Anchor text
The visible, clickable text in a hyperlink.
What is Anchor text?
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that users see and click. Search engines use anchor text as a signal to understand what the linked page is about. The words in anchor text help Google determine the relevance and context of the destination page.
Anchor text types include exact match (uses the target keyword), partial match, branded, generic ("click here"), and naked URLs.
Why Anchor text matters
Anchor text helps search engines understand the topic of the linked page. Strategic anchor text in internal and external links can improve rankings for target keywords. However, over-optimized anchor text (too many exact match links) can appear manipulative.
How to implement
Use descriptive anchor text that indicates page content
Vary anchor text naturally
Avoid generic text like "click here"
Use branded anchors for homepage links
Match anchor text to the linked page's topic
Audit your backlink anchor text distribution
Code example
<!-- Descriptive anchor text -->
<a href="/glossary/core-web-vitals">Core Web Vitals guide</a>
<!-- Avoid generic anchor text -->
<a href="/pricing">Click here</a> <!-- Bad -->
<a href="/pricing">View pricing plans</a> <!-- Good -->Common mistakes to avoid
- Over-optimizing with too many exact-match anchors
- Using generic anchor text everywhere
- Ignoring internal link anchor text
- Creating anchor text that doesn't match the linked content
Examples
Good: 'Learn more about <a>Core Web Vitals</a>'
Bad: 'For more information, <a>click here</a>'
Branded: '<a>SilverGecko's SEO audit tool</a>'
Frequently asked questions
Use natural variety: branded, partial match, and descriptive anchors. Avoid exact match keyword stuffing. Internal links can use more keyword-rich anchors than external links.
Yes, manipulative anchor text patterns (many exact-match external links) can trigger penalties. Natural variation is key for external backlinks.