Glossary of web design terms you should know
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Skip links are internal anchor links that allow users—especially those using screen readers or keyboard navigation—to bypass repetitive content like navigation menus and jump directly to the main content of a website. They're typically hidden from visual users but become visible when focused using the Tab key.
These links improve usability and accessibility, particularly for people with motor disabilities or those using assistive technology. Including skip links aligns with web accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), helping make your AI website builder projects more inclusive from the start.
Why skip links matter for accessibility
Imagine needing to tab through 20 links in a navigation bar every time you want to read an article or use a form. For users who don’t navigate with a mouse, this becomes frustrating quickly. Skip links solve that problem by offering a shortcut to what really matters—like the article, the form, or any other meaningful content section.
Implementing skip links doesn’t just benefit users—it also shows search engines that your content is well-structured and accessible, which can indirectly support your SEO strategy.
How skip links work
Skip links are typically implemented as an anchor link <a href="#main-content">Skip to main content</a> placed at the top of the page. The destination is usually an HTML element like <main> or a <div> with an id="main-content". This link is visually hidden by default using CSS but becomes visible when it receives focus.
Modern best practices also involve ensuring skip links are styled for visibility when active and are testable using only a keyboard. This small detail can go a long way in improving the user experience for many visitors.
Skip link implementation tips
- Use clear link text: “Skip to main content” is a widely recognized phrase.
- Don’t hide it completely: Make sure it’s visible when focused.
- Link to meaningful areas: Typically, the main content or a major heading.
- Include early in the DOM: Place the link near the top of the document structure.
- Test it: Use keyboard navigation to ensure it behaves as expected.
Skip links are just one of many ways to boost digital accessibility, but they’re also among the easiest to implement and immediately effective.
FAQs about skip links in web design
Do skip links affect visual users?
No, skip links are usually hidden visually and only become visible when focused via the keyboard, so they don’t interfere with the design or layout for mouse users.
Are skip links required for accessibility compliance?
While not strictly required by all accessibility standards, skip links are highly recommended under WCAG guidelines for better usability.
Can I style skip links?
Absolutely. You can use CSS to hide skip links off-screen initially and bring them into view when they receive focus, making them useful without disrupting design.
Where should I place a skip link on a webpage?
Place it as close to the start of your HTML <body> tag as possible so it's one of the first focusable elements when a user starts navigating.
Are skip links only useful for screen readers?
Not at all. They also help keyboard-only users and people using voice-assisted technology to jump past repetitive elements.
Supporting inclusive design is good business
Skip links might seem like a small addition, but they reflect a larger commitment to making the web usable for everyone. When a website builder includes features like these, it not only improves user experience but also shows clients and search engines alike that you're invested in quality, inclusive design.
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