Whether you run a personal blog, share hobby projects, or help manage a small online business, links are part of how people move around the web. The words attached to a link—its anchor text—tell readers what they can expect when they click. Generic anchor text such as “read more” or “click here” can be useful, but relying on it everywhere may leave people guessing. A little care makes links clearer without making your writing feel forced.
What Generic Anchor Text Does
Anchor text is the visible, clickable wording in a hyperlink. Generic phrases don’t describe the destination in much detail: “this page,” “learn more,” and “here” are familiar examples. They can fit naturally when the surrounding sentence already explains what the link contains. For instance, “The full checklist is available here” gives readers some context, even though the linked word itself is broad.
The drawback appears when generic wording is separated from its context. A screen reader user navigating from link to link, or someone scanning a page quickly, may encounter several identical “learn more” links and have no way to distinguish them. Descriptive wording helps visitors decide whether a click is worthwhile and makes the page easier to navigate.
Choose Clarity Over Cleverness
Good anchor text is concise and accurately describes the linked destination. If a sentence points to a guide about planning a video shoot, wording such as “video shoot planning checklist” is more informative than “click here.” You don’t need to cram a whole sentence into the link. A few specific words usually do the job.
That does not mean every anchor needs to sound formal. A conversational link can still be clear: “See the packing list for a weekend trip” tells readers what they’ll find. The key is to make the destination understandable without interrupting the tone of the article.
Quick checks before publishing
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Read the link on its own. Does it give a reasonable idea of what the destination contains?
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Check the surrounding sentence. The link should fit grammatically and make sense to a person who has not clicked it.
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Be accurate. Don’t promise a tutorial, review, or download if the page does not provide one.
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Keep it brief. Link the relevant phrase rather than a long block of text.
Use Generic Phrases with Context
Generic wording is not automatically a mistake. It can work well in a call to action at the end of a paragraph, especially when the destination has already been introduced. For example, after explaining that a resource contains a printable schedule, “download the schedule” is both direct and useful. If you use “read more,” make sure readers can tell what they will read more about.
It is also helpful to avoid repeating the exact same vague phrase for several different destinations on one page. Instead of a list of identical “learn more” links, give each link a distinct label. This small edit benefits people browsing on phones, visitors using assistive technology, and anyone skimming for a particular resource.
Anchor Text and Search Visibility
Search engines use links and their surrounding information to understand how pages relate to one another. Descriptive anchor text can provide useful context, but it is only one part of a broader picture. Links should serve readers first; repeating the same keyword-heavy phrase across a page can sound unnatural and make the content harder to trust. For more examples and practical guidance, see this overview of anchor text best practices.
When linking to another site, make sure the destination is relevant to the point you are making. A link should add helpful detail, not simply appear because a particular phrase fits. Review it after publishing, too: pages can move, become outdated, or stop working. Keeping links current is part of maintaining a useful site.
When a Project Needs Outside Help
Creators sometimes bring in a freelancer to edit articles, design graphics, build a website, or prepare short-form video. Clear project instructions matter just as much as clear links: define the goal, deliverables, timeline, and approval process before work begins. A thoughtful hiring process can prevent mismatched expectations and wasted time. If you’re weighing how to select a freelancer, Osdire’s article on avoiding a bad freelance hire offers questions to consider before committing to a project.
Once a freelancer delivers the work, check that links are accurate and that their wording fits the surrounding content. For a blog post, test each destination and read the anchor text in context. For a portfolio or business page, confirm that calls to action lead to the right form, product, or information. These checks are simple, but they can make a site feel more polished and dependable.
Make Every Link Useful
Generic anchor text has a place, particularly when the surrounding copy supplies clear context. But descriptive, natural wording is usually the better choice when it helps visitors understand what lies beyond the click. Treat each link as a small navigation sign: make it honest, easy to scan, and relevant to the reader’s next step. That approach supports a smoother experience for your audience and keeps your content focused on what matters—helpful information.