What Is Anchor Text?
Anchor text is the visible, clickable words in a hyperlink. It is usually underlined and often a different color, and you click it to open another page or file.
Definition
Anchor text is the text part of a link that:
- Shows where the link might take you
- Helps people decide whether to click
- Gives search engines clues about the topic of the linked page
Why Anchor Text Matters
Anchor text is important because it:
- Makes links clearer for readers
- Helps search engines understand what the linked page is about
- Can improve SEO when it uses clear, honest keywords
- Can hurt SEO if it is spammy, fake or misleading
How Anchor Text Works
When you add a link to a page, you choose which words will be clickable. Those words become the anchor text. Search engines read this text along with the content around it to understand the link. If many trusted sites use similar, natural anchor text to point to a page, search engines may see that page as more relevant for those words.
Anchor Text vs Related Terms
- Anchor text vs URL: The URL is the web address. Anchor text is the words you see and click, which may or may not match the URL.
- Anchor text vs alt text: Anchor text is for links. Alt text is for images and explains what the image shows.
- Anchor text vs title tag: Anchor text is inside the page content. The title tag is the page title that appears in browser tabs and search results.
Example of Anchor Text
Here is a simple example:
Sentence: You can learn more in our beginner SEO guide.
In this link, the URL is https://example.com/seo-guide, and the anchor text is beginner SEO guide.
FAQs
What is good anchor text?
Good anchor text is short, clear and honest. It should describe what you will find after clicking the link, using natural language and simple keywords.
Should I always use keywords in anchor text?
You can use keywords, but do it naturally. Do not repeat the exact same keyword too many times. Focus on what sounds helpful and normal to a real person.
Is “click here” bad anchor text?
Using “click here” is not always bad, but it is not very helpful. It does not tell people or search engines what the page is about. It is better to describe the page.
Can anchor text affect my search rankings?
Yes. Clear and natural anchor text can help search engines understand your content and may support better rankings. Spammy or fake anchor text can cause problems or penalties.
