These link texts are often highlighted in blue and underlined, making them stand out from the surrounding text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In SEO, anchor text tells users and search engines what to expect about the linked page\u2019s content. Search engines like Google also use anchor texts to determine the contextual relevance<\/strong> between the linking and linked pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider the example below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The anchor text is \u201cInternal linking strategies.\u201d Clicking the hyperlink leads to a page about strategies for internal linking<\/a>, as shown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective anchor texts accurately describe the target page. This maximizes the contextual information provided to users and search engines, enhancing the target link\u2019s relevance and boosting the overall user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this resource, we\u2019ll cover how to create anchor texts in HTML, the different types of anchor texts, how they impact a site\u2019s SEO, and best practices for anchor text optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The concept of anchor text is straightforward: they serve as placeholders for a link. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a content management system like WordPress, users create hyperlinks by highlighting text and embedding a URL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, knowing how to create anchor text in HTML allows users to customize its appearance, like its color or font. It also lets users add extra attributes to control the link\u2019s behavior and functionality, like where it leads or how search engines should treat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand anchor texts and internal links, let\u2019s explore the anatomy of a hyperlink:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, consider the snippet below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visible anchor text on the content is \u201cVisit our website.\u201d Hovering the cursor over that anchor text will show a tooltip that reads \u201cVisit Example.com.\u201d Finally, clicking the anchor text will open the website example.com on a new tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google uses internal links<\/a> to crawl the pages of website and depends on anchor text to make sense of the relationship between the pages. The structure of your anchor text influences Google’s understanding of a linked page, which may affect its search performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 8 ways you can structure anchor texts on your links: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact match anchor text is when the hyperlink uses the exact keyword of the target page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if a webpage is optimized for the keyphrase \u201chomemade chocolate cake,\u201d the exact match anchor would be \u201chomemade chocolate cake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using exact match anchor texts enhances the linked page\u2019s SEO by accurately describing its content. However, overusing this type of anchor is potentially dangerous and can lead to penalties for appearing manipulative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phrase match anchor text contains the exact keyword within the hyperlink but incorporates additional words to provide more context about the link page. The extra terms are added before, after, or between the keyword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if a web page is about \u201corganic coffee beans,\u201d a phrase match anchor could be \u201cbuy organic coffee beans online.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Phrase match anchors accurately describe the linked page without being as restrictive as exact match anchors, thus supporting a more natural and diverse link profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Partial match anchor text includes a variation of the primary keywords but does not mirror them exactly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This anchor text incorporates additional terms like phrase match anchors. But it may also make slight modifications, making them less precise than an exact match anchor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, suppose a webpage targets the keyword \u201chomemade chocolate cake,\u201d a partial match anchor text could be \u201cchocolate cake recipe at home.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The partial-match anchor text still captures the essence and thought of the original keyword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Branded anchor text uses a brand\u2019s name as the hyperlink without adding additional words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This anchor text helps enhance brand awareness and commonly leads to a company\u2019s homepage. You commonly see these anchors in the author\u2019s bio of a guest post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as compound anchor texts, these anchors use a brand name and additional terms as the anchor text. They are typically used to target keywords associated with a brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the anchor text \u201cNike running shoes\u201d may take users to a page within Nike\u2019s online store that sells running shoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From an ecommerce perspective, using brand + keyword anchor texts is a beneficial technique for developing brand recognition. It creates a top-of-mind association between a brand and its product or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generic anchor texts use non-descriptive phrases as the hyperlink. They provide zero context about what users and search engines can expect after clicking the link. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, \u201cclick here,\u201d \u201clearn more,\u201d and \u201cmore info\u201d are examples of generic anchors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generic anchor texts provide no direct SEO benefit to the targeted page on their own. However, users may still use generic link texts if the surrounding content gives enough information about where the link leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, “We tackle internal linking and its best practices in more detail in one of our dedicated resources. Click here to check it out<\/a><\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, the preceding sentence contextualized the generic anchor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naked links, also known as URL anchor texts, use the URL itself as the hyperlink text. This approach involves simply pasting the web address into the content without embedding it into a text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/linkstorm.io\/resources\/best-internal-linking-tools-for-seo<\/a> is a an example of a naked link. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Naked links are highly transparent since they show the destination URL directly to users, ensuring clarity about the link\u2019s destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will commonly find these bare links in bibliographies, footnotes, and resource lists found in government agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Image anchors use an image as the clickable link instead of text. This type of anchor uses the HTML tag <img src> between the <a> and <\/a> tags, allowing the image itself to serve as the hyperlink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A company logo image linked to the homepage would be an example of an image anchor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The image\u2019s alt attribute is critical because it explains what the image is about to web crawlers and visually impaired users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our infographic below is an example of an image anchor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the benefits of optimizing anchor texts for SEO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An effective anchor text tells users and web crawlers what to expect after clicking the link. It provides context about the linked page<\/a>, preventing any unpleasant surprises and helping enrich the user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Search engines evaluate the contextual relationship between linked pages using link texts. According to Google\u2019s SEO Best Practices<\/a>, anchor text helps the search engine understand the content and context of the page being linked to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google uses a collection of ranking factors and ranking signals to help determine which pages appear on SERPs for a given query. According to their resource on how search works<\/a>, content relevance is one of the ranking signals used by the search engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highly descriptive and keyword-rich anchor texts increase the relevance of linked pages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say an anchor text says, \u201cinternal links vs external links<\/a>,” and it leads to a web page that differentiates internal from external links. The contextual alignment between the anchor text and the content allows Google to interpret the linked page as relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google then uses these relevance scores as ranking signals<\/a> to determine which content to show on SERPs for related queries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, when users click those link texts and engage with the content, it signals to Google that those linked pages are helpful to a user\u2019s search journey. This further boosts the page’s relevance score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Google Penguin, websites used spammy practices like overusing exact-match anchor texts and keyword stuffing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since Google\u2019s Penguin update, the search engine has begun to examine websites\u2019 anchor texts more closely. Overusing exact-match anchors appears manipulative and may trigger Google to penalize a site for attempting to boost its rankings artificially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diversifying anchor texts is a critical SEO strategy that helps prevent search engine penalties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sites can maintain a natural-looking link profile by varying anchor texts. That means using a mix of exact-match, phrase-match, partial-match, branded, and generic terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This diversification avoids the appearance of gaming the system and supports a broader range of keyword rankings. It also ensures that a website\u2019s backlink profile appears organic, enhancing its credibility and protecting it from over-optimization penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Optimizing link texts is a crucial aspect of on-page SEO. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your anchor texts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By default, anchor texts are highlighted in blue and clickable. This lets users distinguish them from the surrounding copy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Users may also change the color of an anchor text using HTML depending on their preference. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can create red anchor text<\/a> or even change it to a green anchor text<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to adjust the color of your anchor text depending on the background. Otherwise, some anchor text may not be as legible. Also, avoid using black font color on anchor text as this may confuse readers if the rest of your content also uses black font.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anchor texts are context providers, which means they must clearly describe the page they link to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Descriptive anchor texts give users an idea about the linked page\u2019s content, helping them decide whether or not to click. On the other hand, search engines use anchor text to understand the relationship between the source and target pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using descriptive anchors can boost the relevance of linked pages. Google uses relevance scores to decide which pages to show on SERPs in response to a search query.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid overusing exact-match anchor texts for links. This practice may seem manipulative to search engines and may lead to penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the best and safest results, it\u2019s advisable to use a mix of exact match, partial match, and phrase match anchor texts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, limit the use of generic anchor texts, as this gives zero context about the target page. When using generic anchors, ensure the surrounding text explains where the link will take users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By diversifying your anchor texts, you create a natural-looking and varied anchor text profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no limit on how many words an anchor text must have, but try your best to keep it as concise as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long anchor texts can look spammy and create clutter in the content. Some users may also feel repulsed by long anchor texts, affecting their user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, we have a pillar page that comprehensively discusses internal links. You may use the anchor \u201cinternal linking guide\u201d instead of \u201ccomplete guide to internal linking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being descriptive is essential, but spamming anchor texts with keywords does not help. It only looks manipulative, resulting in SEO-damaging penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keywords should be used naturally within the flow of the content. In fact, an anchor text may still be descriptive even in the absence of the primary keyword. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, we have one resource about link juice<\/a>. Instead of using \u201clink juice\u201d or \u201clink equity,\u201d we could opt for \u201cPageRank\u201d since it means the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Place your internal links in part of your content where they make the most sense and provide value to readers. Too many links<\/a> in a small section can feel cluttered and spammy, causing decision fatigue and may overwhelm users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at this sample from Google:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, anchor text must be seamlessly integrated into the copy. Otherwise, they may feel unnatural and clunky to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internal link audits<\/a> should be conducted periodically to ensure links remain relevant, responsive, and updated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Who knows? Google might implement a new algorithm change that targets anchor texts. A site audit can help you address those concerns proactively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Anchor](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Anchor-Text-Content-vs-HTML-1024x424.jpg\")
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How to Create an Anchor Text Using HTML?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/How-to-embed-a-URL-on-WordPress.jpg\")
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![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Example-HTML-snippet-for--1024x288.jpg\")
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8 Different Types of Anchor Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Exact match anchor texts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Example-of-a-exact-match-anchor-text-1024x576.jpg\")
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2. Phrase match anchor text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Example-of-a-phrase-match-anchor-text-1024x576.jpg\")
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3. Partial match anchor text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Example-of-a-partial-match-anchor-text-1024x576.jpg\")
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4. Branded anchor texts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Copy-of-Example-of-a-branded-anchor-text-1024x576.jpg\")
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5. Brand + keyword anchors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Example-of-a-branded-keyword-anchor-text-1024x576.jpg\")
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6. Generic anchor texts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Naked URL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Image anchors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Infographic](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Different-Types-of-Anchor-Text-Infographic-683x1024.jpg\")
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3 Reasons Why Optimized Anchor Texts Are Important for SEO?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
They provide context for users and search engines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Writing](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Writing-good-anchor-text-according-to-Google-1024x145.jpg\")
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They increase the relevance of linked-to pages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Content-relevance-according-to-Google.png\")
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Anchor text diversification prevents penalties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best Practices for Anchor Text Optimization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Make your anchor text readable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Use highly descriptive and relevant anchor texts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Diversify your anchor text usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep your anchor texts short and sweet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Avoid keyword stuffing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Ensure proper integration of anchor text to the copy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Example-of-using-excessive-internal-links-in-a-small-piece-of-content.jpg\")
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7. Regularly audit and update your internal links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Optimize Your Anchor Texts with LinkStorm<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Screenshot-of-LinkStorms-dashboard-with-arrow-to-the-Anchor-tab-1024x280.jpg\"){kind=icon}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-of-LinkStorm-anchor-text-list-1024x461.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/wp.linkstorm.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-of-LinkStorms-internal-linking-opportunities-with-highlight-on-the-suggested-placement-column-1024x412.jpg\")
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