Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink, which plays a significant role in SEO. It tells search engines what a page is about and helps users navigate the web. But here’s the catch: if you don’t use it correctly, it can hurt your rankings instead of boosting them!
Search engines like Google use anchor text to understand your content. Over-optimized or irrelevant anchor text can lead to penalties, while a well-planned strategy can improve rankings and user experience.
So, how do you get it right? Mastering anchor text can help you rank higher, drive more traffic, and strengthen your website’s authority. In this guide, you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of anchor text to stay ahead of the competition. Let’s dive in!
What is Anchor Text? (With Examples)
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that takes you to another page when you click on it. It helps search engines understand the linked page and improves user experience.
There are different types of anchor text:
- Exact match: The anchor text matches the linked page’s keyword.
Example: “best running shoes” linking to a page about the best running shoes. - Partial match: The anchor text includes the keyword along with other words.
Example: “Check out these comfortable running shoes,” linking to a running shoes page. - Branded: The anchor text is the name of a brand.
Example: “Nike” linking to Nike’s official website. - Generic: The anchor text is a general phrase.
Example: “Click here” linking to a product page. - Naked URL: The actual website address is used as the anchor text.
Example: “www.example.com” linking to the same website.
Using the correct anchor text in the right place can improve your website’s SEO and make navigation easier for users.
Why Anchor Text Matters for SEO?
Anchor text is essential for SEO because search engines like Google use it to understand what a webpage is about. When a website links to another page using specific words, Google takes those words as a clue about the linked page’s content. This helps in ranking sites for relevant searches.
Anchor text also plays a key role in link-building. When many websites link to a page using strong and relevant anchor text, it signals to Google that it is valuable and trustworthy. This can help improve rankings and bring more visitors.
However, using anchor text the wrong way can be harmful. If a website uses too many exact-match keywords or unnatural links, Google may see it as spam and lower its ranking. A balanced and natural anchor text strategy is the best way to stay safe and improve SEO.
Best Anchor Text Types for Higher SEO Rankings
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. It helps search engines and users understand what the linked page is about. Using the correct anchor text improves SEO rankings and user experience. There are different types of anchor text, each with a unique purpose. Some anchor texts are used within a website, while others link to external sources. Choosing the correct type of anchor text ensures that links are natural, relevant, and valuable for readers.
Internal Anchor Text
Internal anchor text links to another page within the same website. It helps users navigate the website easily and improves search engine rankings by connecting related content. For example, a blog post about SEO might link to another article about keyword research. Internal links also help search engines understand the structure of a website. Using relevant keywords in internal anchor text improves SEO and increases the chances of ranking higher in search results.
Examples of Internal Anchor Text
Good internal anchor text should be natural and relevant to the content. Some examples include:
- “Learn more about SEO techniques” linking to an SEO guide
- “Check out our latest blog posts” linking to the blog section
- “Explore our case studies” linking to a case studies page
- “Read about our services” linking to the services page
- “Visit our contact page” linking to the contact information page
Using a mix of anchor text types makes internal linking more effective.
External Anchor Text
External anchor text links to a page on a different website. It helps provide additional resources, cite sources, or improve credibility. For example, a blog about SEO might link to Google’s official SEO guidelines. External links should point to high-quality, authoritative websites. Search engines consider external links when ranking pages. Using relevant and natural anchor text for external links improves user experience and makes content more valuable for readers.
More Anchor Text Types
Anchor text comes in different types, each serving a unique purpose in SEO. Using a variety of anchor text types makes a website’s link profile look natural and helps improve rankings. Some anchor texts focus on keywords, while others prioritize branding or user engagement. The key is to balance different anchor text styles to avoid over-optimization. Below are some additional types of anchor text that can be used strategically to improve website SEO and user experience.
1. Exact Match Anchor Text
Exact match anchor text includes the same keyword phrase that matches the target page. This type is helpful for SEO but should not be overused. If repeated too often, search engines may see it as spammy. For example, linking the phrase “best SEO tools” to a page about SEO tools is an exact match. While it helps search engines understand the page content, mixing it with other anchor text types is best to keep the link profile natural.
2. Partial Match Anchor Text
Partial match anchor text contains a variation of the target keyword. It makes content sound more natural and avoids keyword stuffing. For example, instead of using “best SEO tools,” a partial match would be “Check out these powerful SEO tools.” This approach allows for flexibility while keeping the anchor text relevant to the target page. Partial match anchor text is recommended for SEO because it helps with ranking while maintaining a natural writing flow.
3. Branded Anchor Text
Branded anchor text includes the name of a brand instead of a keyword. It helps with brand recognition and credibility. For example, “Visit Moz for SEO insights” links to Moz’s website. Branded anchor text is often used in external links when citing authoritative sources. It is a safe and effective way to build links because search engines do not see it as manipulative. Websites with substantial brand presence benefit from branded anchor text in their link-building strategy.
4. Naked URL Anchor Text
Naked URL anchor text uses the full website address as the clickable text. It does not contain any keywords or branding. For example, linking “https://example.com” instead of using descriptive words is a naked URL anchor. This type is commonly used in citations or footnotes. While naked URLs are simple, they do not provide much SEO value because they lack descriptive text. It is better to use keyword-rich or branded anchor text whenever possible.
5. Generic Anchor Text
Generic anchor text uses common phrases that do not include keywords. Examples include “Click here,” “Read more,” or “Learn more.” This type of anchor text is often used for call-to-action buttons or links. While generic anchor text is helpful for user engagement, it does not provide SEO benefits because it lacks keyword relevance. It is best to use generic anchor text sparingly and replace it with more descriptive alternatives whenever possible to improve search engine rankings.
6. Long-Tail Anchor Text
Long-tail anchor text is a longer phrase that naturally includes keywords. It improves SEO and makes the content flow smoothly. For example, instead of linking “SEO tips,” a long-tail version would be “Discover the best SEO tips for small businesses.” This anchor text is helpful because it provides more context for users and search engines. Long-tail anchor text is also beneficial in voice search optimization, as people often use longer phrases when searching online.
7. Image Anchor Text
When an image is used as a hyperlink, search engines rely on its alt text to understand the link’s purpose. This is known as image anchor text. Search engines may not recognize the link properly if an image has no alt text. For example, a company logo linking to the homepage should have an alt tag like “Company Name – Official Website.” Image anchor text improves accessibility and SEO by providing meaningful descriptions for visually impaired users and search engines.
8 . LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Anchor Text
LSI anchor text uses related terms or synonyms instead of exact keywords. This helps create a natural link profile and avoids keyword stuffing. For example, instead of always linking “SEO tools,” an LSI variation would be “digital marketing software.” Search engines recognize related terms and understand their connection to the main topic. Using LSI anchor text makes content more engaging and prevents over-reliance on exact match keywords, which could trigger search engine penalties.
9. Call-to-Action (CTA) Anchor Text
Call-to-action anchor text encourages users to take a specific action. It is commonly used in marketing and e-commerce websites. Examples include “Sign up for free,” “Download the guide,” or “Start your free trial.” This anchor text helps improve conversions by guiding users toward the next step. While CTA anchor text is essential for user engagement, it should be combined with keyword-rich anchors to maintain SEO balance. Compelling CTA anchor text should be clear and action-oriented.
10. Footer Anchor Text
The footer anchor text appears at the bottom of a website, usually for navigation or legal purposes. Common examples include “Privacy Policy,” “Terms of Service,” or “About Us.” Footer links help users find important pages quickly. However, search engines may not give footer links as much SEO value as contextual links in the main content. Using footer anchor text for user convenience rather than SEO benefits is best. Important internal links should be placed within the content itself.
11. Breadcrumb Anchor Text
Breadcrumb anchor text is used in breadcrumb navigation, which helps users track their location on a website. Breadcrumbs typically appear at the top of a page in a format like “Home > Blog > SEO Tips.” Each section is a clickable link that makes navigation easier. Breadcrumb anchor text improves user experience and SEO by creating structured internal links. Search engines use breadcrumbs to understand site hierarchy and how different pages relate.
12 .Author Name Anchor Text
Author name anchor text links to the writer’s bio or portfolio. This is commonly used in blogs and guest posts. For example, an article might end with “Written by John Doe,” where “John Doe” is a hyperlink to the author’s page. This anchor text helps build credibility and allows readers to explore more content from the same author. It is helpful for personal branding and networking within an industry, making it a valuable part of content marketing strategies.
13. Date-Based Anchor Text
Date-based anchor text includes a specific year or time reference. This is useful for SEO because users often search for the latest information. For example, instead of linking “SEO strategies,” a website might use “Best SEO strategies for 2025.” Date-based anchor text signals to users and search engines that the content is fresh and updated. It helps attract more clicks, as readers prefer up-to-date content. However, outdated date-based links should be refreshed to stay relevant over time.
14. Navigation Menu Anchor Text
Navigation menu anchor text includes links found in a website’s main menu. These links direct users to important sections, such as “Home,” “Services,” or “Blog.” Navigation links are crucial for SEO and user experience because they guide visitors through the site structure. Search engines use navigation menus to understand website organization. The anchor text in menus should be clear and concise, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
How to Optimize for Anchor Text
Optimizing anchor text is an important off-page SEO tactic that helps improve keyword rankings and website authority. The correct anchor text makes content more relevant to search engines and enhances user experience. A well-planned anchor text strategy ensures that links appear natural and are not over-optimized. Search engines analyze anchor text to understand the context of the linked page. Below are some key tips on how to use anchor text effectively for better SEO results.
Use Relevant Keywords in Anchor Text
Using relevant keywords in anchor text helps search engines understand the topic of the linked page. However, the anchor text should be natural and fit within the content. Avoid forcing keywords into links in an unnatural way. For example, instead of saying, “Click here for SEO tips,” a better approach is, “Read our complete guide on SEO tips.” This method makes the link informative and valuable while also signaling to search engines what the page is about.
Maintain a Natural Anchor Text Distribution
A healthy link profile includes a mix of different anchor text types. Using only one type, such as exact match keywords, can make links look unnatural and spammy. A well-balanced anchor text strategy includes branded partial match and generic anchor text. For example, instead of always linking “best SEO tools,” mix it up with variations like “SEO software,” “tools for better rankings,” or “Moz SEO tools.” This diversity improves credibility and prevents search engine penalties.
Avoid Over-Optimizing Anchor Text
Search engines can penalize websites that use too many exact-match keywords in anchor text. Over-optimization happens when a website repeatedly links the exact keyword-rich phrase unnaturally. Instead, anchor text should flow naturally within the content. For example, rather than always linking “buy cheap laptops,” alternate with “affordable laptop options” or “find budget-friendly laptops.” Keeping anchor text varied and relevant helps maintain a strong SEO strategy without triggering search engine penalties.
Use Anchor Text in Contextually Relevant Content
Anchor text should always be placed within relevant content. Search engines analyze the words surrounding the anchor text to understand its meaning. For example, linking to an SEO guide from a marketing-related article is more effective than linking from an unrelated topic like fashion. Readers are also more likely to click on a link if it fits naturally into the discussion. Placing anchor text in meaningful content increases engagement and improves search engine rankings.
Optimize Internal Links with Descriptive Anchor Text
Internal links help connect related pages on a website, improving navigation and SEO. Instead of generic phrases like “Click here” or “Read more,” use descriptive anchor text explaining the linked page. For example, if linking to an article about content marketing, a suitable anchor text would be “Learn how to create engaging content marketing strategies.” This approach helps users and search engines understand the linked content, making internal linking more effective for SEO.
Balance Internal and External Anchor Text Usage
Using both internal and external links strategically improves SEO. Internal links help users navigate a website, while external links provide additional resources and credibility. A good balance ensures the website remains authoritative without relying too much on either type. For example, a blog post about SEO can include an internal link to a keyword research guide and an external link to Google’s official SEO guidelines. A well-balanced link strategy helps build trust and improves search engine rankings.
Use Branded Anchor Text for Natural Link Building
Branded anchor text includes the name of a company, product, or website instead of a keyword. This anchor text is helpful for natural link-building and increasing brand awareness. For example, instead of linking “SEO tools,” using “Check out Moz for SEO tools” creates a branded link. Search engines favor branded anchor text because it appears organic. To build authority, businesses should encourage branded mentions in guest posts, press releases, and social media.
Monitor and Update Anchor Text Strategy Regularly
SEO trends and search engine algorithms change frequently, so monitoring anchor text usage and updating strategies is essential. Analyzing a website’s anchor text distribution helps identify over-optimization issues or unnatural link patterns. Tools like Google Search Console and Ahrefs can track which anchor texts are used for inbound links. Adjusting anchor text strategy based on performance data ensures long-term SEO success and maintains a natural link profile.
How to Create an Anchor Text
Creating compelling anchor text is essential for SEO and user experience. Anchor text should be relevant, natural, and helpful for search engines and readers. A well-crafted anchor text improves website navigation, boosts keyword rankings, and enhances content credibility. Whether linking internally within a website or externally to other sources, following the proper steps ensures that anchor text is optimized correctly. Below are key steps to create and use anchor text effectively.
1. Choose a Relevant Target Page
Before creating anchor text, decide which page the link will point to. The target page should be relevant to the content of the current page. For example, if writing about “SEO strategies,” linking to a detailed guide on keyword research makes sense. Irrelevant links confuse users and reduce SEO value. A relevant target page helps users find useful information and improves search engine understanding of how different pages are connected.
2. Select the Right Anchor Text Type
Different types of anchor text serve different purposes. Some common types include:
- Exact Match – Uses the keyword phrase, e.g., “best SEO tools.”
- Partial Match – Uses a variation of the keyword, e.g., “top tools for SEO success.”
- Branded – Uses a brand name, e.g., “Moz SEO tools.”
- Generic – Uses phrases like “click here” or “learn more.”
Choosing the right type ensures a balanced and natural link profile that enhances SEO.
3. Write Natural and Descriptive Anchor Text
Anchor text should fit naturally within the sentence. Avoid stuffing keywords or forcing links into content. A good anchor text describes the linked page’s topic clearly. For example, instead of writing “Click here to learn about SEO,” a better approach is “Learn how to optimize your website for SEO.” Descriptive anchor text improves user engagement and helps search engines understand the relevance of the linked page.
4. Place Anchor Text in the Right Location
The placement of anchor text within content matters. It should be within a sentence that provides context rather than being isolated. Links in the introduction or conclusion often get more attention from users. Important links should be placed where they naturally fit into the flow of the content. Avoid placing too many links close together, as this can make the text look cluttered and affect readability.
5. Format the Anchor Text Correctly
Anchor text should be formatted properly using HTML. The basic structure of an anchor text link looks like this in HTML:
<a href=”https://example.com”>Best SEO practices</a>
In this example, “Best SEO practices” is the anchor text, which links to “https://example.com.” When using a content management system like WordPress, simply highlighting text and adding a hyperlink achieves the same result. Formatting anchor text correctly ensures that search engines can crawl and index links properly.
6. Ensure Links Are Follow or NoFollow
Anchor text links can be either “follow” or “nofollow.” By default, links are follow links, which means search engines will pass SEO value to the target page. However, if linking to a website that should not receive SEO benefits, use the “nofollow” attribute:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>External resource</a>
Use nofollow links for sponsored links, affiliate links, and untrusted sources. Choosing the right link type helps maintain a healthy link profile.
7. Keep Anchor Text Concise and Readable
Anchor text should be short and to the point. Long anchor texts can be confusing and reduce readability. Ideally, anchor text should be between two and five words, but longer phrases can be used if they flow naturally. For example, “effective content marketing strategies” is more readable than “click here for a detailed guide on creating effective content marketing strategies.” Keeping it concise improves usability and SEO effectiveness.
8. Avoid Overusing the Same Anchor Text
Repeating the exact anchor text across multiple links can look spammy to search engines. For example, if all links pointing to a page use “best SEO tools,” search engines may suspect manipulation. Instead, use variations like “SEO software recommendations” or “top-rated SEO tools.” Diversifying anchor text ensures a natural link profile and helps improve rankings without triggering penalties from search engines.
9. Use Anchor Text in Internal and External Links
Anchor text can be used for both internal and external links.
- Internal Links – Connect different pages within a website to improve navigation and SEO.
- External Links – Link to authoritative sources to add credibility and value to content.
Using a mix of internal and external links with well-crafted anchor text improves user experience and helps search engines understand content relationships.
10. Test and Optimize Anchor Text Regularly
SEO strategies evolve, and so should anchor text usage. Regularly review anchor text performance using tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs. If an anchor text is overused or poorly performing, update it with a more natural variation. Analyzing click-through rates (CTR) and rankings helps identify areas for improvement. Keeping anchor text optimized ensures long-term SEO success and better engagement.
By following these steps, anchor text can be used effectively to improve search rankings, enhance user experience, and build a strong website structure.
Conclusion
An effective SEO technique that enhances user experience and aids search engines in comprehending content is anchor text. It improves ranks, draws visitors, and facilitates reader navigation when appropriately utilized. Using diverse, pertinent, and organic anchor text is essential for success. Focus on combining branded, partial match, and descriptive anchor text instead of utilizing too many exact-match keywords.
A solid anchor text strategy protects your website from search engine penalties and increases reputation. To remain competitive, review and revise your anchor text frequently. Consider anchor text as a link between meaningful content and a way to direct people to the appropriate information. Higher results result from improving the user experience for readers and search engines alike through anchor text optimization.
