How to Add Shortcodes in WordPress

Wondering how you can add dynamic content or functionality to posts, pages, and widgets without writing complex code? Try WordPress shortcodes. Through this powerful feature of WordPress, agencies can save time and enhance the website’s functionality. But, how to use them?  

In this guide, we’ll cover different methods of adding WordPress shortcodes to various components of your site so that you don’t have to look everywhere else. 

What Are WordPress Shortcodes?  

As explained in our detailed WordPress shortcode guide, shortcodes in WordPress are small pieces of code enclosed in square brackets (e.g., `[shortcode]`) that perform specific functions when added to your content. They can be used to embed forms, galleries, sliders, buttons, and more.  

For example:  

– `[contact-form]` – Embeds a contact form.  

How to Add Shortcodes in WordPress? 

Shortcodes can be added to different components such as posts, pages, widgets, and so on. At each component, they tend to increase the functionality. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding shortcodes in WordPress. 

How to Add Shortcodes to Posts and Pages

This is the most common way to use shortcodes in WordPress. You can add them directly to the WordPress editor.  

1. Open the WordPress Editor (Gutenberg or Classic Editor).  

2. In the Gutenberg Editor, add a Shortcode block.  

   -Click the “+”button to add a block.  

   – Search for “Shortcode” and select it.  

   – Insert your shortcode (e.g., `[contact-form]`).  

3. In the Classic Editor, simply paste the shortcode into the content area.  

4. Update or Publish your post/page.  

How to Add Shortcodes to Widgets

You can also use shortcodes in widgets like sidebars or footers. Here is how you can add shortcodes in WordPress to widgets. 

1. Go to Appearance > Widgets in your WordPress dashboard.  

2. Drag a Text or Custom HTML widget to your desired widget area.  

3. Paste your shortcode into the widget (e.g., `[recent-posts]`).  

4. Save the changes made. 

How to Add Shortcodes to Theme Files

For advanced users, shortcodes in WordPress can be added directly to theme files (e.g., `page.php`, `single.php`).  Here are the steps for the same. 

1. Access your theme files via Appearance > Theme File Editor. 

2. Open the desired theme file (e.g., `page.php`) and the section where you want to add the WordPress shortcode. 

3. Enter the shortcode in the desired section and save the file.   

How  to Add Custom Shortcodes  

If you need a custom WordPress shortcode, you can create one by adding code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a shortcode plugin.  

1. Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor and open `functions.php`.  

2. Add the following code to create a custom shortcode:  

  function custom_button_shortcode() {  

       return ‘<a href=”#” class=”button”>Click Me</a>’;  

   }  

   add_shortcode(‘button’, ‘custom_button_shortcode’);  

3. Save the file.  

4. Use the shortcode `[button]` in your posts, pages, or widgets.  

If you’re not comfortable with code, you can use WordPress shortcode plugins to manage and add shortcodes. Follow the steps below for this method of adding custom shortcodes in WordPress. 

1. Install and activate a shortcode plugin from the Plugins > Add New section.  

2. Install>Activate the selected plugin. 

3. Follow the plugin’s instructions to generate and use shortcodes. For instance, we have downloaded the WP Shortcodes plugin and can start adding shortcodes in WordPress posts from the top bar.

You can search the shortcodes from the library and integrate them directly into the posts/pages. 

Best Practices for Using Shortcodes in WordPress 

While WordPress shortcodes are powerful, WordPress agencies must ensure that they follow best practices when using shortcodes. Whether you’re a beginner or a WordPress agency, these tips will help you make the most of shortcodes while avoiding common pitfalls.  

Test Shortcodes in a Staging Environment

Before adding shortcodes to your live site, always test them in a staging environment. This ensures that the shortcodes work as expected and don’t cause any conflicts with your theme or plugins.  

This prevents unexpected errors or broken layouts on your live site while allowing you to troubleshoot issues without affecting your visitors. Creating a staging site is not difficult, provided you use the right WordPress development platform. 

You can also watch this video to learn more about creating WordPress staging sites. 

Avoid Overusing Shortcodes

While shortcodes are convenient, overusing them can negatively impact your site’s performance. Too many shortcodes can increase page load times, especially if they involve complex queries or external resources.  

To avoid this: 

•  Use shortcodes only when necessary.  
•  Combine multiple shortcodes into one if possible (e.g., create a custom shortcode for repeated functionality).  

Use Reliable Plugins for Shortcodes

If you’re using plugins to generate or manage shortcodes, ensure they come from trusted sources. This is crucial as poorly coded plugins can introduce security vulnerabilities or conflicts with your theme.  

While you pick the best shortcode plugins, check the plugin’s ratings, reviews, and update frequency on the WordPress repository.  

Optimize for Performance

Shortcodes can sometimes slow down your site, especially if they involve heavy processing or external requests. So, make sure that you use WordPress caching plugins to improve the page load times and minimize the use of shortcodes that rely on external APIs or databases.  

In addition, combine shortcodes with lazy loading for images or other media.  

Keep Your Shortcodes Organized

If you’re creating custom shortcodes or using multiple shortcodes on a single page, keep them organized for easier management. Organized shortcodes make it easier to troubleshoot issues and update your site.  

You can use descriptive names for custom shortcodes (e.g., `[custom_button]` instead of `[cb]`). In addition, document your shortcodes in a text file or use a file manager plugin.  

Conclusion  

WordPress shortcodes are a versatile tool for adding dynamic content and functionality to your site. Whether you’re adding them to posts, widgets, or theme files, this guide has covered the essential methods for beginners and agencies alike.  

By mastering shortcodes, you can streamline your workflow and create more engaging websites. Don’t forget to explore WordPress shortcode plugins and experiment with custom shortcodes to unlock even more possibilities.  

For more tips and tutorials on WordPress development, check out our blog or contact our team of WordPress experts!