Link Text

Link text

Link text is the visible, clickable words that make up a hyperlink on a webpage.  The purpose of link text is so they can decide whether they want to follow the link. Whenever possible, provide link text that identifies the purpose of the link without needing additional context. Informational link text also helps those who wish to tab from link to link. 

What makes link text understandable?

Even when the links visually stand out, they need to clearly explain where they will take users. This helps the user to navigate efficiently to the right content. 

When writing descriptive text for a link, ask yourself: Does the link explain where the user will go, or what file they will receive when they click on it?

Be clear and concise in the link text. It’s also important to let the reader know if the link opens a new window or PDF. For screen reader users with a cognitive or learning disability, or simply distracted users, an unexpected new window can disrupt navigation. 

Assistive tools will let the reader know that a link is present. Screen readers announce ‘link’ when encountering a link, so link text should not start with ‘link to...’

Readers who navigate using link text or who are using magnification on the website, might not experience the surrounding context. So link text should also be understandable when on its alone.

Compare the following link text description examples: 

• List of books
• Download
• View the list of books released by (Author Name) in the last year (PDF)

The first option only tells me i'm viewing a list of books. The second version only tells me I'm downloading something. The third version is more descriptive, letting the reader know what content they will be viewing if they click the link, as well as the file type, PDF. A downloaded PDF or new tab opening will not be a surprise.

How does a screen reader announce links to the reader?

The Link Text: It reads the visible text inside the link (such as "Contact Us") and says the word "link" before or after it.

No "Broken" Warning: Screen readers will not say "broken link" or "dead link" while navigating the page.

Error feedback: If the link is clicked and leads to an error page, the screen reader will then read the new page title or error heading (such as "404 Not Found") when that page loads.

Descriptive Text: Avoid vague labels like "click here" or "click" so readers know the destination before encountering a dead end. 

Why Broken Links Hurt Accessibility

• Screen Reader Roadblocks: Assistive tools read out loud link names. If there is a broken link it does not notify the reader. 
• Disrupted Flow: Users must stop and backtrack when a page goes missing, confusing visitors.
• Broken links harm web accessibility by creating dead ends for people using screen readers and assistive tech. When a link leads to a 404 error page (no web page available at that address), it interrupts navigation, and forces users to guess how to move forward.
• Navigation friction: Extra invisible or broken tab stops force motor-impaired users to perform unnecessary keystrokes to get where they want to go.

What are the benefits to ensuring links are listed with helpful descriptive text and correct links?

• Links that are labeled correctly and take the reader to the location indicated let the reader skip links that they are not interested in, avoiding additional keystrokes needed to visit the referenced content and then returning to the current content.
• Readers will not become disoriented by multiple means of navigation to and from content they are not interested in.
• People with visual disabilities will be able to determine the purpose of a link by exploring the link's context.

Examples

• Descriptive: A link contains text that gives a description of where the link will take the reader. A page contains the sentence "The Complete History of the Pyramids." Where "History of the Pyramids" is a link.

• Action: A link where action is taken by the reader. A notification that "New store location near you! Sign up for notifications" where "Sign up for notifications" is a link.

• List: An example of book title list, where separate links are required. 
  "The latest book is available in three formats: Ebook, PDF, and audiobook!" 
  In this example, each format should be linked to the particular page for that format so the reader lands exactly where they will find the intended result they intended when clicking the link.

Common Link Text Issues

In digital web accessibility, a "missing link" refers to elements that fail to communicate their purpose, destination, or existence to users. 

1. Missing Visual Focus

A link lacks a clear visual outline or color contrast when focused using a keyboard. Sighted keyboard users navigate blindly.

2. Unlabeled Image Links

An icon link (like a shopping cart or social media logo) lacks text or an aria-label. A screen reader just reads "link, graphic" without naming the destination.

3. Vague Link Text

A page repeats generic text like "Click Here" or "Read More" dozens of times. Screen reader users listing the page links out of context just hear a repetitive, meaningless loop.

4. Keyboard Traps

A user tabs into a complex component (like a calendar picker or modal popup) using their keyboard but cannot tab back out to the main content.

Accessibility Evaluation

If you would like to review recommendations to make your EPUB file more accessible for readers, you can use the Accessibility Evaluation. This option is only available in the Book-Building Tool. 

1. Click on Accessibility Evaluation on the left side of the screen. 
2. Click on the button to start Accessibility Evaluation.
3. Read instructions
4. Click "Next" to start the evaluation. 
5. The first page will list all images in the Word file that you have uploaded that are missing alt text. 

There are four other sections you can review that have additional recommendations for making your ebook more accessible to your current and future readers. While it is recommended to review all results, you can click Skip/Next until you reach the desired step in the evaluation.