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Best practices in writing accessible links
Reading Time: 5 minutes
An accessible link enhances web accessibility by ensuring it is clear, concise, and informative for all users. In compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing meaningful and descriptive link text is a key aspect of making web content accessible. These standards emphasize the need to create links that can be easily understood in isolation, offering users a seamless browsing experience. An accessible link should be understandable even when read out of context, especially by screen reader users.
Below you will find 16 of the best practices in writing link text guaranteeing each link is intuitively designed to facilitate effortless navigation and understanding:
- Test your color contrast. High contrast between link text and the background makes sure that users, including those with visual impairments, can easily identify and interact with links.
- Eliminate broken or empty links. Functional links are critical to usability. Broken or empty links frustrate users, especially those relying on assistive technologies, by leading to dead ends.
- Never use a URL as link text. Long, non-descriptive URLs provide no useful context, making it difficult for users, especially those using screen readers, to understand the link’s destination.
- Avoid using URLs as link text. Descriptive link text helps all users understand the link’s purpose, improving clarity and web accessibility for screen readers.
- Always alert the user when opening new windows. Unexpected behavior, such as links opening in new windows or tabs, can confuse users unless clearly indicated in the link text.
- Design with keyboard-only users in mind. Keyboard-only navigation is crucial for users with physical disabilities. Ensuring all links and interactive elements are accessible via keyboard improves inclusivity.
- Be mindful when using images as links. Images used as links must include descriptive alt text, so visually impaired users can understand where the link leads.
- The case for underlining links. Underlining links is one of the most reliable and universal ways to signal clickable text, especially for users who may struggle with color distinction.
- Keep link text concise. Clear, concise link text improves user experience by reducing cognitive load and making it easier for screen readers to interpret the link’s purpose.
- Don’t link directly to downloads. Always provide context when linking to a downloadable file to prevent users from inadvertently downloading content they did not expect.
- Restrict the number of text links on a page. Overwhelming users with too many links can disrupt navigation and make the page difficult to use, especially for screen reader users.
- Be mindful when using anchor links. Anchor links should be used sparingly and with clear instructions to avoid disrupting the user’s experience on the page.
- Don’t use the word “link” in your links. This term is unnecessary in the link text, and omitting it helps maintain a clean and concise structure.
- Avoid ASCII characters. ASCII characters can confuse screen readers or users unfamiliar with their meaning, reducing the clarity of your links.
- Don’t capitalize links. Avoiding all caps in link text ensures better readability and comprehension, especially for screen readers.
- Be aware of pagination and alphabetized links. While important for certain kinds of content, it ranks lower in priority as its impact is more situational depending on the type of site.
ARIA labels & accessible link text
Designing an accessible link must communicate purpose clearly to every user. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels are a valuable tool for enhancing the accessibility of web content, especially when native HTML elements don’t fully communicate the purpose or function of an interactive element. ARIA labels are attributes added within HTML tags that provide additional context to screen readers, helping users with visual impairments navigate a website more easily. When used improperly, ARIA labels can create confusion or cause web accessibility issues, as they may not accurately reflect the intended function of a link or element. ARIA labels should always complement the existing content rather than replace it, and they must be applied in a way that doesn’t interfere with other accessibility standards. In links, ARIA labels clarify the purpose when standard link text might be too brief or lacking in context. For example, if a link’s visible text is “Read More,” an ARIA label could be added to clarify what content the user is being directed to, such as “Read more about accessible web design.”
Here are some practical tips for creating accessible ARIA labels
- Before resorting to ARIA labels, ensure you’re using proper semantic HTML elements. Semantic HTML is inherently accessible and should always be your first choice. Links, buttons, and headings should be coded using their respective HTML tags to automatically convey their role and purpose.
- ARIA labels should provide clarity but remain brief. Overly complex or long labels can overwhelm users or slow down navigation for those using screen readers. For example, rather than labeling a button with excessive details like “Button to submit the feedback form for web accessibility improvements,” a more concise ARIA label like “Submit feedback” is preferable.
- Your primary goal should be to use meaningful link text whenever possible. ARIA labels are meant to supplement, not replace, link text. If a link text can stand on its own, an ARIA label may not be necessary. However, in cases where further clarification is needed – such as for links that might be ambiguous in their text – ARIA labels can provide that extra detail to improve the overall accessibility of the page. Using ARIA labels improves the clarity of an accessible link without overloading the visual interface.
As you infuse your web content with these principles, remember that each link is a promise to your user – a promise of relevance, information, and value. When you prioritize accessible link text, you are not just enhancing the user experience; you are building bridges across the digital divide, making the web a welcoming space for all.
Let your links tell a story, guide a journey, and provide a clear path to information. Allow every visitor to navigate with confidence and the assurance that their experience on your site is just as complete and enriching as any other. This is the heart of true accessibility: a seamless, intuitive, and respectful dialogue with all users.
Read more about the European Accessibility Act Services that we offer.
EAA has been effective since June 28, 2025.
