The words on a website link should help people decide where it will take them. If several buttons say “Read more”, a customer may need to read around each one before finding the information they want.
Changing a few labels can be a useful improvement to an existing website. You can start with one service page and the links customers use most often.
Say what is at the other end
Suppose a page has links to your services, prices and booking information. Labels such as “View our services”, “See service prices” and “How to book” give each link a clear purpose.
Keep the wording accurate. If a button opens an enquiry form, “Send an enquiry” is more helpful than “Book now” when no booking is being made. The customer should understand what they are starting.
Clear links help more people
W3C’s accessibility guidance recommends meaningful link text. People using screen readers may navigate through a list of links, so descriptive wording helps them choose without having to work through the whole page. W3C guidance on link purpose
A short label can still be useful. You do not need to fit a full explanation onto every button. Aim for enough information to distinguish that link from the others nearby.
Make downloads clear too
If the link opens a document, say what the document is and identify the format. “Download our product guide PDF” tells someone more than “Download”. W3C also recommends including relevant details such as the file size. W3C writing guidance
For example, a business with installation instructions and a warranty document could name each separately. Customers can then choose the right document before opening it.
Start with a small review
Open an important page and read just the link and button labels. Can you tell where each one goes? Then follow the links to check that the destinations match.
Ask whoever maintains your website to review repeated labels that come from the page template. Some changes can be made in the page editor; others may need a template adjustment.
Clearer links are one part of accessibility, and this exercise is not a full accessibility assessment. It is a practical place to start. If you would like help checking the wording and links on your website, get in touch and we can look at what is already there.
