Use Meaningful Language
- Avoid using "click here" or "here" as link text. Instead, use a brief but meaningful text link.
- Link text should be descriptive, but clear and concise. For example, “Renew library materials” instead of “To renew, click here.”
- Don’t make new program or product names into links by themselves, e.g. MultiSearch, instead – Search for articles and books – MultiSearch
- Match links and page titles.
- Use action phrases for action links, e.g. Reserve a group study room. Add a short description if people need it – or rewrite the link.
- Use single nouns sparingly as links; longer, more descriptive links often work better.
Don't Repeat Headings in Links
- Coordinate when you have multiple, similar links, The first word or phrase in a link should not be repeated in other links, e.g. Introduction to Library Resources for Business, Introduction to Library Resources for Mathematics – put common words as a heading.
- Multiple links that point to the same page are an exception, in which case they should use the same link text
Don't Underline Text That is Not a Link
- In print, headings are often underlined. Online, if text is underlined, people assume it is a link. So, do not underline text that is not a link.
Don't Use All Caps for Emphasis
- Using all caps actually de-emphasises text by reducing shape contrast. Only use all caps for acronyms.