Adding links in WordPress is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’re linking to another article, a reference source, or creating a call-to-action button, the block editor gives you a few different ways to do it.
Here’s how to add links in WordPress, from the most common method to my personal favorite time-saver.
Method 1: The Standard Way – Highlight and Link
This is the method you’ll use most often.
Select the text you want to turn into a link. A small toolbar appears above your selection with formatting options. Click the link icon (it looks like a chain link, third from the right). A field pops up where you can paste your URL.
Hit enter and you’re done.
Quick tip: After you add the link, click the arrow next to the URL field. This opens additional options where you can make the link open in a new tab – useful for external links that you don’t want people navigating away from your site to follow.
Method 2: Add a Button Block for Visual Emphasis
Sometimes a regular text link doesn’t stand out enough. That’s where button blocks come in.
Click the plus icon to add a new block and search for “Buttons.” Type your button text (like “Read the Full Guide”), then paste your URL in the link field that appears on the right sidebar.
Buttons work well for calls-to-action at the end of posts or when you really want a link to grab attention. They’re also easier for mobile users to tap than inline text links.
Method 3: The Keyboard Shortcut (My Favorite)
Here’s the thing though – there’s a faster way that I use constantly.
Copy the URL you want to link to (Ctrl+C on Windows or Cmd+C on Mac). Then highlight the text in your post that should become the link. Instead of clicking anything, just paste (Ctrl+V on Windows or Cmd+V on Mac) directly over the highlighted text.
WordPress automatically converts your selected text into a link. No clicking through menus, no extra steps.
I’ve been using this shortcut for years and it still feels like magic every time. If you’re editing a lot of content or adding multiple links, this method saves you a surprising amount of time.
Which Method Should You Use?
For most inline links in your content, use Method 1 or 3 – whichever feels more natural to you. I default to the keyboard shortcut because I’m rarely using my mouse anyway, but the highlight-and-click approach works just as well.
Save buttons for important links that deserve extra visibility: resource downloads, related guides, affiliate links, or next steps at the end of a tutorial.
One thing to watch out for: WordPress doesn’t automatically set links to open in new tabs. If you’re linking to external sites, you’ll want to manually toggle that option on so readers don’t lose their place on your site.
