Make sure the visible link clearly explains its destination, such as “Download the program schedule” instead of “Click here.”
7 Core Skills: Descriptive Links
Links guide people through your content. Clear, meaningful links help users understand where they are going and what to expect before they click.
What Are Descriptive Links?
A descriptive link is a hyperlink that tells the user where they will go if they click the link and/or the purpose of the link. Using generic phrases like "click here" or "read more" is an outdated practice that misses opportunities to incorporate SEO and provide users actionable steps while reducing accessibility.
Why Are Descriptive Links Important?
For people who use screen readers, link text is especially important. Screen reader users can generate a list of all the links on a page to quickly navigate. If links say things like “click here,” “read more,” or “this,” they make little sense out of context. Descriptive links allow users to move efficiently and confidently through digital content.
Writing clear link text improves accessibility, usability, and overall communication for everyone.
Top 3 Ways to Get Started
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Use Descriptive Link Text
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Write Links That Make Sense on Their Own
Imagine someone reading only the link text — would they understand where it goes?
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Identify Special Link Types
When linking to a file, video, or external site, include helpful context like “(PDF)” or “(video)” so users know what to expect.
What Do Good, Descriptive Links Look Like?
Accessible links are:
- Clear and specific
- Easy to understand without surrounding text
- Consistent in style and purpose
- Focused on the destination rather than the action
For example:
- Instead of: Click here for the application
- Use: Download the application form
- Instead of: More information
- Use: Learn more about accessibility training
These small changes make a big difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using vague phrases like “click here,” “read more,” or “this link”
- Linking single words with no context, such as “policy” or “form”
- Pasting long web addresses as visible links
- Failing to indicate when a link opens a file, video, or new window
Taking a moment to write thoughtful link text prevents confusion and frustration.
You can create accessible links in any common tool:
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook – Insert Hyperlink options
- Canvas – Rich Content Editor link tools
- Web editors and CMS platforms – Standard hyperlink features
- Accessibility checkers – Often flag unclear or repeated link text
A quick review of link wording before publishing can greatly improve accessibility.
- WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context)
- WebAIM: Introduction to Hypertext
- Microsoft Accessibility: Create Accessible Hyperlinks in Word
- Canvas Guide: Adding and Editing Links
Try this simple check on your next piece of content:
- Read only the link text on the page.
- Ask yourself: “Would these links make sense by themselves?”
- Update any link text that is vague or unclear.