What Anchor text means
Anchor text tells readers and search engines what the linked page is about. Descriptive anchors like "WordPress hosting guide" work better than "click here." Over-optimized anchors in backlinks, the same exact keyword again and again, can look manipulative.
Why it matters for your website
The words in a link tell both people and search engines what to expect on the other side. Descriptive anchors help visitors navigate and give Google context about the linked page. Vague text like 'click here' wastes that chance, and spammy, repeated keyword anchors can look manipulative.
Example
A law firm's blog post links to its practice page using the words 'our estate planning services' instead of 'learn more,' so readers and search engines both know where the link leads.
Tips
- Use a few words that describe the page you are linking to.
- Vary internal anchor text naturally instead of repeating one exact phrase everywhere.
- Make link text understandable even when read out of context by a screen reader.
Common mistakes
- Using 'click here' or 'read more' for every link on a page.
- Buying or requesting backlinks that all use the same exact-match keyword anchor.
Questions about Anchor text
What is Anchor text?
The clickable words in a link.
Does anchor text affect rankings?
Google's documentation says anchor text helps it understand what a linked page is about. Natural, descriptive anchors are best, while manipulative keyword patterns can violate spam policies.
What is the best anchor text for internal links?
Short, descriptive phrases that match what the destination page covers. Write them for readers first, and the search benefits usually follow.
