In the last blog article, we wrote about Google and anchor text and links. Anchor text is a critical factor in search engine optimization (SEO) because it tells search engines what the linked page is about. It is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink that takes you to another web page. Anchor text has been abused in the past by SEOs who would stuff it with keywords in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings. However, Google has since updated its algorithm to penalize such practices, and now it values anchor text that is descriptive yet concise.
In this blog post, we will discuss why Google wants the anchor text to be descriptive and the pitfalls of making it too long and too descriptive. We will also provide examples to illustrate our points.
Why Google wants descriptive anchor text.
Google wants the anchor text to be descriptive because it helps the search engine understand what the linked page is about. It enables Google to match the searcher’s query with the most relevant pages on the internet. For example, if a user searches for “best restaurants in New York City” and the anchor text of a link reads “best restaurants in New York City,” Google understands that the linked page is likely to be relevant to the user’s search query.
Descriptive anchor text also benefits users because it helps them understand what they are clicking on before they click. If the anchor text is vague or misleading, users may end up on a page that is irrelevant to their needs, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
The pitfalls of making anchor text too long and too descriptive.
While Google values descriptive anchor text, it doesn’t want you to make it too long and too descriptive. Here are some reasons why:
- It can look spammy
Long, descriptive anchor text can look spammy and manipulative, especially if it is stuffed with keywords. Google penalizes such practices, so it is best to avoid them altogether. Instead, use natural language that accurately reflects the content of the linked page.
- It can be confusing
Long, descriptive anchor text can also be confusing for users. If the text is too lengthy, users may not be able to discern what the linked page is about, which defeats the purpose of using anchor text in the first place. Users may also be deterred from clicking on the link if the anchor text is too verbose.
- It can affect the user experience
Long, descriptive anchor text can also affect the user experience, particularly on mobile devices. If the text is too lengthy, it may not fit on the screen, which can be frustrating for users. Users may also have to scroll to see the entire text, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Examples
To illustrate our points, here are some examples of good and bad anchor text:
Good anchor text: “10 best hiking trails in California”
This anchor text is concise and descriptive. It tells users what to expect when they click on the link, and it accurately reflects the content of the linked page.
Bad anchor text: “If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in California, you’ve come to the right place. Our website has the most comprehensive list of hiking trails in California, from easy walks to challenging treks.”
This anchor text is too long and too descriptive. It looks spammy and manipulative, and it may deter users from clicking on the link. It also takes up a lot of space on the page, which can affect the user experience.
Good anchor text: “Learn more about our services”
This anchor text is short and to the point. It tells users what to expect when they click on the link, and it is clear and concise.
See how long that linking text is? It’s too long and too descriptive, which can confuse users and affect their experience. And it does not fall in line with what Google is asking us to do.