Links are essential for navigating digital content. Whether in a webpage, document or email, links should be clear, descriptive and meaningful. Accessible links help all users, especially those using screen readers, understand where a link will take them and how it relates to the surrounding content.

A good link doesn’t just say “click here.” It tells the user what to expect.

Impact

Screen reader users often navigate by pulling up a list of all links on a page. If those links are labeled “Click here” or “Read More” they provide no context. Imagine hearing a list of links that all say “Read More”—you’d have no idea where any of them go.

Even for sighted users, vague or generic links can be confusing. And posting full URLs (like https://example.com/page123) can be overwhelming when read aloud by a screen reader. URLs are not considered human-readable and are often rendered as an unintelligible string of letters and numbers.

Accessible links improve:

  • Navigation for screen reader users.
  • Clarity for all users.
  • Efficiency in understanding and using digital content.

How to create accessible links

When adding a link to digital content, choose link text that clearly describes the destination or purpose of the link.

Key principles

  • Be descriptive: Link text should make sense on its own. For example, use “Download the annual report” instead of “Click here.”
  • Avoid vague phrases: Don’t use “Click here,” “Read More,” or “Info” as link text.
  • Don’t use full URLs: Avoid pasting raw URLs into the body of your content unless absolutely necessary. They are not human-readable and can be confusing or meaningless when read aloud by screen readers.
  • Keep it concise: Use just enough words to describe the link’s purpose.
  • Avoid linking entire sentences: Link only the relevant phrase or keywords.

Examples

Good link text:

  • “View the 2025 Accessibility Report”
  • “Register for the Inclusive Design Workshop”
  • “Learn more about accessible headings”

Poor link text:

  • “Click here”
  • “More”
  • “https://www.university.edu/accessibility/report2025.pdf”

When links are misused

When links are vague, duplicated or overly long, they create barriers for users who rely on assistive technologies. If multiple links on a page use the same text but go to different places, screen reader users may be confused or misled.

To check your work:

  • Review your content with a screen reader or accessibility checker.
  • Ask yourself: “Would this link make sense if read out of context?”