23 Feb What Are Anchor Links and Why Are They Important?
The internet is a great place to gather information fast. While many of us spend countless hours scrolling Google, not everyone enjoys spending these hours trying to navigate a website or blog for relevant info. Therefore, anchor links can be a great way for users to digest information quickly without ever having to leave your site.
Here’s a quick look at what anchor links are, why they’re important, and everything in between:
What are anchor links?
If you have too much to say, anchor links ( or anchor tags) are perfect additions to text-heavy content pages. It allows users to jump to a specific section without wasting time scrolling when looking for particular information. This adds to the user’s experience and enables them to navigate your site easily, ultimately aiding in the conversion process.
Why are they important?
Instant gratification is the new buzzword. When we want things, we want them now. With this in mind, anchor links are the key to ensuring users remain on your website by creating a fast and easy experience. These clickable links are an excellent way to do this, as they provide visual prompts for users to take action when navigating your page. This will not only ensure readers remain on your page for longer, but it will help them convert into potential customers.
While getting the sale is always vital, anchor links also play a crucial role in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Search Engines want to make sure users have a convenient and enjoyable experience. This includes showing them content that is relevant to their search query. Anchor links are essentially internal links that search engines use to make sense of your page’s content, providing it with a clear structure of your website. It also allows them to determine whether your website is providing relevant content to the user. Essentially, anchor links are helpful indicators.
The Do’s
DO: Match the link with relevant
This should be a no-brainer but a point that should still be stressed. Google wants to know if your webpage is showing users relevant content, so it’s vital your anchor tags link to the relevant information. Don’t clickbait your readers! Readers should immediately know what to expect when they click on the link.
DO: Match anchor links to sub-headings
Another great way to ensure users know exactly what they’re getting is to match your anchor links to sub-headings. You can do this by checking that the words are the same. So, if your anchor text is: “How to unclog a blocked drain,” make sure your sub-heading is the same.
DO: Ensure users know your heading is clickable
If the aim is to provide a seamless experience for users, you want to ensure everything is as obvious and easy as possible. Ensure that users know the link text is clickable. You can do this by using a different colour or underlining the text.
DO: Put the links at the top of the page
Lastly, but most importantly, you’ll need to place your anchor links at the top of the page. This should be directly in the page header or introduction, which will now serve as a content directory for your users.
Creating quality content and a convenient user experience doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re thinking about adding a blog to your website or looking to get noticed by search engines with an effective SEO Strategy, SOMS Digital Agency is ready to lend a helping hand.
Originally posted 2023-04-06 09:16:06.