How to Add an External Link Icon on Your WordPress Site

When it comes to creating engaging and user-friendly content on your WordPress site, clear navigation and visual cues play a pivotal role. One useful visual cue is an external link icon, which signals to your readers that the link they are about to click will take them away from your site. This not only improves user experience but also helps build trust and transparency. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of adding an external link icon on your WordPress site, enabling you to enhance your site’s navigation and usability.

What is an External Link Icon?

An external link icon is a small graphic that indicates a hyperlink leads to an outside website. Common representations include a small arrow, a globe, or a chain link. By using these icons, you inform users upfront that leaving your site is an option, improving their overall experience.

Why You Should Add an External Link Icon

Adding an external link icon is more than just an aesthetic choice; it serves several critical purposes:

• Enhances User Experience: Users appreciate transparency. Knowing when they are being directed to an external website helps them decide whether to follow the link.
• Increases Click-Through Rates: Visually identifiable links can encourage users to click through, thus keeping them engaged with your content.
• Improves SEO Ranking: Google and other search engines favor sites that enhance user experience. Icons can contribute to a higher ranking over time by keeping visitors on your site.

Methods to Add an External Link Icon

There are multiple methods to implement an external link icon on your WordPress site, each offering varying levels of customization and ease of use. Below, we will explore these methods:

1. Using CSS for Customization

If you’re comfortable with CSS, you can easily implement custom styles to create an external link icon:

1. Navigate to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance ↦ Customize ↦ Additional CSS.
3. Paste the following CSS code:
a[target='_blank']::after { content: '2197'; /* Unicode for an arrow */ margin-left: 5px; font-size: 0.8em; }
4. Click Publish to apply the changes.

This method adds a small arrow symbol after every external link that opens in a new tab.

2. Installing a Plugin

For those who prefer an easier route without diving into code, WordPress plugins offer a solution:

• WP External Links: This plugin allows you to add icons effortlessly to all external links.
• External Links – NoFollow, Sponsored & Dofollow: With this plugin, you can manage external links along with adding icons.

• To install a plugin:
1. Go to Plugins ↦ Add New.
2. Search for your desired plugin and click Install Now.
3. Activate the plugin and follow the instructions provided in the plugin settings.

3. Using a Page Builder

If you're using a popular page builder like Elementor or Beaver Builder, you can easily add an icon beside your external links:

• Open the page you wish to edit with your page builder.
• Add a text editor widget or a button.
• Insert your link and use the icon options available in your page builder to include an external link icon.

For instance, in Elementor, you can simply go to the 'Icon' section and select an icon from the library.

Best Practices for Using External Link Icons

Implementing external link icons is just a piece of the puzzle. Here are some best practices to consider:

• Consistency: Stick to one style of icon across your site for a cohesive look.
• Moderation: Not every external link needs an icon. Use them judiciously to prevent clutter.
• Test Your Links: Regularly check to ensure that your external links are functioning and lead to relevant content.

Examples

Many reputable websites utilize external link icons effectively:

• Wikipedia: Icons indicating external links allow users to easily differentiate from internal links.
• TechCrunch: The use of external link icons increases clarity and improves user interaction on their articles.

Adding an external link icon to your WordPress site is a simple yet effective way to enhance user experience, improve SEO rankings, and increase click-through rates. Whether you choose to implement it via CSS, a plugin, or a page builder, the steps are straightforward. Remember to maintain consistency and moderation while ensuring that all links lead to credible external sources. With these actionable tips, you'll set the stage for increased engagement and a better browsing experience for your users.

Ready to enhance your site further? Explore additional themes and plugins that can elevate your site to new heights or share this article with your fellow WordPress users looking to improve their navigation!