Links
Ensure link text provides enough information so that users can understand the link鈥檚 destination or purpose when read out of context.
In some cases screen reader users will navigate from link to link or use a list of all links on a page to find what they need. Non-specific link text such as Learn More, Read More or similar words and phrases does not provide the user with enough information to find what they need.
Best Practices
Ensure link text can be understood out of context.
Avoid generic link text such as Read More, Click Here, Download, etc.
The URL itself should not be used as link text.
Link text should not include text like 鈥渓ink鈥 or 鈥渓ink to鈥 to inform users that the text is a link. Screen readers will announce 鈥渓ink鈥 before each link automatically.
Provide enough detail so people know what will happen when they press the link but don鈥檛 overload them with information.
When using an image as a link the alt text for the image should serve as the link text. Screen readers will announce a linked image as a link the same way they would a text link.
Bad Link Text Examples
- Click here for a tutorial on how to use the new Service Request Form.
- Learn more about color and accessibility here and here
- Story 1 (Read More) | Story 2 (Read More)
- Accessibility 101 (Register) | Accessibility 102 (Register)
Good Link Text Examples
- A Tutorial for the new Service Request and Proofing system is available
online. - Learn more about color and accessibility in terms of contrast and color coding
- Story 1, Story 2
- Register for: Accessibility 101, Accessibility 102,