What Is Anchor Text? The Words That Describe a Link
DICTIONARY · SEO

What Is Anchor Text?

Anchor text is the visible, clickable words of a link, and it tells both readers and search engines what to expect at the other end.

In plain English

Anchor text is a description. A link reading read our guide to local SEO tells you what you will get; one reading click here tells you nothing, and tells a search engine nothing either.

It is also one of the earliest signals to be abused, which is why repeating an exact keyword as anchor text across a site now looks like manipulation rather than clarity.

What to know

Describe the destination
The words should say what the linked page covers.
Vary naturally
Different phrasings for the same page are normal and expected.
Avoid generic text
Click here and read more waste the signal and hurt accessibility.
Applies both ways
Anchor text matters on internal links as much as on backlinks.

Why it matters

Anchor text is a small, free signal you control on every internal link. Used descriptively it improves navigation, accessibility and clarity at once, which is a rare combination.

Common mistakes

×Using the same exact-match phrase everywhere.
×Generic anchors that describe nothing.
×Linking images with no alt text, so the link has no text at all.
×Writing anchors for search engines that read awkwardly to people.

FAQs

Does exact-match anchor text still work?

In moderation and where it reads naturally. As a pattern across a site it is a risk.

What about anchor text on backlinks I do not control?

You cannot control it, and a natural mix is what search engines expect to see.

WRITTEN BY TARIQ SALLAM
Marketing Consultant. Entrepreneur. Content Creator.

I'm a marketing consultant, entrepreneur and content creator. I help businesses grow through practical marketing, websites, SEO, content and AI.

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