Anchor text is the clickable word or phrase used in a hyperlink that sends users to another webpage, file, or section within a document. It usually appears as blue, underlined text on a page and helps give users (and search engines) a sense of what they’ll find when they click. When you’re designing a website, using clear and relevant anchor text is essential for a smooth user experience and better SEO. Whether it links internally or externally, the way you phrase anchor text can influence both navigation and rankings.

Why anchor text matters for SEO

Search engines use anchor text to understand what the linked page is about, so the words you choose can influence how that page ranks. Generic phrases like "click here" don’t tell search engines much, but descriptive text like “download our web design guide” offers real context. The better your anchor text matches the content it links to, the stronger the signal you’re sending. In a nutshell, anchor text helps improve a site’s visibility and authority when used wisely.

Types of anchor text to know

There are several types of anchor text, and understanding the differences can help you write better links:

• Exact match: The anchor text exactly matches the target keyword (e.g., “anchor text” linking to a page about anchor text).
• Partial match: The anchor includes a variation of the target keyword.
• Branded: This uses a brand name (like “B12”).
• Naked URLs: These are plain URLs used as anchor text (e.g., www.example.com).
• Generic: Phrases like “click here” or “read more” fall into this category. Each has its place, but mixing them naturally across your blogging and site content is key to avoiding over-optimization.

How to write effective anchor text

The goal is to make it helpful for both users and search engines. Here are a few tips:

• Be descriptive—let the reader know what to expect.
• Keep it short and relevant—no need for full sentences.
• Avoid overstuffing keywords—it can look spammy.
• Make sure the link actually relates to the anchor text. When you write anchor text naturally, your content flows better and your SEO benefits in the long run.

Anchor text and user experience

Anchor text isn’t just about rankings—it’s a big part of navigation. If a user sees a vague phrase like “click here,” they may hesitate or feel confused. But if your link says “See pricing plans,” they know exactly where it leads. Clear, thoughtful links reduce friction and keep people moving smoothly through your website builder content. It’s one of those little details that make a big difference.

FAQs about anchor text

What is anchor text in simple terms?

Anchor text is the visible, clickable part of a link—usually highlighted or underlined—that you click to go somewhere else on the web. It helps both users and search engines understand what kind of page or content they’re being directed to.

Is anchor text important for SEO?

Yes! Anchor text helps search engines understand the context of the page you're linking to. Using relevant, descriptive text can improve how well those pages rank in search results.

Can anchor text be images?

Technically, yes. If an image is linked, the alt text of that image acts as the “anchor text” for search engines. However, using text links is generally better for clarity and accessibility.

How long should the anchor text be?

There’s no perfect length, but aim for a short phrase that clearly describes the linked page. One to five words is usually enough, but go longer if needed to be descriptive.

Should every link have anchor text?

Yes, every link should have some kind of descriptive anchor text. Even if it’s a button or image, you should still provide a label that explains where the link goes—for accessibility and SEO purposes.

Build better websites with clear anchor text

Smart use of anchor text makes your site easier to explore and helps it rank better in search results. When you combine strong links with thoughtful design, you’re giving your visitors exactly what they need. The best part? You don’t have to do it all from scratch. With B12’s website builder, you can launch a clean, optimized site in minutes—no coding required. Get started today and build with confidence.