link icon, and insert the desired URL.

7. How do I edit an existing hyperlink in WordPress?

In the Block Editor, click on the hyperlinked text, and the link options will appear in the toolbar. In the Classic Editor, click on the hyperlinked text, and then click the “Insert/Edit Link” button to modify the link.

8. Is there a keyboard shortcut for inserting hyperlinks in WordPress?

Yes, in most browsers, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac) to open the hyperlink insertion dialog.

9. How do I remove a hyperlink in WordPress?

In the Block Editor, click on the hyperlinked text and then click the “Unlink” icon (it looks like a broken chain link). In the Classic Editor, click on the hyperlinked text and then click the “Insert/Edit Link” button, and then click the “Remove Link” button.

10. Can I customize the appearance of hyperlinks in WordPress?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of hyperlinks using CSS. You can change their color, font, and other properties to match your website’s design. Typically this is done via your Theme Customizer.

11. What’s the difference between internal and external links?

Internal links point to other pages within your own website, while external links point to pages on other websites.

12. Why is strategic linking important for SEO?

Strategic linking, including both internal and external links, helps search engines understand your website’s structure, content relationships, and authority, ultimately improving your SEO ranking. Relevant anchor text is also key for SEO.