- Make the link meaningful. Don’t use “click here” or “read more.”
- Use descriptive link text: Use text that accurately describes where the link leads or its purpose.
- Avoid extraneous words: Simplify link text where possible.
Links
Links should clearly indicate where users are going or what information they can expect when they select it. When adding links to web pages, documents, or on social media, follow these best practices.
Impact
Keyboard and screen reader users jump from headings to links to determine where to click. When they reach a link, the screen reader announces "link" and reads the link text. Screen readers can also generate a list of links on a page, which are presented without context. On a poorly structured page, the list might read as, 'click here, click here, click here.'
Meaningful Link Text
Like this
- For tee times, visit Sailfish Sands Golf Course.
- To find a book, visit the Library Catalog.
- Learn more about digital accessibility.
- If you encounter problems, report an issue.
Not this
- Click here to book a tee time.
- To find a book, go here.
- Digital accessibility is important. Learn more
- Report problems here.
URLs as Link Text
Avoid using URLs as link text. They are difficult for screen reader users to understand and complicate the voice output. Short URLs can sometimes be an exception. For example, “martin.fl.us” is easy to understand and say.
Do this
- Read this news article.
- Learn more about our after-school programs.
- For updates, visit martin.fl.us/Hurricane.
Don't do this
Do not underline text that isn't a link
Avoid underlining any text that isn’t a link, as underlines create an expectation of clickability. Users may feel confused and frustrated when underlined text doesn't lead to an action. Instead of underlining for emphasis, use bold or italics.
Don't do this
Example:
- Welcome to our website! Important Note: Please make sure to review the guidelines.
Why it's bad: “Important Note” is underlined, which may confuse users into thinking it’s a link.
Do this
Example:
- Welcome to our website! Important Note: Please make sure to review the guidelines.
Why it's good: The text remains clear and free from underlines, using bold for emphasis instead.
Multiple Links
Same link, same words:
- If you have a link that goes to the same web page two times on one page, use the exact same words for both links.
Different links, different words:
- If your links go to different web pages, each link should have different words as the clickable text.
Links to Files
If a link downloads a file, the following information should be included:
- Document title
- Document type (PDF, DOC, etc.)
Example: Martin County Travel Guide (PDF)
Opening Links in New Windows or Tabs
Avoid opening links in new windows or tabs. Users can always choose to open links in a new browser window or tab if they want. For example, they can right-click on a link and select “Open Link in New Tab” or “Open Link in New Window.”
Why it's bad for accessibility
- New tabs break back-button history navigation.
- New tabs are disorienting for some visually impaired users.
- New tabs are unexpected, unpredictable, non-default browser behavior.
- New tabs take away user control. Users can opt in to a new tab with keyboard or mouse, but cannot opt out.