SEO Anchor Text: What It Is & How to Use It for Better Rankings

If you’ve ever clicked on a link while reading a blog or article, you’ve used anchor text without even realizing it! Anchor text plays an important role in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) because it helps search engines and users understand what a linked page is about.

In this blog, we’ll explain what anchor text is, why it matters, and how to use it correctly to improve your website’s SEO.

What is SEO Anchor Text?

Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that takes you to another webpage. It is usually blue and underlined by default but can have different colors and styles.

👉 Example:
If we write Learn more about SEO, the words “Learn more about SEO” are the anchor text, and they link to another page.

Why is Anchor Text Important for SEO?

✅ 1. Helps Search Engines Understand Your Content

Search engines like Google use anchor text to figure out what the linked page is about. If your anchor text says “best SEO tips,” Google assumes the linked page has information about SEO tips.

✅ 2. Improves User Experience

Good anchor text helps users navigate your website easily. Instead of using “Click here,” using meaningful text like “Check out our SEO guide” tells users what to expect when they click the link.

✅ 3. Boosts Search Rankings

When other websites link to your content using relevant anchor text, it can improve your search rankings. This is because search engines see those links as a recommendation for your page.

Types of SEO Anchor Text

1️⃣ Exact Match: Uses the exact keyword you want to rank for.

• Example: “Best SEO tips” links to a page about SEO tips.

2️⃣ Partial Match: Uses a variation of the keyword.

• Example: “Effective SEO strategies” links to a page about SEO tips.

3️⃣ Branded Anchor Text: Uses a brand name as the link.

• Example: “DigiWeb Course” links to DigiWeb Course’s homepage.

4️⃣ Generic Anchor Text: Uses common phrases like “Click here” or “Read more.”

• Example: “Click here” links to a guide (not recommended for SEO).

5️⃣ Naked URL Anchor Text: Uses the full URL as the link.

• Example: “https://example.com“ as the clickable link.

6️⃣ Image Anchor Text: If an image is linked, search engines use the alt text as the anchor text.

Best Practices for Using Anchor Text in SEO

✔ Use clear and relevant text – The link text should describe what the linked page is about.

✔ Mix different types of anchor text – Don’t always use exact-match keywords. Use variations to keep it natural.

✔ Avoid generic anchor text like “Click here” – Instead, describe where the link leads.

✔ Optimize internal links – Use good anchor text when linking to other pages on your own website.

✔ Don’t overuse the same keywords – Too many exact-match links can look spammy and hurt your SEO.

Final Thoughts

Anchor text is a simple but powerful tool in SEO and website navigation. When used correctly, it helps both users and search engines understand your content, which can lead to higher rankings and more traffic.

Need help with SEO? Let’s connect and grow your website together! 🚀