Click Here: Why It's Bad for UX, Accessibility, and SEO (and What to Use Instead)

The phrase “click here” has been a staple of web content for decades. While it may seem like a simple and effective call to action, modern web design, accessibility standards, and SEO best practices all suggest that there are better alternatives. Using descriptive link text improves user experience, helps search engines understand your content, and makes websites more accessible to everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore why “click here” is no longer considered a best practice and what you should use instead.

What Does “Click Here” Mean?

“Click here” is a generic instruction used to encourage users to interact with a hyperlink or button. Examples include:

• Click here to download the guide.
• Click here for more information.
• Click here to contact us.

Although these phrases clearly indicate an action, they fail to explain what users can expect after clicking the link.

Why You Should Avoid “Click Here”

1. Poor User Experience

Users often scan web pages instead of reading every word. Generic anchor text like “click here” provides little context, making it difficult for readers to identify relevant links quickly.

Compare these examples:

Poor:

• Click here to view our pricing.

Better:

• View our pricing plans.

The second example immediately tells users what they’ll get when they click.

2. Accessibility Concerns

Many people with visual impairments use screen readers to navigate websites. Screen readers can list all links on a page independently of surrounding content.

If every link says “click here,” users hear something like:

• Click here
• Click here
• Click here

This provides no useful information.

Instead, descriptive links such as:

• Download the annual report
• Read our privacy policy
• Contact customer support

allow screen reader users to understand each link without additional context.

3. SEO Benefits

Search engines analyze anchor text to understand the content of linked pages. Generic phrases like “click here” offer little or no keyword relevance.

For example:

Weak Anchor Text:

• Click here

Strong Anchor Text:

• Learn more about digital marketing strategies

Descriptive anchor text helps search engines better understand your content and can contribute to improved search visibility.

4. Mobile-Friendly Design

Today’s users interact with websites using smartphones, tablets, laptops, voice assistants, and keyboards—not just a mouse.

The phrase “click here” assumes users are clicking with a mouse, while many users actually tap, press Enter, or use voice commands.

Neutral language such as:

• Learn more
• Download the guide
• Explore our services

works better across all devices.

Better Alternatives to “Click Here”

Instead of generic wording, use action-oriented and descriptive phrases.

Here are some examples:

These alternatives clearly communicate the destination or action.

Best Practices for Writing Link Text

When creating links, follow these guidelines:

• Describe the destination clearly.
• Keep anchor text concise.
• Use natural language.
• Include relevant keywords where appropriate.
• Avoid repeating identical anchor text for different destinations.
• Ensure links make sense even when read independently.

Examples of Good Link Text

Here are a few examples that improve both usability and SEO:

• Download the Beginner’s SEO Checklist
• Compare Our Subscription Plans
• Read the Complete Buying Guide
• Watch the Product Demo
• Contact Our Sales Team
• Explore Customer Success Stories

Each example tells users exactly what will happen after selecting the link.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When writing links, avoid:

• Using “click here” repeatedly throughout a page.
• Making every button say “learn more.”
• Creating vague anchor text without context.
• Stuffing keywords unnaturally into links.
• Using long, awkward sentences as anchor text.

A balance between clarity and brevity is ideal.

When Is “Click Here” Acceptable?

There are a few situations where “click here” may still be acceptable, such as:

• Temporary internal documents
• Simple instructional interfaces
• Very short email campaigns where surrounding context is obvious

Even in these cases, descriptive language is generally a better choice.

Final Thoughts

Although “click here” remains a familiar phrase, it is no longer considered a best practice for modern websites. Replacing it with descriptive, action-oriented link text improves user experience, supports accessibility, and strengthens SEO.

Whether you’re writing blog posts, landing pages, product descriptions, or email campaigns, choosing meaningful anchor text helps users understand exactly where each link leads. Small improvements like these can make your content easier to navigate, more inclusive, and more effective at achieving its goals.