AnchorTexts

Anchor texts are the clickable words or phrases in hyperlinks that point to another page or resource. They appear as the visible portion of a link and can provide context about the destination to both users and automated systems.

Types of anchor text include exact-match anchors that use the target page’s primary keyword, partial-match anchors that incorporate the keyword with other words, branded anchors that use a company or brand name, generic anchors such as “read more” or “click here,” and naked URL anchors that display the full web address. Anchors can be internal, linking to other pages on the same site, or external, linking to pages on different sites.

In search engine optimization and site navigation, anchor text signals help engines understand the relevance of the linked page. Internal linking uses anchor text to distribute authority and clarify site structure, while external anchors can contribute to a page’s perceived authority and topic relevance. However, the value of anchor text is one of many signals, and quality of linking remains essential.

Best practices emphasize descriptive, context-appropriate anchors that accurately reflect the destination. Diversify anchor text patterns to avoid over-optimizing with repetitive exact matches, and avoid overly generic phrases unless necessary. Ensure accessibility by using meaningful text that screen readers can interpret, and avoid ambiguous phrases that do not describe the destination. Regular audits of anchor text distribution can inform effective internal linking strategies aligned with user intent.