Understanding descriptive link text

What is descriptive link text?

Descriptive link text is the visible, clickable text of a hyperlink that clearly conveys the purpose and content of the link. Unlike generic phrases like “Click here” or “Read more”, descriptive link text provides meaningful context about the linked content.

Using descriptive links improves web usability and accessibility by helping all users, including those relying on screen readers, understand the link’s purpose without depending on the surrounding text.

For example, the non-descriptive link “Click here” fails to indicate what the user will find after clicking, leaving them without context. In contrast, a descriptive link such as “Explore our guide on sustainable living” offers a clear and informative preview of the linked content.