Generic Anchor Text Used in Links
Generic anchor text like "click here" offers no context for users or search engines, harming SEO and accessibility.
By Seoxpert Editorial · Published
Why it matters
Generic anchor text fails to inform users or search engines about the linked page's content. This reduces topical relevance for SEO and makes navigation harder for users, especially those using assistive technologies. Descriptive anchor text improves both user experience and search ranking signals.
Impact
Leaving generic anchor text in place can weaken SEO signals and make your site less accessible.
How it's detected
Automated crawlers scan anchor elements for common generic phrases such as "click here", "read more", or "here".
Common causes
- Using default or template link text like "click here" or "read more".
- Lack of awareness about anchor text best practices.
- Copying and pasting links without updating the anchor text.
- Prioritizing design or brevity over clarity in link text.
How to fix it
Code examples
Problematic Example
<a href="/pricing">Click here</a>Fixed Example
<a href="/pricing">View our pricing plans</a>FAQ
Why is generic anchor text like "click here" a problem for SEO?
It provides no context to search engines about the linked page, reducing topical relevance and SEO value.
Does generic anchor text affect accessibility?
Yes, it makes navigation harder for users relying on screen readers, as they may not know where the link leads.
How descriptive should anchor text be?
Anchor text should briefly and accurately describe the destination page or its content.
Is it okay to use generic anchor text for external links?
No, all links should use descriptive anchor text, regardless of whether they are internal or external.
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