Accessibility Tip: Writing Better Link Text
Links are an essential part of web content, helping users navigate to additional information and resources. Clear and descriptive link text makes it easier for everyone to understand where a link will take them.
For people using screen readers, link text is especially important. Screen readers can provide a list of links on a page, allowing users to quickly scan and navigate content. When links use vague phrases like “click here” or “read more,” it can be difficult to understand their purpose.
Why Descriptive Links Matter
Descriptive link text helps users know what to expect before they select a link. It also improves readability for people scanning a page quickly.
Instead of using generic phrases, link text should clearly describe the destination or action.
Less helpful:
- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
More helpful:
- View the academic calendar
- Learn about financial aid options
- Explore nursing degree programs
Clear link text helps users decide whether a link is relevant to them and improves navigation for people using assistive technologies.
Tips for Writing Accessible Links
- Describe the destination.
Link text should explain where the link leads or what the user will find. - Keep link text concise.
Short, meaningful phrases are easier to scan and understand. - Avoid repeating identical link text.
If multiple links say “learn more,” users may not know which one to choose. - Make links meaningful out of context.
A person should understand the purpose of a link even if it is read independently from the surrounding text.
Small Changes Improve Accessibility
Updating link text is a simple step that can make web content easier to navigate and understand. By writing descriptive links, content creators help ensure that digital information is accessible to a wider range of users.
Quick Accessibility Check
Before publishing content, ask yourself:
- Does each link describe where it goes?
- Could someone understand the link without reading the surrounding text?
- Have generic phrases like “click here” been avoided?
Accessibility Tip is a series from the Digital Accessibility group, a subcommittee of the University Technology Committee, sharing practical ways to improve digital accessibility and create more inclusive online experiences at Minnesota State Moorhead.