WordPress and HTML Code: Customizing Your Website

WordPress is a well-known platform for bloggers and website creators since it provides an easy-to-use interface and endless customization possibilities. One of the most popular ways to personalize your WordPress website is to add HTML code or snippets. HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the standard language used to build web pages. HTML code enables you to embed videos, images, forms, and other web components on your website. In this article, we will guide you through the steps for adding HTML code to WordPress, whether you are aiming to add it to a blog post or a page.

Step 1: Get Acquainted with HTML Code

Before you start adding HTML code to WordPress, it’s crucial to understand what HTML code is, what it entails, and how it works. HTML code is a set of tags and text that governs how content is presented on a web page. HTML is designed to be simple to read and grasp, even for individuals without technical expertise. Nevertheless, it takes a little bit of practice to master, so we recommend taking some time to learn the basics.

Step 2: Choose the Right WordPress Editor

WordPress provides two editors: the Classic editor and the Block editor (Gutenberg). The Block editor is the newer of the two and is now the default WordPress editor. If you are using the Classic editor, you may skip this step.

Block Editor (Gutenberg)

To add HTML code in the Block editor, follow these steps:

1. Open the page or post where you want to add HTML code.
2. Click on the + icon in the top-left corner to add a new block.
3. Search for the HTML block or select it from the Formatting category.
4. Click on the HTML block to add it to your page or post.
5. Paste your HTML code in the box provided.
6. Click on the Preview button to preview your changes.
7. Click on the Publish button to make your changes live.

Classic Editor

To add HTML code in the Classic editor, follow these steps:

1. Open the page or post where you want to add HTML code.
2. Click on the Text tab in the top-right corner to switch to HTML view.
3. Paste your HTML code where you want it to appear.
4. Click on the Visual tab to switch back to the visual editor.
5. Click on the Preview button to preview your changes.
6. Click on the Publish button to make your changes live.

Step 3: Code Your HTML

There are several ways to add HTML code to your WordPress website. Here are a few examples:

• Embed videos from YouTube or Vimeo with the help of their embed code.
• Add forms to your WordPress site with services like Gravity Forms or Contact Form 7.
• Create custom buttons or call-to-action (CTA) using HTML and CSS.
• Add social media icons that link to your social media accounts with HTML.
• Design custom page templates using HTML and PHP.

Step 4: Troubleshoot HTML Code Errors

Sometimes, adding HTML code to WordPress can result in mistakes, preventing your page or post from appearing correctly. Here are some common errors and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Missing or incomplete HTML code: Double-check that you have closed all tags and included all necessary elements in your code.
2. Blank screen or error message: This might occur if your code contains syntax errors. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly review your code or utilize an HTML validator tool.
3. Code appearing as text: If your HTML code is appearing as plain text on the page or post, verify that you are in HTML view and not visual view.

Step 5: Practice and Experiment

Adding HTML code to WordPress may seem daunting at first, but with practice and experimentation, it can become second nature. Start with small modifications, such as adding a video or an image, and gradually work your way up to more intricate coding. Utilize online resources, such as W3Schools or Codecademy, to enhance your HTML knowledge and abilities.

In summary, adding HTML code to WordPress is a simple process that requires a basic understanding of HTML and WordPress editors. By following these simple procedures, you can effortlessly add HTML code to your WordPress site and personalize it to your liking. Do not be afraid to experiment and practice, and do not forget to troubleshoot any errors that may surface. With time, you will become an HTML and WordPress pro!