How to Create Anchor Links in WordPress: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create Anchor Links in WordPress: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide | Creating anchor links in WordPress is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve navigation, enhance user experience, and make long articles easier to read. Whether you publish detailed tutorials, comprehensive guides, documentation, or lengthy blog posts, anchor links help visitors jump directly to the section they want without scrolling through the entire page.

Many professional websites use anchor links because they improve readability and allow users to access information more efficiently. They are commonly used for tables of contents, FAQ sections, knowledge bases, product documentation, and landing pages.

If you are looking for a complete guide to create anchor links in WordPress, this article explains everything from the basics to advanced techniques, including different methods, best practices, common mistakes, and troubleshooting tips.

How to Create Anchor Links in WordPress: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Are Anchor Links?

Anchor links are clickable hyperlinks that take users to a specific section within the same page or another page instead of loading an entirely new webpage.

Instead of directing visitors to a different URL, an anchor link scrolls the browser directly to a designated heading, paragraph, image, or content block.

For example, clicking a Table of Contents item like "Benefits of Anchor Links" immediately jumps to that section without requiring the reader to manually scroll.

The structure of an anchor link generally looks like this:

https://example.com/article/#benefits

Or within the same page:

#benefits

In this example:

• benefits is the anchor ID.
• The browser searches for the matching HTML element.
• The page automatically scrolls to that location.

Why Creating Anchor Links in WordPress Is Important

Adding anchor links offers numerous advantages for both website visitors and website owners.

Better User Experience

Long articles often contain thousands of words. Readers may only need one particular section, and anchor links allow them to find it instantly.

This reduces unnecessary scrolling and creates a smoother browsing experience.

Easier Navigation

Anchor links make websites more organized.

Instead of presenting one massive wall of text, users can navigate through different sections with a single click.

Professional Appearance

Many authority websites use anchor links alongside tables of contents.

This makes the content appear well-organized, structured, and easier to understand.

Improved Accessibility

Visitors using keyboards or assistive technologies can navigate lengthy pages more efficiently when anchor links are properly implemented.

Potential SEO Benefits

While anchor links are not a direct ranking factor, they can indirectly improve SEO by:

• Increasing user engagement
• Improving page usability
• Reducing bounce rates
• Helping Google understand page structure
• Increasing the likelihood of sitelinks in search results

How Anchor Links Work

Anchor links rely on HTML IDs.

Every anchor destination needs a unique ID.

Example:

<h2 id="features">Features</h2>

The link pointing to it would be:

<a href="#features">View Features</a>

When clicked, the browser scrolls directly to:

Features

Methods for Creating Anchor Links in WordPress

There are several ways to create anchor links depending on your preferred editor and technical knowledge.

Method 1: Creating Anchor Links in Gutenberg

The Gutenberg editor includes built-in support for HTML Anchors.

Step 1

Open your post or page.

Step 2

Select the heading block where users should jump.

Step 3

Open the Block Settings panel.

Step 4

Expand the Advanced section.

Step 5

Locate the HTML Anchor field.

Example:

installation-guide

Do not include:

#

Only type:

installation-guide

Step 6

Create a link somewhere else.

Example:

#installation-guide

Publish or update your page.

Now clicking that link automatically scrolls to the heading.

Method 2: Creating Anchor Links in Classic Editor

If you still use the Classic Editor, switch to the Text editor.

Example:

<h2 id="pricing">Pricing</h2>

Create the link:

<a href="#pricing">View Pricing</a>

Save the post.

Method 3: Using Custom HTML

Sometimes you need complete control.

Example:

<div id="contact"></div>

<h2>Contact Us</h2>

Create the link:

<a href="#contact">Contact Section</a>

Method 4: Creating Anchor Links Between Pages

Anchor links also work across different pages.

Example destination:

https://example.com/services/#pricing

Users visiting that URL automatically land on the Pricing section.

Example:

<a href="https://example.com/services/#pricing">
View Pricing
</a>

Method 5: Creating Anchor Links Using Elementor

Elementor includes a dedicated Menu Anchor widget.

Steps:

1. Drag the Menu Anchor widget.
2. Enter an anchor ID.
3. Create a button or text link.
4. Link it using:

#services

This is one of the easiest methods for Elementor users.

Method 6: Automatically Creating Anchor Links with a Table of Contents Plugin

Many websites automatically generate anchor links through Table of Contents plugins.

Popular plugins include:

• Easy Table of Contents
• LuckyWP Table of Contents
• SimpleTOC
• Heroic Table of Contents

These plugins automatically:

• Scan headings
• Create anchor IDs
• Generate navigation menus
• Update links whenever headings change

This method saves significant time when publishing long articles.

Best Practices for Creating Anchor Links in WordPress

Following best practices ensures your anchor links remain reliable and user-friendly.

Use Descriptive Anchor IDs

Instead of:

section1

Use:

wordpress-security

This improves readability and makes the code easier to maintain.

Keep IDs Short

Good example:

contact

Avoid:

this-is-the-final-contact-information-section

Short IDs are easier to remember and manage.

Avoid Spaces

Incorrect:

My Heading

Correct:

my-heading

Hyphens are recommended instead of spaces.

Use Lowercase Letters

Lowercase IDs reduce confusion and maintain consistency.

Good:

backup-guide

Instead of:

BackupGuide

Ensure Every ID Is Unique

Duplicate IDs may cause browsers to scroll to the wrong location.

Each anchor should have a different name.

Match Links Exactly

If your heading ID is:

features

Your link should be:

#features

Not:

#Features

Consistency is essential.

Common Uses of Anchor Links

Anchor links are suitable for many different types of websites.

Examples include:

• Table of Contents
• FAQ navigation
• Product documentation
• Landing pages
• Service pages
• Knowledge bases
• Long tutorials
• Legal pages
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• User manuals

Advantages and Disadvantages of Creating Anchor Links in WordPress

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many beginners encounter problems because of small mistakes.

Using Duplicate IDs

Every anchor ID must be unique.

Wrong:

id="pricing"
id="pricing"

Forgetting the

Links require the hash symbol.

Correct:

#pricing

Incorrect:

pricing

Adding Spaces

Wrong:

my heading

Correct:

my-heading

Deleting Anchor IDs

If you remove the ID later, every related anchor link stops working.

Always verify your links after editing content.

Linking to Non-Existing Anchors

If no matching ID exists, the browser cannot jump anywhere.

Always double-check spelling.

Troubleshooting Anchor Links

If your anchor links are not working, review the following checklist.

Tips for Better Anchor Link Organization

As your website grows, maintaining consistent anchor links becomes increasingly important. A well-planned naming convention makes it easier to update content, collaborate with other writers, and troubleshoot issues in the future.

Consider using descriptive names that relate directly to the heading or topic. For example, if you have a section about WordPress backups, use an anchor such as wordpress-backup-guide instead of a generic name like section3. This approach makes your HTML easier to understand and reduces the chance of creating duplicate IDs.

If your article contains many sections, organize anchor names using a consistent pattern. For instance, all headings related to installation could begin with install-, while troubleshooting sections could begin with troubleshoot-. Consistency becomes especially valuable when managing large documentation websites.

Do Anchor Links Affect SEO?

Anchor links are not a direct Google ranking factor, but they contribute to several aspects of technical SEO and user experience that can indirectly benefit your website.

When visitors can quickly find the information they need, they are more likely to remain on your page, interact with additional content, and continue browsing your website. These positive engagement signals can improve the overall quality of the user experience.

Search engines also use headings and page structure to better understand the organization of your content. Well-implemented anchor links, especially when paired with a clear table of contents, help reinforce that structure.

In some cases, Google may display jump-to links beneath a search result when it identifies useful anchor destinations within a page. Although there is no guarantee this will happen, using descriptive headings and properly configured anchor links increases the likelihood that search engines can interpret your page effectively.

Conclusion

Creating anchor links in WordPress is a simple but highly valuable technique for improving navigation, readability, and overall user experience. Whether you are using the Gutenberg Block Editor, the Classic Editor, custom HTML, Elementor, or a Table of Contents plugin, anchor links make long pages significantly easier to navigate.

By using clear and descriptive anchor IDs, keeping each ID unique, following consistent naming conventions, and regularly testing your links after making edits, you can ensure that your anchor links remain reliable as your website grows.

For websites that publish comprehensive tutorials, documentation, guides, or lengthy blog posts, creating anchor links in WordPress is a best practice that enhances usability while helping readers locate information quickly and efficiently. Implementing them consistently will contribute to a more professional website and a better browsing experience for every visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. How to Create Anchor Links in WordPress - elegantthemes.com
2. How to Create Anchor Links in WordPress - alacrityfoundation.co.uk