Screen readers pull up a list of all links on a page. If every link says “click here” or “read more,” it’s impossible to know what each one does. Links should tell users exactly where they are going.
What Makes a Link Accessible
Accessible links:
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- Describe the destination or action
- Are short and specific
- Use meaningful words, not full URLs
Why “Click Here” Does Not Work
When links are vague, screen reader users hear:
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- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
Without surrounding context, those links are meaningless.
Put Into Practice
Scan your last email or document. Would the links make sense if read out loud, by themselves? If not, revise them to reflect where they go or what they do.
Why This Supports Everyone
Clear links help:
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- Screen reader users
- Keyboard-only users
- Anyone scanning quickly for information
They also build trust by setting clear expectations.
WCAG Connection
WCAG 2.1 – 2.4.4 Link Purpose (A) – The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from the link text together with its programmatically determined link context, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general.
Helpful Resources
Explore More in This Series
Discover additional posts from this series by clicking on the posts below.
Accessibility in Action | Why Digital Accessibility Matters
Accessibility in Action | Choosing Fonts Everyone Can Read
Accessibility in Action | Using Color Contrast to Improve Clarity
Accessibility in Action | Using Headings to Organize Content
