It’s what takes you to another section, website, or resource. Good link text should be easy to spot from regular text—like underlined, bold, or colored.
Why does link text matter?
It tells you where you’re going
Clear links like “See Appendix A” help readers know what to expect, unlike vague ones like “Click here.”
It’s accessible for everyone
Screen readers rely on descriptive links. Phrases like “Read more” are unhelpful to users who navigate through links.
It stands out
Formatting using things like underlining with color and bold makes links easy to recognize. If it blends in with regular text, readers can miss it.
It saves time
Clear links work like labels on a filing cabinet—no guesswork, just quick access.
Steps to create great link text
- Be descriptive: Say where the link leads, e.g., “View Table 2: Results.”
- Make it look like a link: Use two (or more) kinds of formatting underline, color or bold.
- Keep it short and clear: A few meaningful words are enough.
- Avoid generic phrases: Replace “Click here” with specific destinations.
- Test it: Links should make sense on their own, without surrounding text.