What is Descriptive Text?

When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, one important factor to consider is the use of descriptive link text.

Link text refers to the clickable word or phrase in a hyperlink. When link text clearly conveys the target of the hyperlink, both users and search engines can better understand your content and its relationship to other pages.

However, there are instances where generic link text is used, which can negatively impact your website’s SEO. Generic phrases like “click here,” “click this,” “go,” “here,” “this,” “start,” “right here,” “more,” and “learn more” are flagged by SEO audits, such as Lighthouse.

How to Add Descriptive Link Text

To improve your website’s SEO and address the “Links do not have Descriptive Text” audit message, it is important to replace generic phrases with specific descriptions. Here are some best practices to follow:

Stay on topic

Ensure that the link text is relevant to the content of the page. Avoid using link text that has no relation to the page’s content.

Avoid using the page’s URL as the link description

Unless you have a valid reason, such as referencing a site’s new address, it is best to use descriptive phrases instead of the URL as the link text.

Keep descriptions concise

Aim for a few words or a short phrase that clearly indicates what type of content users will find if they follow the hyperlink.

For example, instead of using “Click here,” which doesn’t provide any information about the destination, use descriptive link text like “Basketball videos” to indicate that the hyperlink leads to a page of videos related to basketball.

Improving Internal Links

While it is important to focus on external links, internal links within your website also play a crucial role in navigation and SEO. Here are some tips to improve the quality of internal links:

Use descriptive link text

Apply the same principles mentioned above for internal links. Make sure the link text accurately represents the content of the linked page.

Organize your internal link structure

Ensure that your internal links are well-organized and follow a logical hierarchy. This helps both users and search engines navigate your site more efficiently.

Update outdated internal links

Regularly check for broken or outdated internal links and update them to ensure a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

By implementing these best practices for both external and internal links, you can improve the overall user experience on your website and enhance its visibility in search engine results.

Remember, the goal is to provide clear and descriptive link text that helps users and search engines understand the content and context of your website.

By avoiding generic phrases and using specific descriptions, you can optimize your website for better SEO performance.