When designing a website, every detail counts, and one of the most overlooked elements is the link name. Link names are the clickable text or buttons that take users from one page to another. While they may seem like a small aspect of web design, they play a crucial role in making websites accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

Why Accessible Link Names Matter

Accessible link names are essential for several reasons:

Help All Users Understand Where They Are Going

Link names should clearly describe what will happen when a user clicks on them. If a link says “Click Here,” it doesn’t give users much information about where they will end up. In contrast, a link that says “Learn More About Our Services” gives a clear indication of what to expect.

Improve Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Many users rely on screen readers to navigate websites. A screen reader reads out the text of a link to help the user understand what the link does. If the link text is vague or doesn’t provide enough information, it makes it harder for these users to navigate the website.

Good for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Search engines like Google use link names to understand the content of your pages. Descriptive link names can help search engines index your content correctly, which can improve your search rankings.

Examples

To better understand what makes a good or bad link name, let’s look at some real-world examples:

Bad: “Click Here”

Imagine you are reading an article and come across a link that simply says “Click Here.” You have no idea where the link will take you or what information you’ll find. For users with disabilities who use screen readers, this is particularly frustrating because they have to stop and figure out the purpose of the link.

Good: “View Our Product Catalog”

This link tells you exactly what you’ll see when you click on it. It’s clear, concise, and provides enough context for all users, including those using screen readers.

Bad: “Learn More”

While “Learn More” is slightly better than “Click Here,” it still doesn’t provide enough context. Learn more about what?

Good: “Learn More About Our Accessibility Features”

Now, the link tells users exactly what they will learn more about, improving both accessibility and usability.

Getting Technical

For those who want to dive deeper into the technical aspects, here are a few important considerations:

Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Roles and Properties

ARIA roles and properties can help enhance the accessibility of your links. For example, aria-label can provide an additional description for links that may need more context than the visible text provides.

Focus on Semantic HTML

Using the correct HTML elements, such as <a> for links and <button> for actions, is crucial. This ensures that screen readers and other assistive technologies understand the purpose of each link.

Avoid Using Only Icons as Links

While icons are visually appealing, they may not be accessible to all users. If you must use an icon as a link, ensure it includes descriptive text (e.g., using aria-label) to convey its purpose.

Check for Contrast and Visibility

Ensure that your links are easily distinguishable from regular text. Use proper contrast ratios and make sure links are underlined or in a different color that stands out.

Conclusion

Accessible link names are not just a minor detail; they are a fundamental part of good web design. By using clear, descriptive link names, you can make your website more user-friendly for everyone, including people with disabilities, and improve your SEO at the same time. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your website’s usability and reach.