Descriptive links provide users with context for links. In other words, they tell the user where, why, and what to look for when they click on a descriptive link. Good descriptive links will make sense if they are removed from the surrounding text. In contrast, non-descriptive link text is unclear and difficult to read where it leads; it will not make sense if removed from surrounding text.  

These non-descriptive links both point to the same destination: 

• Ambiguous version: Read More
• Long URL: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/ 

Good example of a descriptive link:  

• Good: Detailed accessibility guidelines, updated – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 

Better: To learn more about the updated (WCAG 2.2) guidelines for accessibility in web content, the w3.org site Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 includes specific details. 

Benefits of Descriptive Links 

There are a number of benefits to using descriptive links: 

• Screen reader users navigate documents by either tabbing through links or bringing up a links list. This takes the links out of the context of the surrounding text.
• People using voice recognition can also use link text to jump directly to a specific link using speech.
• Making links descriptive ensures that everyone knows where a link will take them, why there are going there, and what to look for, which can help everyone navigate documents more readily. 

Writing Descriptive Links 

In many cases, the descriptive link text you need is already in your content. All you have to do is emphasize it as a link. To ensure you are emphasizing links properly, reserve underlining only for hyperlinks. Avoid ambiguous language like “click here” or “read more.”  

Resources 

• Key principles for accessible hyperlinks from Section08.gov Accessibility Bytes No. 4 – Descriptive Links and Hypertext
• Learn more and how to tips on accessibility – How to Make Materials Accessible
• WebAIM, web accessibility in mind adds more information on link text and appearance in Links and Hypertext