Pet peeves… we all have ’em. Here’s one of mine: “Click here” hyperlinks.
The Internet has been around since the early 80s, and blue hyperlinks quickly became a thing soon after. As a comms pro, “click here” is more than just a minor annoyance, it’s a missed opportunity. These words, underlined and in blue, might seem harmless, but they’re doing a disservice to your readers—and to your content’s effectiveness.
Why it Matters
When you associate the hyperlink with “click here,” the readers eye is naturally draw to that text. Then they must look before or after to determine where the link will take them. Or worse, they mindlessly click the link and waste time going to a destination that isn’t of interest to them.
Studies consistently show how time is lost when writers fail to provide readers with quality information about the destination of a link. The Nielsen Norman Group found that users who clicked on non-descriptive links (like “click here” or “click me”) had to spend more time figuring out what they’d just clicked on, leading to increased cognitive load and frustration. Similarly, the Content Marketing Institute highlights that clear, descriptive links improve user experience and keep readers engaged longer.
The lost time can be measured in microseconds so what’s the harm? Multiply microseconds times hundreds of websites over time. You do the math. As for me, I prefer—and strongly recommend—we respect readers’ time and make the text associated with the hyperlink meaningful.
“Every “click here” link is like hitting a pothole when you’re driving. Not the end of the world but annoying nonetheless. Let’s smooth the road for our readers by providing them with clear signage for where they’re going.” – Al Viller
5 More Reasons “Click Here” Needs to Go
Let’s talk about something that might be holding your website back—those “click here” links. They seem harmless, but they’re doing more harm than good. Here’s why it’s time to kick them to the curb.
1. They Make Browsing a Chore
We’re all busy, right? Most of us don’t have time to read every single word on a webpage. Studies show that people only read about 20-28% of the words on a page—yep, that’s not much! So, when users are scanning for important info, “click here” doesn’t exactly scream, “I’m useful!” Help your readers out by using links that are clear and straight to the point.
2. They’re Like a Mystery Box
Imagine you’re at the grocery store, and instead of labels, every product just says, “Open Me.” Would you bother? Probably not. The same goes for “click here” links. If users have no clue where they’re going to end up, they’re likely to pass. Why not make things easier with links that tell them exactly what to expect?
3. Tapping, Not Clicking
Guess what? Not everyone is “clicking” anymore! With smartphones and tablets, most folks are tapping or even using voice commands. “Click here” feels a bit outdated and doesn’t really reflect how people interact with content these days. It’s time to modernize and focus on what the link offers, not just how to get there.
4. “Click Here” is basically the link version of “Blah Blah Blah”
We all know people don’t read every word—they scan for the good stuff. And “click here” is, well, not the good stuff. It doesn’t tell your reader anything about where they’ll end up. A good link should be like a friendly tour guide, letting users know exactly where they’re headed and why it’s worth their time.
5. Accessibility Woes
For folks using screen readers, “click here” links are like hitting a brick wall. Screen readers gather all the links on a page to help users navigate, but if every link says, “click here,” they’re left in the dark. Descriptive links are much more helpful and inclusive—let’s make sure everyone can enjoy your content!
3 Steps to Creating Helpful Hyperlinks
1. Make Them Unique
Don’t be tempted to use the same hyperlink text more than once. Using a “read more” hyperlink at the end of every paragraph is too vague. It could even lead to users thinking that all the links will take them to the same endpoint.
Most users will skim over the whole page before visiting the hyperlinks, so if they’re all the same, it will take them much longer to work out which ones to open. Using unique text for each hyperlink helps tell your users exactly where each link will take them.
2. Make Them Meaningful
A clear, descriptive hyperlink will help users quickly decide which links they want to visit. Remember, they might not follow the links as they read the webpage. Most people will scan the page, decide which parts they are most interested in, and then go on to visit the appropriate links.
Examples:
THIS |
NOT THIS |
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Did you ever wonder… Why are Hyperlinks Blue? |
To find out why hyperlinks are blue, click here. |
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To capture and keep your reader’s attention, use these 14 Tips for Writing Awesome Website Content. |
To capture and keep your reader’s attention, click here. |
3. Make Sure They Include Keywords
Most of us read web pages in an F pattern—our eyes move from left to right, then down the left-hand side of the page. We tend to read more words at the top of the page, but this naturally reduces as we scroll further down.
Putting the most important words at the beginning of your hyperlinks helps users pick out the information that’s most relevant to them when they are scanning the page. Not only does this benefit users, but it helps in situations where you have limited space. Best of all, it’s helpful for your SEO.
Parting Thought… Make Your Links Work for You
Here’s the thing: Helpful hyperlinks are unique and descriptive. When you can, slip in a keyword or two at the beginning of your link—it gives readers a quick hint about what’s on the other side. Always think about what your reader sees when they hover over that link. Does it tell them where they’re going? If not, rethink your approach.
We live in a world where moments matter. Clear and efficient communication isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. By skipping those vague “click here” links and choosing descriptive ones instead, you’re doing more than just improving your content. You’re respecting your reader’s time and making their experience better.
So, the next time you’re tempted to type “click here,” press pause. Ask yourself, “Is there a better way to show where this link leads?”
Spoiler alert: There almost always is, so the answer is usually a resounding “Yes!”
Let’s say goodbye to “click here” and welcome links that are clear, helpful and user-friendly. Your readers will notice, and they’ll appreciate the effort. Every time you’re about to write “click here,” take a second to ask, “How can I make this link more useful?”
Happy writing, and may your hyperlinks be as clear as day and your readers forever grateful!
Inspire on!
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- Writing Meaningful Link Text
- Guidelines on designing better hyperlinks
- 9 Tips for Creating Accessible Hyperlinks
- F-Shaped Pattern of Reading on the Web: Misunderstood, But Still Relevant (Even on Mobile)