Knowing how to add anchor text in WordPress is a small but useful skill for anyone publishing online. Clear link wording helps readers understand what they will find after clicking, while giving search engines context about how pages relate. The goal is not to squeeze keywords into every link; it is to make each one relevant, descriptive and easy to use.
Anchor text is the visible, clickable wording in a hyperlink. A link that says “read the editing checklist” gives a reader more information than one that says “click here.” For a closer look at how wording can shape link quality and SEO, see this guide to anchor text.
How to add anchor text in WordPress
The process is straightforward in the WordPress block editor. Before adding a link, decide which page or resource is genuinely useful at that point in the article. Then select the words that describe it and connect them to the destination.
- Write the link wording. Choose a short phrase that accurately describes the destination. It might be a page title, a service description or a useful next step.
- Select the words. In the editor, highlight the phrase you want readers to click. Avoid selecting a whole sentence unless the sentence itself is a natural, clear link.
- Open the link control. Use the link icon in the block toolbar, or the keyboard shortcut shown by your editor. A small field will appear for a URL or a search for existing site content.
- Add the destination. Paste the URL or search for a page on your site. Check that the address is correct, then apply the link.
- Review the result. Preview the post and test the link. Confirm that the linked words are still readable in context and that the destination works as intended.
WordPress’s Classic Editor follows the same basic idea: highlight the wording, choose the insert-link control, enter the destination and apply it. The labels and controls can vary slightly with editor versions, themes and plugins, but the important choices remain the same: select meaningful text and point it to the right page.
Choose wording for people first
Good anchor text sets a reader’s expectations. If a link leads to a pricing page, “view the pricing options” is more informative than “learn more.” If it points to a detailed explanation, wording such as “how the process works” gives useful context without making the sentence feel forced.
Specificity matters, but links should still fit naturally into the sentence. Avoid making an entire paragraph clickable or using the same generic phrase repeatedly. Readers often scan articles, so descriptive links help them decide which resources are worth opening. They can also support accessibility: people using screen readers may navigate by links, and descriptive wording makes a list of links easier to understand.
Use keywords with restraint
It can be tempting to use a target search phrase as the anchor text every time you link to a page. Repeating exact-match phrases across many links, however, can sound unnatural and may look manipulative. A mix of clear, relevant wording is usually more helpful: use a page or product name where appropriate, a concise description elsewhere, and a natural phrase when it genuinely fits.
For example, a marketing article could link to a technical resource using “website performance checklist” if that is what the destination provides. It should not describe a page as a checklist if the page is actually a sales form. The anchor and destination need to agree; otherwise readers may feel misled and leave without finding what they expected.
Common WordPress linking mistakes
- Using vague wording: “Here” or “this page” says little on its own. Add enough description to make the destination clear.
- Linking too much text: A long linked passage can be difficult to scan and may obscure the key action. Keep the clickable phrase concise.
- Forgetting to check the URL: A typo, outdated address or unintended draft link can send visitors nowhere useful. Test links before publishing and revisit important older posts.
- Adding links without a reader benefit: A link should support the point being made, provide evidence or offer a useful next step. More links do not automatically make an article stronger.
- Overlooking link settings: For external links, consider whether opening a new tab is genuinely helpful. WordPress may offer this option in its link controls; use it thoughtfully rather than as a default for every link.
Think about links across the whole site
Internal links can guide readers from an introductory article to a more detailed service, case study or resource. External links can add context or point to a relevant tool. In both cases, use wording that tells visitors what they will get, and check that the linked page is current and appropriate.
Links also connect marketing content to the work behind it. A business preparing a new website may need technical help as well as a content plan. If a team needs to hire a full-stack developer, Osdire’s overview of hiring models, screening and preparation can help frame the decision before a project begins.
Conclusion
Adding anchor text in WordPress takes only a few steps, but thoughtful wording makes the result more valuable. Select a concise phrase, connect it to a relevant destination and check the finished link in context. When links serve readers rather than merely repeating keywords, they make articles easier to navigate and help each page play a clearer role in a site’s wider content.