How To Add An Article To Your Website Using The WordPress Classic Editor

Sharing your expertise and engaging your audience is crucial for a successful website. Adding articles to your WordPress site is a powerful way to attract visitors, establish authority, and potentially drive conversions.

This guide walks you through the process of adding an article using the WordPress Classic Editor, offering a simple and streamlined approach to content creation.

Required Tools

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Self-Hosted WordPress:This tutorial is for the self-hosted version of WordPress (wordpress.org), not WordPress.com.
• Page Builder Framework Theme (Optional):Page Builder Framework is a recommended theme, but any theme will work.
• WordPress Classic Editor Plugin:This plugin provides the traditional WordPress editing experience, avoiding the block editor (Gutenberg).

Logging In to Your WordPress Dashboard

To begin, access your WordPress admin dashboard:

• Navigate to Admin URL:Open your web browser and go to `https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin` (replace “yourwebsite.com” with your actual domain name).
• Enter Credentials:If prompted, enter your WordPress username and password.
• Access Dashboard:You should now be in your WordPress dashboard, the central control panel for your website.

Creating a New Post

There are two convenient ways to start a new post:

• Using the “+ New” Button:In the top black toolbar, click the “+ New” button and select “Post” from the dropdown menu.
• Using the Sidebar Menu:In the left sidebar, click “Posts,” then click “Add New.”

Both methods will take you to a blank post editor, ready for your content.

Activating the Visual Editor

Ensure you’re in the visual editing mode:

• Check Tabs:At the top right of the editor, you’ll see two tabs: “Visual” and “Text.”
• Select “Visual”:Click the “Visual” tab. This provides a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing experience, allowing you to format your content without writing HTML code.

Adding Your Article Title

Enter your article’s title:

• Locate Title Field:Find the field labeled “Enter title here” at the top of the editor.
• Write a Compelling Title:Type in your article’s title. Make it clear, engaging, and relevant to your content.
• Save Draft: Click “Save Draft” in the “Publish” box on the right side of the screen. Saving regularly is highly recommended.

Adding Your Article Content

Now, it’s time to add the main body of your article:

• Use the Content Box: The large white box below the title field is where you’ll write your article.
• Compose Your Content: Type your text, add paragraphs, and format as needed.

Enabling Full-Height Editor (Optional)

For a distraction-free writing environment, you can enable the full-height editor:

• Access Screen Options:Click “Screen Options” in the top-right corner of the screen.
• Enable Full-Height Editor:Check the box labeled “Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality.”
• Disable (Optional): To revert to the standard view, simply uncheck the box.

Adding Text and Links

Adding text is as simple as typing directly into the content box.

To create a hyperlink:

• Select Text:Highlight the text you want to turn into a link.
• Click Link Icon:Click the chain-link icon in the editor’s toolbar.
• Enter URL:Paste or type the URL you want to link to.
• Apply Link:Click the arrow button to apply the link.
• Open in New Tab (Optional):Click the gear icon next to the link, check “Open link in a new tab,” and click “Update.”
• Remove a Link: Click on the linked text and click the broken-chain icon in the toolbar.

Adding Images

To insert images into your article:

• Place Cursor:Click where you want the image to appear in your content.
• Click “Add Media”:Click the “Add Media” button above the toolbar.
• Upload or Select Image: Choose “Upload Files” to upload a new image or “Media Library” to select an existing one.
• Upload Image (if needed):If uploading, click “Select Files,” choose your image, and click “Open.”
• Insert Image:Once the image is uploaded or selected, click “Insert into post.”
• Edit Image (Optional):Click the image, then click the pencil icon to adjust size, alignment, and other settings. Make sure that when you are linking to an image, you select “Media File” under the “Link To” dropdown. This will cause your image to open in a lightbox.

Adding a Featured Image

The featured image represents your article visually:

• Locate Featured Image Box:Scroll down the right sidebar until you find the “Featured Image” box.
• Set Featured Image:Click “Set featured image.”
• Select or Upload: Choose an image from your Media Library or upload a new one.
• Confirm Selection:Click “Set featured image” to confirm your choice.

Adding an Excerpt

The excerpt is a short summary of your article:

• Enable Excerpt Field (if needed):If you don’t see the “Excerpt” box, click “Screen Options” at the top right and check the “Excerpt” box.
• Locate Excerpt Box:The “Excerpt” box should now appear below the main content area.
• Write Excerpt:Write a concise summary (around 50-60 words) of your article.

Publishing Your Article

When you’re ready to make your article live:

• Review:Double-check your title, content, images, and featured image.
• Click “Publish”:Click the “Publish” button in the right sidebar.
• Save as Draft (Optional): If you’re not ready to publish, click “Save Draft” to save your progress.

Conclusion

Using the WordPress Classic Editor provides a streamlined and familiar way to add articles to your website. By following these steps, you can easily create and publish engaging content, connect with your audience, and enhance your online presence. The Classic Editor offers a clean, distraction-free environment, making the writing process straightforward and enjoyable.