If you ask any Search Engine Marketing Expert they will tell you the importance of anchor text. So what is this exactly? It’s the hyperlinked text that you click on to follow a link. Most people overlook this text, using words like “click here” or other nebulous terms. If used correctly, anchor text can really help with your site ranking. It’s not that difficult to implement really, you just need to understand a few basic concepts.
First, anchor text should be descriptive. It should describe the link you’re sending people to using keywords that reflect the page you’re recommending.
Second, if you know the high traffic keywords for your market you can use those as well to describe the link (but only if the keywords relate to the page you’re sending visitors to).
Third, knowing where to use anchor text is almost as important as the text itself. All external links should be anchor text, but often web designers forget internal links (i.e. links leading to pages within your site) although they are equally as important. Your home page is also critical for anchor text links. If you have a blog (and you should) make sure that any article, web site or blog you reference has anchor text in the hyperlink.
Creating these hyperlinks is easy, especially if you’re using them in a blog. Most blog software have some very simple one-click anchor text creation widgets.
So take some time and go through your site, make sure that anything you have hyperlinked is anchor text. Stay away from nebulous terms like “click here” or “follow this link” because you won’t get picked up by search engines that way. Make sure the text is focused and specific. So how long can anchor text be? It doesn’t have to be long but if need be, it can be multiple words. Keep in mind that as long as the words are relevant to your topic. The anchor text verbiage is all that matters.
Another great article, Penny. You are so right about key words and anchor text. Thanks for the info.
Gwyn Ramsey
http://gwynramsey.blogspot.com
You’re welcome Gwyn! Glad it was helpful!
This is very valuable advice. Truly and honestly, traffic is the key to getting what you write, read by the masses. So anything you can do to increase your opportunities for readership is worth learning. Thanks for the advice; as always, you are right on the mark!
http://twitter.com/WritewhereUr
http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com
Never thought of this in depth. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you, I’m glad you like it – anchor text is important and we often don’t think of it… let me know how it works for you!
Great tips here! Timely advice for me. Thank-you!
How do I create anchor text for sites like twitter? I know how to do it emails but haven’t been as successful with the social marketing venues.
Going through my site(s) as we speak to find ways to anchor things. Thanks.
Thanks, Penny. I always learn something from you.
An interesting discussion is worth comment.
I do think that you need to publish more about this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but usually
folks don’t talk about such issues. To the next!
Best wishes!!