When citing a website in APA style, it is essential to include the author's name, publication date, title of the webpage, and the URL. If the author's name is not available, the title of the webpage is used in its place. The publication date is also crucial, but if it is not provided, the abbreviation "n.d." is used to indicate that the date is not available.
General Guidelines for APA Website References
In general, the format for citing a website in APA style is as follows: Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Publication Date). Title of webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com. If the webpage has a DOI (digital object identifier), it should be included at the end of the reference. For example: Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Publication Date). Title of webpage. doi:xxxxxxx
Citing a Website with an Author
When the author’s name is available, the reference should be formatted as follows: Lastname, F.M. (Publication Date). Title of webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com. For instance: Smith, J.D. (2022). How to cite a website in APA style. Retrieved from https://www.apastyle.org
Citing a Website without an Author
If the author’s name is not provided, the title of the webpage is used in its place. The reference should be formatted as follows: Title of webpage. (Publication Date). Retrieved from https://www.url.com. For example: How to cite a website in APA style. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.apastyle.org
Citing a Website with a DOI
If the webpage has a DOI, it should be included at the end of the reference. The reference should be formatted as follows: Lastname, F.M. (Publication Date). Title of webpage. doi:xxxxxxx. For instance: Johnson, K.M. (2022). How to cite a website in APA style. doi:10.1037⁄0000123
| Reference Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Website with author | Lastname, F.M. (Publication Date). Title of webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com | Smith, J.D. (2022). How to cite a website in APA style. Retrieved from https://www.apastyle.org |
| Website without author | Title of webpage. (Publication Date). Retrieved from https://www.url.com | How to cite a website in APA style. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.apastyle.org |
| Website with DOI | Lastname, F.M. (Publication Date). Title of webpage. doi:xxxxxxx | Johnson, K.M. (2022). How to cite a website in APA style. doi:10.1037/0000123 |
Common APA Website Reference Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes when citing a website in APA style is forgetting to include the publication date or the URL. It is also essential to ensure that the reference is formatted correctly, with the author’s name, title of the webpage, and the URL in the correct order.
APA Website Reference Best Practices
To avoid common mistakes, it is essential to follow best practices when citing a website in APA style. This includes ensuring that the reference is formatted correctly, including all necessary elements, such as the author’s name, publication date, title of the webpage, and the URL. It is also essential to proofread the reference carefully to ensure that it is accurate and complete.
What is the general format for citing a website in APA style?
+The general format for citing a website in APA style is: Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Publication Date). Title of webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com. If the webpage has a DOI, it should be included at the end of the reference.
How do I cite a website without an author in APA style?
+If the author’s name is not provided, the title of the webpage is used in its place. The reference should be formatted as follows: Title of webpage. (Publication Date). Retrieved from https://www.url.com.
What is the importance of including the DOI in an APA website reference?
+The DOI (digital object identifier) is a unique identifier assigned to a digital object, such as a webpage. Including the DOI in an APA website reference provides a permanent link to the webpage, ensuring that the reader can access the webpage even if the URL changes.
