Use text that clearly describes the purpose of a hyperlink.

Descriptive text helps users distinguish between links and decide whether to follow them.

Better descriptive text

Poor descriptive text

To learn more about accessibility at Appalachian, click here.


Writing for Web Accessibility

Web Accessibility Initiative writing for web accessibility article detailing how to make link text meaningful.


Links that open new windows or tabs should be limited to situations where opening them in the same window disrupts the process (i.e. if the link is for context-specific information, such as help instructions for a form). If a link opens in a new window or tab, advance warning should be provided.

Making websites behave in unpredictable ways can be disorienting, especially for users with visual disabilities.

Better new window links

A link to help on a form opens in a new window to prevent the loss of any data that has already been entered on the form.

Poor new window links

A link to a related resource on a web page opens in a new window.