You see it every day — those clickable words that lead you to another page. Whether in a blog post, a product description, or a help article, that little snippet of linked text plays a bigger role than you might think. That’s anchor text. And while it may seem minor, it’s a significant factor when it comes to SEO and user experience.
What Exactly Is Anchor Text?
Anchor text is the visible, clickable words in a hyperlink. It’s what users read and what search engines scan to understand the content of the destination page.
For example:
Learn more in our internal linking guide.
The anchor text in that sentence is “internal linking guide.” It gives both users and search engines a heads-up about what’s next.
Why Anchor Text Matters
Anchor text isn’t just decorative flair. It pulls triple duty:
- It guides users. Good anchor text sets expectations. It lets people know what they’ll find after clicking — a guide, a product page, a case study, or something else.
- It helps search engines map your site. Anchor text gives search engines context, helping them connect the dots between different pages. Use descriptive anchors consistently, and you’re sending clear signals about what a page is all about.
- It can boost your rankings. Search engines pay close attention to the words in your anchor text. Using clear, relevant text can give your SEO efforts a lift. On the flip side, lazy phrases like “click here” are wasted opportunities.
A 2024 study by Ahrefs emphasized that optimized anchor text remains a top-5 factor in link-related ranking signals.
Types of Anchor Text (And When to Use Them)
Not all anchor text is created equal. Here’s a quick rundown:
Exact Match
- Uses the exact keyword you’re targeting.
- Example: Learn more about anchor text.
✅ Use sparingly. Too much looks spammy and can trigger penalties.
Partial Match
- Includes a variation of the keyword.
- Example: Here’s how to optimize your anchor text for SEO.
✅ Feels more natural and often works better.
Branded
- Uses your company or brand name.
- Example: Explore the SEO audit process at Menerva Digital.
✅ Builds trust and brand recognition.
Naked URLs
- Displays the full URL.
- Example: https://menervadigital.com
❌ Avoid in body text. Save it for footers or citations.
Generic
- Vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.”
- Example: Click here to learn more.
❌ Lacks context for users and search engines.
Anchor Text Best Practices
Anchor text doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few smart moves go a long way:
- Be descriptive, not stuffed. If your anchor feels unnatural, rework the sentence.
- Vary your phrases. Mixing it up looks more organic and helps avoid penalties.
- Don’t force links. If the link doesn’t fit naturally, skip it.
- Strategically use internal links. Anchor text strengthens your internal linking strategy , helping spread authority across your site.
Common Anchor Text Mistakes to Avoid
Even the pros mess up sometimes. Here’s what to watch for:
- Repeating the same anchor across multiple pages.
- Linking too many keywords in one paragraph.
- Using vague phrases that leave users confused.
- Linking irrelevant content just for the sake of having a link.
Pro Tip: Anchor text should add clarity, not confusion.
How Anchor Text Impacts Site Health
Anchor text is also closely tied to your site’s health. If you link to pages that no longer exist or have been moved, you’re creating dead ends, which is bad news for both users and SEO. A recent 2024 report from SEMrush found that broken internal links are among the top five technical SEO issues affecting site performance.
To avoid this, audit your site regularly and fix broken links, starting with the anchor text pointing to them.
If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our guide to finding broken links.
Small Text, Big Impact
Anchor text may seem insignificant, but it has a significant impact on your site’s performance. Smart, natural, helpful linking strengthens your content, keeps visitors engaged, and helps search engines understand your site better.
So, next time you add a link, take an extra second to make the anchor text work harder for you.
Need Help Tightening Up Your SEO Strategy?
Whether you’re cleaning up old anchor text, mapping out an internal linking plan, or launching a fresh SEO campaign, contact us, we’re here to help.
Let’s build a stronger, smarter SEO foundation together.
