Varying link language
Table of Contents
Accessibility
Hyperlinks and button text should not be repetitive across a page.
Reason
A common method for users who employ a screen reader is to browse from link-to-link. If the link is the same for every link for the whole, or in a section of a page these links become meaningless and unusable.
Best practice
If you have several links performing the same function but for different targets, you can vary them. For example:
Learn more about Communication & Media Studies
(Note how the link also includes the call to action – crucial for allowing visitors to understand what will happen when they click the link.)
The same goes for buttons.
In addition, one of the great aspects of Featured Content cards is that each of their buttons can have different messaging:
Quick Links
Find resources and support for your research initiatives.
Funding and Awards
Award-Winning Researchers
Partner with Carleton
Example of poor practice
A person encountering this content:
Journalism Learn more
Communications & Media Studies Learn more
History Learn more
when using a screen reader will only hear: “Link: learn more Link: learn more Link: learn more
Additional benefits
- Usability: A link that is more accessible to someone with a screen reader is more accessible to all humans too – tjey have more info about what the link will do.
- SEO: Google etc. will rank a site more highly when the content, including hyperlinks, is more specific.
- Marketing: Contributing to more accessible websites, more accessible links show we are serious about making sites easier to scan and use.