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Additional Link Text Examples

  • Bad example:
    • Additional information can be obtained by visiting this website.
  • Better version:
    • Additional information can be obtained by visiting the ITAC Resources website.

Using "this website" as link text gives no context for where the user will arrive when they activate the link.

  • Bad example:
    • Recent studies show that high calorie diets can cause weight gain.
  • Better version:
    • Dr. Smith’s dietary research shows that high calorie diets can cause weight gain.

While "recent studies" is not the most ambiguous link text, describing whose research is referenced makes the decision to leave the page much easier for all users.

  • Bad example:
    • Read more about stock trading at Rick Carlson’s Mighty Trader website.
  • Better version:
    • Rick Carlson provides expert trading advice on his Mighty Trader stock resources web page.

Using "read more" as link text will provide no context to users that rely on screen reader technology to quickly parse your page's links. The better example lets every user know exactly where they will arrive when activating the link.

  • Bad example:
    • GIS resources help aspiring students learn how to use technology to excel in their profession.
  • Better example:
    • Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS) resources help aspiring students learn how to use technology to excel in their profession.

Using acronyms as link text is a design practice that assumes the user understands the meaning of the acronym. Never assume your users are experts in the topics you are advertising. After the first link that fully defines the topic, acronyms can be used for other links that may reference the same topic on the same page.

  • Bad example:
    • The Philosophy Lecture Series has many interesting articles about the Transcendental movement. Please visit https://philosophy.txstate.edu/lecture to learn more.
  • Better Example:
    • The Philosophy Lecture Series has many interesting articles about the Transcendental movement.

In this better example, the raw URL is masked by link text. Using raw URL makes understanding the link destination more time consuming for users, and does not aesthetically look as professional as accessible link text.