Why "click here" creates accessibility barriers
Let's start simple: the words we choose for our links matter. A lot. When we write "click here" instead of using descriptive link text, also known as anchor text, we create unnecessary barriers for many of our users.
Vague links might seem fine when you're creating content, but they create real problems for:
- Screen reader users who scan through links to navigate
- Keyboard-only users who tab from link to link
- People with cognitive disabilities who need clear patterns
- Mobile users who tap rather than click
- Voice command users who need specific phrases to activate links
These generic links cause three main problems:
Lack of context: Screen reader users hear "click here... click here... click here" with no information about where these links lead.
Device mismatch: On mobile devices, users tap rather than click. Voice control users need descriptive phrases to activate links.
Extra mental work: Vague links force users to read surrounding text, remember connections, and work harder to use your content.
Creating better link text: Simple solutions
Be descriptive and concise. Your link text should tell users what they'll find while keeping language direct and to the point. Keep it simple and keep it clear.
Real-world examples that work better:
● Instead of: For more details, click here.
○ Use: Find out more about our accessibility guidelines.
● Instead of: To access the form, click here.
○ Use: Fill out the project brief form.
● Instead of: To view the schedule, click here.
○ Use: View the event schedule.
Additional tips from my experience:
● Avoid duplicate link text - If several links go to different places, each needs unique text.
● Don't grab the extras - The space before or after the link text does not need to be part of the hyperlink. Avoid including end punctuation as well.
● Avoid raw URLS - Unless the raw URL is the actual name of the resource, such as IRS.gov, use descriptive words that give context instead of the actual URL.
● Match destination content - Link text should connect to the heading of the page it leads to.
● Test with assistive tech - Check if your links make sense when listed alone.
● Always test your links - Broken links are accessibility issues too.
Advanced techniques for better link accessibility
Front-load important information - Put unique, identifying information at the beginning.
- Less effective: Read the latest version of our accessibility policy.
- More effective: Download our accessibility policy (updated May 2025).
Choose the right length - Not too short, not too long:
- Too short: Info ← difficult to target, lacks context
- Too long: Complete detailed instructions for submitting your testing accommodation request form for the summer administration ← too much information
- Just right: Summer testing accommodation request← clear and targetable
Signal link destinations - Warn users about external sites and downloads:
- Basic approach: College Board guidelines
- Better approach: College Board guidelines (external site)
Examples you can adapt
Here are common scenarios with simple fixes that dramatically improve accessibility:
Resource collections:
- Instead of: We have many resources available. Click here for videos. Click here for handouts.
- Better approach: Explore our resources for students:
- Instructional videos with captions and transcripts
- Printable style guides in multiple formats
Navigation prompts:
- Instead of: To continue to the next section, click here.
- Better approach: Continue to Step 2: Documenting your accessibility needs.
Quick accessibility checks
When reviewing content, ask yourself:
- If I read only the link text, would I know where it goes?
- Can I easily tell different links apart when tabbing through the page?
- Would these links make sense when read by a screen reader in a list format?
- Do they work well across different devices?
Lillian Teague develops accessible content strategies based on WCAG requirements, user research, and real-world testing with assistive technologies. You can connect with her through Lillian’s LinkedIn profile or at LillianTeague2@gmail.com.