What Is Anchor Text?

Anchor text is the visible, clickable part of a link. It is also where a lot of people fumble, linking the words click here as if the reader has no eyes and the search engine has no preferences.

The short version

Anchor text is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink. It gives both readers and search engines context about what the linked page is about.

Common types

• Exact match, the linked text is the target keyword

• Partial match, it includes the keyword plus other words

• Branded, it uses a brand name

• Generic, vague text like read more or click here

The rule

Use descriptive anchor text that tells people where the link goes. Keep it natural and varied. Forcing the same exact match keyword into every link looks manipulative and helps no one.

FAQ

Is exact match anchor text bad?

Not in moderation. Used naturally it is fine. Overusing it across many links is what looks unnatural to search engines.