Publication Date: 09/23/2024
“Click here.” “Read more.” “Learn more.” These phrases appear millions of times across the web, and they’re all accessibility barriers in disguise. For screen reader users who navigate by jumping from link to link, these generic phrases provide no useful information. Good link text is like good signage – it tells you exactly where you’re going before you get there.
How Screen Reader Users Navigate Links
Screen reader users often:
- Tab through all links on a page
- Pull up a list of all links to scan quickly
- Search for specific link text
When your links say “click here,” a screen reader user might hear: “Click here, click here, read more, learn more, click here…”
That’s not navigation – that’s frustration.
The Anatomy of Good Link Text
Good link text should:
- Describe the destination or action
- Make sense out of context
- Be concise but specific
- Avoid generic phrases
Before and After Examples
Generic Links (Bad):
- “For more information about financial aid, click here.”
- “Read more about our admissions process.”
- “Download the form here.”
Descriptive Links (Good):
- “For more information about financial aid, visit our [Financial Aid Requirements page].”
- “Read more about our [undergraduate admissions process].”
- “Download the [2024 course registration form].”
Link Context Matters
Sometimes you can write link text that flows naturally in sentences:
Example 1: “Students can [apply for graduation] online through the student portal.”
Example 2: “The [Spring 2024 course catalog] includes over 200 new electives.”
Example 3: “Contact the [Office of Student Affairs] for housing questions.”
Special Cases and Solutions
PDF Downloads: Don’t just link to “application form” Try: “2024 Graduate School Application (PDF, 2 pages)”
External Links: Let users know they’re leaving your site: “Visit [Harvard University’s website] (external link)”
Email Links: Be specific about the purpose: “Email [Dr. Smith about research opportunities]” Not: “Contact Dr. Smith”
Phone Numbers: Include context: “Call the admissions office at [555-123-4567]” Not just: “555-123-4567”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. URLs as Link Text Never use the raw URL: www.university.edu/admissions/requirements Use: “admissions requirements page”
2. “New Window” Links Without Warning If a link opens in a new window, mention it: “View [campus map] (opens in new window)”
3. Ambiguous Pronouns “The policy was updated last month. You can read it here.” Better: “The policy was updated last month. Read the [updated parking policy].”
4. Identical Link Text for Different Destinations If you have multiple “Learn more” links, make them specific:
- “Learn more about [undergraduate programs]”
- “Learn more about [graduate programs]”
- “Learn more about [online learning]”
Testing Your Links
The List Test: Imagine all your page’s links in a bulleted list with no surrounding context. Does each link make sense on its own?
The Scanning Test: Can someone understand your page’s key actions and destinations just by reading the links?
Writing Effective Call-to-Action Links
Weak CTAs:
- “Click here to apply”
- “Get started today”
- “Learn more now”
Strong CTAs:
- “Apply for admission”
- “Start your application”
- “View degree programs”
Link Length Guidelines
Too short: “Info” (not descriptive enough) Too long: “Click here to access the comprehensive guide to understanding financial aid policies and procedures for undergraduate and graduate students” (overwhelming) Just right: “Financial aid guide for students”
Handling Repetitive Links
If you need multiple links to the same destination:
- Use the same link text consistently
- Or provide different context for each
Example: In navigation: “Course Catalog” In body text: “Browse available courses in the course catalog” Both link to the same place, but the context makes the difference clear.
Quick Fixes for Existing Content
- Search your content for “click here,” “read more,” “learn more”
- Rewrite each generic link to describe its destination
- Check PDF links – add file type and size information
- Review call-to-action buttons – make them action-specific
Content Editor Checklist
Before publishing:
- [ ] All links describe their destination or action
- [ ] No “click here” or “read more” without context
- [ ] PDF links include file type
- [ ] External links are marked as such
- [ ] Links make sense when read out of context
The User Experience Impact
Good link text helps everyone:
- Screen reader users can navigate efficiently
- All users know what to expect when they click
- Mobile users can make informed choices about which links to tap
- Search engines better understand your content structure
Remember
Every link is a promise about what comes next. Make sure you’re making promises you can keep, and that those promises are clear to everyone who encounters them.
Good link text isn’t just about accessibility compliance – it’s about respect for your users’ time and cognitive energy. When you write descriptive links, you’re helping everyone navigate more confidently and efficiently.
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