Or: Making Links, Buttons, and Expectations Clear
You’ve seen it a thousand times:
Click here.
Click here for more.
Click here to register.
Click here to learn about our accessibility efforts (the irony).
It’s vague. It’s contextless. And it’s everywhere.
But here’s the thing: “click here” doesn’t tell anyone where they’re going.
It doesn’t help people scanning a page.
And it’s actively unhelpful for people using screen readers.
Screen readers don’t “read” pages – they navigate them
This is important: screen reader users don’t always read every word on a page. Many use shortcuts to jump from link to link – or even pull up a list of all the links on the page – rapidly scanning for where they want to go.
And if every link says “click here”?
It’s like a menu that just says:
- Click here
- Click here
- Click here
…with zero context about what any of them actually do.
That’s not just annoying.
That’s exclusion.
Where are we going?
…and what’s with this handbasket?
Let’s be clear: WCAG Level A technically allows “click here” – as long as the surrounding text provides context.
So if your paragraph says:
“To learn more about our accessibility efforts, [click here].”
That passes the guidelines.
But just because something passes doesn’t mean it’s good.
If someone is scanning the page – visually or with a screen reader – they’re often just jumping from link to link. And when every link says “click here,” it’s like trying to navigate with a bunch of blank signposts.
The AAA level recommends that each link makes sense on its own, without relying on what comes before or after. That’s the one I push for.
Because users shouldn’t have to work that hard just to know where a link will take them.
Say what the link is.
Say where the link goes.
Say it in the link itself.
Underlining is everything
Let’s say it louder for the folks in the back:
Links aren’t just blue. They need to be underlined.
Relying on color alone means:
- People with color blindness may not recognize links
- People using grayscale displays (or dark mode) might miss them entirely
- People scanning quickly will miss the visual cue that says, “Hey! I’m interactive!”
Underlining is the universal visual signal for “this is a link.”
It’s older than the web.
It’s muscle memory.
Don’t break it.
“Click here” is also a lie
Let’s talk about the word “click.”
It assumes:
- You’re using a mouse
- You’re using a device with clicks
- You understand what you’re clicking will actually do
But what if you’re:
- Using a keyboard
- Using a switch
- Using voice control
- Or, you know, tapping a touchscreen?
“Click” is outdated. It’s not inclusive.
Just describe the action or destination.
Instead of:
Click here to download the guide
Try:
Download our accessibility guide
Get the full guide (PDF, 1MB)
Read the accessibility guide
Be clear, be specific, be kind
Link text is like a signpost. The more specific it is, the more confident people feel clicking (or tapping, or pressing).
Helpful:
- Register for the event
- Learn more about accessible authentication
- View pricing and plans
Less helpful:
- More info
- Read this
- Here
Ambiguity slows people down.
Clarity builds trust.
Quick checklist: Is your link doing its job?
- Is it underlined (or at least styled clearly and accessibly)?
- Is it distinguishable from regular text without relying on color?
- Does the link text describe where it leads?
- Could someone scanning just the links understand what’s on offer?
- Would a screen reader user want to follow this link?
And that’s the hyperlink hill I’ll die on
The best links are like good hosts:
They greet you clearly, tell you where you’re going, and don’t make you guess.
Don’t say “click here.”
Don’t play coy.
Don’t bury your meaning in mystery.
And let people decide if they want to go with you.