4.3 Make links meaningful

View correlation with WAI checkpoints

Many users scan the page and their focus is on the links (things they can do!). Some people (e.g. screen reader users) similarly scan pages by tabbing through or listing links. If the links do not make sense in isolation - neither does the page.

Avoid 'click here' type terminology:
- 'click here', 'more', 'full information', 'pdf', 'file', etc.
- A link should clearly indicate its destination or function, out of context of the text surrounding it
- Each link should be distinct from others in the page
Links should be short, but descriptive (fully explain their purpose):
- Don't link whole paragraphs
Don't overdo it - 'link to...', etc. is unnecessary
Provide useful information about the link:
- File format, size, external site, pop-up window...
Use the link title attribute liberally:
- Use this to provide additional useful information about the link
Separate adjacent links with a non link printable character
- 'link | link2' or '[link] [link 2]' is standard - can style with CSS

Tip: Copy out just the links from your page. Can you distinguish between them? Can you predict the result of clicking on each of them? If not then change them.

Poor: passage of text with multiple use of click here - 13 uses of here - all indistinguishable

Good: Link name is the actual name of the document. Alternatives are provided which clearly indicate type and size.

Poor: to go to the location map, click here - GOOD: Go to the <link> Location map <link> for directions

Good: a link enhanced by the use of the title attribute

4.3 Make links meaningful

Recommendations

Examples