How to Use Keywords in Link Anchor Text, for SEO & Humans

I’m going to show you how to use keywords in links, which makes them better for readers and SEO (search engine optimization). Each link has anchor text, which is the text you click to follow the link. For example, in the link the OptimWise blog, “the OptimWise blog” is the anchor text.

First, let’s look at a couple common, but less than ideal, ways to insert links.

This is when someone pastes the URL straight into the page/post, without any anchor text. Sometimes they aren’t even linked, which defeats the purpose! Example:

This is when someone uses “click here,” “here,” or something similar as the anchor text. Example:

You should read the OptimWise blog. Click here.

To be most helpful to readers and search engines, you should include descriptive keywords in your links. These tell people and bots where you’re linking to. You should use keywords in internal links (links to pages/posts within your site) and external links (links to pages/posts on other websites). Examples:

Good: I love reading the OptimWise blog for tips for improving my website.

Better: I love reading the OptimWise blog for tips for improving my website.

Even better: I love reading the OptimWise blog for tips for improving my website.

The more specific information you can provide your reader (and search engines) about what you’re linking to, the better.

Fortunately, WordPress makes it very easy to make and edit links. What are you waiting for?

Did this tip help you? What techniques do you follow when making links? Leave a comment!