Descriptive Link Text

Overview

When adding hyperlinks, use meaningful text rather than generic phrases like “Click here,” “More,” or simply pasting the full URL. Clear link text helps all readers understand where the link will lead. For screen reader users, posting a raw URL can be particularly problematic—screen readers will read the entire address aloud, which can be long and confusing. Many screen reader users also navigate by pulling up a list of all links on a page. If those links are labeled only as “Click here” or “More,” the list becomes meaningless, offering no clue about the destination. 

✅Checklist for Writing Accessible Link Text

• Link text clearly describes the destination or action

• Link text does not include full URLs in visible link text

• All links on a page are unique

• Link text avoids vague phrases like “click here” or “read more”

• Link text is concise and avoids being overly long

• Avoid using the word "link"  (Screen readers will automatically announce the word “link” before reading the hyperlink text)

Selected Examples 

Descriptive Text

✅ Download the accessibility guidelines.

✅ The course syllabus provides  further details.

❌ Download here / Click here / Read more / Learn more / More info

Don't Use Full URLs

✅Take time to read the accessibility guide.

❌https://www.accessibeykzlX7iXwD2vaREme

As Short as possible (Always link text titles only) 

✅ Lonigan, E. (1939). The effect of modern technological conditions upon the employment of labor. The American Economic Review, 246-259.

❌ Lonigan, E. (1939). The effect of modern technological conditions upon the employment of labor. The American Economic Review, 246-259.

Make All Unique on a Page

 ✅ Week 1 Lecture Slides

✅  Week 2 Lecture Slides

❌ Lecture Slides 

❌ Lecture Slides 

Because some scan tools don't identify issues with links, we recommend the below. 

• Visually scan all site content (not just pages) and fix links. 

• In Edit mode, click the link you want to edit and then "Link Options." This will provide a window to quickly replace the link text.