Teaching Hub

How to Write Meaningful Link Text

Screen readers can be used to skim a document or website by reading a list of linked text. Links should, therefore, be descriptive enough to make sense out of context. Here’s how that works:

Avoid ambiguous phrases

Try to avoid ambiguous phrases that won’t make much sense in a general list. These include, but aren’t limited to, phrases like

  • Click here
  • Here
  • Read more
  • Info

Tell readers what to expect

Ideally, link text should use enough descriptive keywords to convey the purpose of a link. People should be able to tell where a link will take them and whether it will prompt them to download a file (this is especially important for files that automatically download). Here are some examples of useful link text:

  • Vague: Learn more about our undergraduate programs here and here.
    Better: Learn more about our undergraduate majors and minors.
  • Vague: Click here to read our advising schedule.
    Better: Our advising schedule is now available online.
  • Vague: Accessibility workshop (register)
    Better: Register for our accessibility workshop or Register for our accessibility workshop.

Make links noticeable

Links should stand out from the surrounding text, appearing underlined or in a significantly lighter or darker color than the main text. This helps users with a wide range of vision problems — including colorblindness and middle-aged presbyopia —  identify links more easily. You won’t always have control over text colors and formatting on your websites and course pages, but when you do, be sure your links stand out.

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This resource is part of the Teaching Hub’s Accessibility Guide. For detailed information about accessibility at UA, visit accessibility.ua.edu.