#32 Writing Clear Link Text for Accessibility
Mini-Series: Building an Accessible Website (Even If Tech Isn’t Your Thing)
Let’s talk about link text. You know, those clickable words that take readers to your newsletter, your book, or your glittery list of fae-themed writing playlists.
Here’s the thing: if you’re still using links that say “click here” or “more”… that’s a trap. (Not a magical one, just a confusing one, especially for people using screen readers.)
Why Link Text Matters
Accessibility Rule: Write clear, descriptive link text that explains exactly where the link goes, even when it’s read out of context.
Screen readers don’t read websites the way most people do. They jump from link to link like a pixie on a sugar rush. So if every link says “click here,” your site will sound like this to a screen reader user:
“Click here… click here… click here…”
Yikes.
Good vs. Not-So-Good Link Text
Let’s say you’re linking to a bonus scene on your site:
Good:
“Read the bonus fae duel scene here”
(It’s clear, direct, and magical.)
Not-So-Good:
“Click here”
“More”
“This page”
Writing Great Link Text: A Quick Guide
Be specific about what the link does or where it leads
Avoid vague phrases like “more,” “this,” or “here” by themselves
Make sure each link on the page is unique
Include any keywords if they are relevant to the content
Bonus: Descriptive links can actually improve your SEO, too!
Pro-Tip: Write Like You're Talking to a Friend
If you were telling a friend about a cool resource, you wouldn’t say, “Click here!” You’d say, “Check out this amazing character resource.”
Write your links that way.
Need to Do Next:
Review every link on your site
Replace vague text with specific, helpful descriptions
Keep each link unique, especially on the same page
Test using a screen reader or by scanning just the links
Let’s Talk!
Have you ever gotten lost in a maze of “click here” links and had no idea where you’d end up? Share your best/worst link experiences, or tell me your go-to phrasing for CTA links!