Do a Google search for click here. What you’ll find is around 1.7 billion (yes billion) instances in Google’s database where website owners have used “click here” as linked text on their website. Let me guess, that includes you, right? I know I do it often without thinking
But click here is seldom the best option for linked text. Take a look at these two examples:
To find out more about how I can help you grow your business, click here or
Find out more about how I can help you grow your business. Which link tells you, as the site’s visitor, where you’ll go when you click the link? Isn’t it clearer in the second example that the link will lead you to how I can help you grow your business?
This may seem like splitting hairs a bit. But really, it’s not. Here are reasons to use descriptive linked text rather than click here: Clarity - Descriptive linked text makes it much clearer where the link will you while click here basically just offers the command - click here. There’s no real clarity of why you’d click here or where you’ll end up.
1.7 billion instances on websites that are using click here. Is that really what they’re hoping to rank for?
Readability - Isn’t it simply nicer to read content where the links have been crafted into the content rather than breaking it up with the old click here?
I suggest, however, not making a habit out of it. Use terms like ‘click to continue’ or ‘read on’ sparingly and only when you really need too. Otherwise, let your visitors know where they’re heading when then select a link.
So, how are you using click here. And what’s your overall in content link strategy?
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
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