How to Create External Links in a Webpage
Webpages may include both internal and external links. Internal links lead to a different page on the same website, while external links lead to a different website. Using external links adds value to a webpage because it provides a sense of credibility and professionalism. Web owners can also exchange links for more traffic. Website owners can easily create external links in a webpage with simple HTML or a webpage editor.
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Instructions
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Prepare the basic HTML code for manual creation of external links (see the first link under References below). Actually, both external and internal links use the same HTML. The manual HTML coding process is not generally necessary but can help if the webpage owner must quickly create a link without the use of a web editor. Refer to the following HTML when manually adding external links to HTML. These sample external links display the text "eHow" and take a visitor to the eHow homepage:
1. External Link In the Same Window
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/" target="_self" >eHow</a>
2. External Link In a New Browser Window
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/" target="_blank" >eHow</a>
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Replace the eHow link address and the "eHow" text with the desired web address and text for the new external link. Some sites attempt to create two frames out of the same browser window and occupy the top spot. Replace "self" above with "top" to break any frames. Replace "self" with "parent" to ensure that the external link replaces the original page in the same frame.
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Access the HTML of the webpage and place the chosen HTML above within the desired area of the web page. Those using a web host's cPanel control panel do this by clicking on "File Manager" and then finding and clicking on the webpage file and Code Editor. External web editors have the same function but often display the HTML code in a "Source" area. Here is an example of how to add a link to HTML:
John works as a computer programmer for <a href="http://www.ehow.com/" target="_blank" >eHow</a>.
When the web page displays in a browser, it will display only an "eHow" clickable link instead of the HTML.
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Use the automated Link function in the NVU web page editor to simplify the linking process (see the second link under References). Open the webpage in the editor with the "Open" button near the top. Highlight the desired link text and click on "Link." A new window opens up, and the user should enter text in the "Link Text" box and the link webpage address in the "Link Location" box. Select the desired target (new window, same window, etc.) and then click "OK" to add the link. Confirm that the entered text shows up as a blue color. The cPanel control panel has a similar function within the HTML editor instead of the Code Editor.
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Tips & Warnings
Open links in a new window when using a page that has many links. Many visitors get confused when having to continually hit the "Back" button to go back to the original page.
Even seasoned webmasters frequently make errors when designing a webpage with links. Always test the links in a web browser before publishing the page to the public.
