Links
When adding links to content, consider whether you are writing for digital or print.
Adding links to digital content
Add links using well-written link text, not naked web addresses.
Never publish URLs - naked web addresses - as links in web pages.
Do not place links inline (mid-sentence). Use meaningful link text and place it beneath the paragraph. This makes the page more accessible and easier to scan.
Good link text
Link text should describe the destination to the user, and make sense without the context of the rest of the copy on that web page.
Example
Bad link text
Example
- Click here
- When dealing with numerals, there is guidance on how to express numbers for you to refer to.
- https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/website-publishing/editorial-style/dates-numbers
Adding links to printed content or signage
When adding a link to printed content or signage, you may want to consider creating a shortened, or 'alias' URL. This is a short, easy to read version of your original link.
Watch the video
Our video from the Effective Digital Content training course provides more detail about correctly formatting links for digital content.
- Video: Good link text- Effective Digital Content
- This six and a half minute video explains some of the most important web writing you'll do - crafting link text.
Transcript
This six-and-a-half-minute video explains what makes great link text in digital content.
