Table of contents

What is an anchor link?Why use page jumps?1. Create an anchor link2. Link to your anchorHow to add anchor links in Classic EditorHow to add anchor links in HTMLHow to automate headings as anchor linksHow to use anchor links in a menuHow to use anchor links between pagesNext stepsAdditional resources

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WordPress Guide → Pages → Anchor Links

WordPress anchor links: How to create page jumps

Anchor links are a great way to enhance navigation on your WordPress site. They allow users to jump directly to specific sections of a page with ease. This feature is particularly useful for lengthy articles, detailed guides, or product descriptions.

Understanding how to use anchor links can streamline your content and keep your visitors engaged.

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What is an anchor link?

A WordPress anchor link is a hyperlink that directs users to a specific section of a page using an HTML ID attribute. These links, often referred to as ‘page jumps,’ allow users to quickly navigate to specific sections within a webpage.

Anchor links work by linking to a specific ID assigned to an HTML element on your page. When a visitor clicks on an anchor link, the browser jumps to the designated section.

Why use page jumps?

Page jumps are invaluable tools for enhancing user experience and navigation on your WordPress site. They allow visitors to quickly jump to specific sections of a long page, making it easier for them to find the information they need without scrolling. This can improve engagement and reduce bounce rates, as users are more likely to stay on your page when they can easily navigate to their desired content.

Utilizing page jumps is particularly beneficial in a variety of scenarios.

If your content includes lengthy guides, tutorials, or detailed FAQs, anchor links can help users navigate directly to the sections that interest them the most.
They are also effective in one-page layouts, where you want to provide a seamless browsing experience.
If you have a blog post that covers multiple topics, strategically placed anchor links can guide readers to specific points of interest.
Implementing these links can create a more organized and professional appearance, which can positively influence how visitors perceive your site.

Incorporating page jumps into your WordPress site not only aids in user navigation but also encourages deeper engagement with your content.

1. Create an anchor link

To create an anchor link:

Identify the section of your page that you want users to jump to.
Assign a unique ID to that section. In the WordPress block editor, select the block you want to link to, navigate to the block settings on the right, and under ‘Advanced’, input a unique ID in the ‘HTML anchor’ field. For example, you could use ‘section-one’ as your ID.

2. Link to your anchor

To link to your new anchor:

Highlight the text you want to turn into a link.
Click on the link icon.
In the URL field, input the hash symbol followed by your ID, like this: #section-one.
Test your anchor link once published. Click on the link to make sure it directs you to the intended section of your page.

How to add anchor links in Classic Editor

Create the anchor point by adding an HTML anchor tag to your desired section. You can do this by inserting <a name=’your-anchor-name’></a> right before the heading or paragraph you want to link to.
Create a hyperlink that points to this anchor by using <a href=’#your-anchor-name’>Link Text</a> wherever you want the link to appear.

How to add anchor links in HTML

If you’re comfortable with HTML, you can directly code the anchor links into your WordPress posts or pages. Simply add the anchor tag at your target location and reference it with an href link as described above.

How to automate headings as anchor links

Install a Plugin
- Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New.
- Search for Easy Table of Contents or Table of Contents Plus.
- Click Install and then Activate.
Configure Plugin Settings
- Navigate to Settings → Table of Contents (or the plugin’s settings).
- Enable automatic anchor links for headings (<h2>, <h3>, etc.).
- Customize anchor link formatting if needed.
Add Headings to Your Post/Page
- Edit your post/page in WordPress.
- Ensure you use proper headings (<h2>, <h3>, etc.). The plugin will automatically generate anchor links.
Verify the Table of Contents or Links
- Preview your page and check that clicking the links scrolls to the correct section.

How to use anchor links in a menu

Include anchor links in your WordPress menu by going to the Appearance > Menus section, adding a custom link, and using the anchor link format #your-anchor-name as the URL.

How to use anchor links between pages

To link between different pages using anchors, use the full URL followed by the anchor name, like http://yourwebsite.com/page#your-anchor-name. This method allows users to jump directly to specific content across your site.

Getting started with a better WordPress UX

Implementing anchor links is an effective way to enhance user experience on your WordPress site. These links allow users to navigate directly to specific sections, improving overall site usability.

By mastering the use of anchor links, you can make your site more user-friendly and keep visitors engaged, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of your WordPress site.

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