How to Create Anchors in HTML

Below you'll find a special HTML code you can use to create links within your web page to other sections of that same page.

But first, I'd like to explain a little about anchors and how you can use them to enhance your website.

What are Anchors?

Simply put, an anchor is a hyperlink that sends your reader to another section of the same web page as itself.

Sound confusing? Although links normally go to other sections of your web "site" or even to another site all together, links can also be used to create special shortcuts within your web pages.

Here are just a few ways you can incorporate anchors into your web pages:

1. You can use an anchor to create a menu on your page. If you have a categorized section of your website such as a resources page or a products page where each category is very short in length, you can use anchors to link to each category instead of making a new web page for each category.

You can go to the link below to view my resources page as an example. Notice how each category title such as "Internet Marketing", simply goes to a section on the same page as the menu. You'll remain on this same page no matter which category you choose. These links are called anchors.

Go Here to View Resources Page

2. You can use anchors as a "jump" ahead on your page for readers who are in a hurry, and wish to sign up for your offer or purchase your products.

For example, you may have a lengthy presentation that sales really well on your site, but there are always those readers who wish to get right to the price and buy! For these type of readers, you can create an anchor that jumps to the product options on your web page and skips the lengthy presentation.

You can view a sample of this by going here...

3. Anchors can be used as a guide to your menu bar. You may wish to lead your readers back to the menu bar of your page so they can visit other sections of your site. You can use an anchor to link to your menu bar from anywhere on your web page.

4. And, finally, you can use an anchor to lead your visitors back to the top of your page. If you have a lengthy web page, this saves readers the time of scrolling all the way back to the top of your page.

The CODE:

Below is the HTML code for creating anchors...

Select the destination you wish the link to take you to when clicked on and place this code with any name you'd like.

This will create an anchor for your link.

<A NAME="anyname">anyname</A>

Create your link and make sure you use the same name as you used in your anchor:

<A HREF="#Anyname">Click Here</A>

I am certain you'll find anchors to be a valuable addition to your web design. Use these tips to increase your website's navigation abilities, and sales!

About the teacher:
Article written by Candice Pardue, Online Success for Internet Business. Subscribe to Web Design Weekly to receive weekly web and graphic design tips, articles and resources by email.....
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