Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that points to another webpage. It helps search engines understand the context of the linked page and improves user experience by showing what to expect after clicking.
Quick Overview of Anchor Text in SEO
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The visible, clickable text in a hyperlink. |
| Purpose | Provide context about the linked page for users and search engines. |
| Key Elements | Relevant keywords, natural phrasing, avoid over-optimization. |
| Tools | Ahrefs, Semrush, Google Search Console, Moz. |
| Benefit | Boosts SEO relevance and improves navigation. |
How Anchor Text Works (With Example)
Anchor text works by giving both search engines and users a clear idea of what the linked page is about.
For example, if you’re writing an article on “On-Page SEO” and you link to another article titled “What is a Title Tag in SEO?”, the anchor text could be: Learn more about title tags in SEO
This is effective because it:
- Uses descriptive text instead of generic “click here.”
- Includes a relevant keyword (“title tags in SEO”).
- Improves SEO context for the linked page.
If anchor text is spammy or stuffed with keywords (e.g., “best cheap SEO title tag meta description optimization tool”), it can hurt rankings. The best practice is relevant, natural, and varied anchor text.
FAQs on Anchor Text in SEO
Q1. What are the types of anchor text?
Common types include exact match, partial match, branded, generic (“click here”), and naked URLs.
Q2. Does anchor text affect SEO rankings?
Yes. Google uses anchor text as a signal for page relevance, but over-optimization can be penalized.
Q3. Should internal links also use anchor text carefully?
Absolutely. Internal linking with descriptive anchor text improves site structure and user navigation.