What is Anchor Text? In Plain English
Anchor text is the clickable text in a link. Here's what it means, why it matters, and how to use it effectively for SEO.
In Plain English
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. It’s the part you actually see and click on, usually shown in blue and underlined.
Example:
- In this link: Learn about SEO
- The words “Learn about SEO” are the anchor text.
Think of anchor text as the label on a signpost — it tells both people and search engines what to expect when they follow the link.
Why Anchor Text Matters
- For users: It makes links meaningful. Instead of “Click here,” a descriptive anchor tells visitors where they’re going.
- For SEO: Search engines use anchor text as a clue about the page being linked to. Clear, relevant anchor text helps Google understand your content.
Good vs Bad Anchor Text
- ✅ Good: “Download our SEO checklist” → descriptive and relevant.
- ❌ Bad: “Click here” or “Read more” → vague, doesn’t give context.
Best Practices for Anchor Text
- Be descriptive but natural (avoid stuffing keywords).
- Match the link text to the content of the destination page.
- Use a variety of anchor texts across your site.
FAQs
Q: What is anchor text?
It’s the clickable, visible text in a hyperlink.
Q: Why is anchor text important for SEO?
Because it helps search engines understand the linked page and improves user experience.
Q: Should I always use keywords in anchor text?
Not always. Keywords are useful, but over-optimising can look unnatural. Balance is key.