Linking Text

Link text is important in web accessibility because it helps users understand where a link goes and what it does, especially for people who use assistive technologies such as screen readers.

Key reasons include:

Provides context

• Good link text tells users what to expect before they click.
• Example:
  • Poor: "Click here"
  • Better: "Download the annual report"

Supports screen reader users

• Many screen readers can generate a list of all links on a page.
• If the links are labeled only as "click here," "read more," or "more," users cannot tell the links apart.
• Descriptive text allows users to navigate efficiently.

Improves keyboard navigation

• Users who navigate with the keyboard often move through links one by one.
• Clear link text helps them decide which links are relevant without reading surrounding content.

Benefits users with cognitive disabilities

• Specific, meaningful wording reduces ambiguity and makes pages easier to understand.

Helps all users

• Accessible link text improves usability for everyone, including people scanning a page quickly on mobile devices.

Best practices

• Make link text descriptive and meaningful on its own.
• Describe the destination or action.
• Keep it concise.
• Avoid vague phrases such as:
  • "Click here"
  • "Read more"
  • "More"
  • "Learn more" (unless additional context is included)
• If multiple links go to different destinations, ensure their text is distinct.

For example

• Instead of "Click here" use "View course registration deadlines"
• Instead of "More info" use "Learn about scholarship eligibility"