What Is Link Text?
Link text is the part of a link that you can see and click. It is usually underlined or in a different color. When you click this text, you go to another page, file, or place on the same page.
Definition
Link text, also called anchor text, is the visible wording of a hyperlink. It should clearly tell what a user will find after clicking the link, such as a product page, article, or download.
Why Link Text Matters
1. Helps users understand
Good link text tells people where they are going. Clear words like “Download the PDF guide” are more helpful than “Click here”.
2. Improves accessibility
Screen readers often read links out loud by their text. Descriptive link text helps blind or low vision users understand the purpose of each link.
3. Supports SEO
Search engines use link text as a clue about the topic of the page being linked to. When the words match the topic, it can help that page rank better for those words.
4. Builds trust
Honest link text that matches the page it leads to makes users trust your site. Misleading text can make people leave your site quickly.
How Link Text Works
On a web page, a link usually looks like this in HTML:
<a href="https://example.com/shoes">Running shoes for kids</a>
The words “Running shoes for kids” are the link text. The address in href is where the link goes. Browsers show the link text on the page, and users click it to go to that address.
Link Text vs URL
Link text is what people see and click, like “Learn SEO basics”.
URL is the actual web address behind the link, like https://example.com/seo-basics.
Good pages use clean URLs and clear link text so both humans and search engines can understand the content.
Example of Link Text
Weak link text:
To see our pricing <a href="/pricing">click here</a>.
Better link text:
See all our <a href="/pricing">website pricing plans</a>.
In the better version, “website pricing plans” makes it clear what the link is about.
FAQs
What makes good link text?
Good link text is short, clear, and honest. It describes the page you will visit and uses real words a person might search for.
Should I use “click here” as link text?
Try not to. “Click here” does not say what the page is about. Use words that describe the content instead.
Can using keywords in link text help SEO?
Yes, if used naturally. It is helpful when the link text includes the main topic of the page. Do not stuff too many keywords or repeat the exact same phrase too often.
Does link text matter inside my own site?
Yes. Internal links with clear text help users move around your site and help search engines understand how your pages are connected.
Is very long link text good?
Usually no. Keep it short and focused. A few clear words are better than a long confusing sentence.
