How to write accessible link text
WCAG: 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A) · Updated October 14, 2026
Screen reader users often pull up a list of all links on a page. A list of ten “Read more” links tells them nothing. Descriptive link text also helps search engines.
Make links make sense alone
- Instead of “Click here to see pricing”, write “See pricing”.
- Instead of “Read more”, use the article title, or add hidden context.
- Say where a link goes if it is unusual: “Menu (PDF, 2 MB)”.
<a href="/blog/water-heater-tips">
Read more<span class="visually-hidden"> about water heater maintenance</span>
</a>Make links look like links
Links inside paragraphs should be underlined, or differ from body text by at least 3:1 contrast with an extra cue on hover and focus. Color alone is not enough for people who cannot distinguish it.
Step by step
- Review link list. List the links on the page and look for vague text.
- Rewrite vague links. Use descriptive text or add visually hidden context.
- Distinguish links. Underline links in body text.
Check your page. Run a free scan to see which of these issues it finds.
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