There is often some confusion on when to use a button and when to use a standard link.
When To Use A Button
Buttons are most often used to make a more important link standout. You want to use them sparingly on a page to make sure they keep this important value. Examples of visitor interaction could be to download a file or sign up for an event. A good rule of thumb is that if any type of form fields for data is needed, or any action needs to be taken, a button should be used.
If you are providing a simple page resource link to another page on your website or linking out to another website’s resource, it is best practice to use a link instead of a button.
Create A Button
You can add a button to any page or post by finding the button icon in the editor toolbar. Click on this icon to add a button anywhere within your content on a post or a page.
You will get a popup window. Fill in the “Title” (the visible text on the button), the “Link” (URL to file or page you’re sending them to), and check the “Open in new window” box if linking to a page outside your website or to a pdf file.
The button shortcode will appear in your text editor.
When you preview or publish, the button will appear like a button on your page/post.
Edit A Button
Once a button is on the page, you can change the button in one of two ways.
- Delete the button shortcode and create a new button like shown above.OR
- Edit the shortcode.
To change the button text: change the text within the brackets as highlighted below.
To change the link location: change the text within the parenthesis as highlighted below. Be sure that if you link the button to an image, you copy or type the name of the image within the parenthesis to match exactly what was uploaded to the media library.
Note: The button function can be styled to match your website look and feel. Talk to your Account Director if you feel you need the styling changed.