Descriptive Link Text

Write links that clearly describe their destination.

Descriptive links tell users exactly where they will go when they select a link. You can think of descriptive link text as a title or label for the link's destination. Clear link text improves navigation, reduces confusion, and helps all users better understand and access linked resources.

Good descriptive links should still make sense if they are removed from the surrounding text. In contrast, non-descriptive links can be unclear and confusing because they rely on surrounding context to explain where they lead; these links will not make sense if they are removed from the surrounding text.

Avoid leaving links in their base URL format whenever possible. Long URLs can be difficult to read visually, and they can also be difficult for screen reader users to interpret. Screen readers often read URLs character by character, creating a frustrating and time-consuming experience for users trying to understand where a link leads.

Benefits of Descriptive Links

There are several benefits to using descriptive link text:

• Screen reader users often navigate documents by tabbing through links or opening a list of all links in a document. These links are read without surrounding context.
• Users of voice recognition software can use descriptive link text to jump directly to specific links using speech commands.
• Descriptive links help all users understand where a link will take them before selecting it.
• Clear links improve navigation and make content easier to scan and understand.

Guidelines for Writing Descriptive Link Text

Consider the following best practices when creating descriptive links:

• Keep the link text brief (3 - 4 words).
• Use unique language for each link. For example, rather than linking twice to media experts, use more specific text such as print media experts and digital media experts.
• Avoid vague phrases such as click here, read more, or see website. 
• Do not include the word link in the descriptive text; screen readers already announce links automatically.
• Look for descriptive words or phrases in the surrounding text and use those as the linked text.
• Do not manually underline link text. Hyperlinks are automatically underlined.
• Do not change the visual appearance of link text. Links use a universal style (blue and underlined) that signals interactivity. Changing this style may make links harder to recognize or cause them to appear as emphasis or spam.

Writing Descriptive Link Text 

To help you create your own descriptive links, please use the following examples.

For a printed guide, consult TTaDA's Guide to Writing Descriptive Links.

Use Descriptive Links In...