How Links Are Handled by Screen Readers

Most screen readers and talking browsers scan a Web page for all the links and then create an alphabetized list of them for the user. Good link text provides a clear description of the page that will load when following a link (so the link is understandable out of context).

Link text that begins with keywords is easier to skim efficiently and works better for alphabetizing. When links begin with nondescriptive words—such as "All about creating accessible web pages" or "Learn how to check the color contrast on a web page"—skimming is slowed and the alphabetized links list is not useful. A better approach is to use only the keywords for link text: "All about creating accessible web pages" and "Learn how to check the color contrast on a web page."

Because screen readers typically say "link" before each link, the phrase "click here" is unnecessary, even if it precedes a more meaningful phrase. (We all know what to do with a link, even those of us using screen reader devices. )

While there is no maximum allowable length of link text, keep in mind that long text links are not user-friendly. Alternatively, too short a link (a single letter or very small graphic) can be problematic for users with motor control difficulties to click. For practical purposes, the descriptive link text needs to be long enough to convey the purpose of the link and no longer.

Examples

Inappropriate

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Learn more about color and accessibility here and here

Appropriate

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Learn more about color accessibility in terms of contrast and color coding

Using URLs as Links

In most cases, it's better to use a descriptive phrase rather than the URL. The readable link Screen Reader Demo is more user-friendly (for both sighted users and screen readers) than the link to watch the video on YouTube, which consists of a 43-character link full of numbers, slashes, and text that is not easy to read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbl5jvLKGQIf the URL is relatively short (such as a site's homepage or a simple email address), the URL may be used as the link text.

Another exception is when you're certain the page will be printed; it's helpful to include the URL (though perhaps not as the live link) so the reader will be able to copy and paste it into their browser, like this: Learn more about gladiolus [http://www.americanmeadows.com/flower-bulbs/gladiolus-flower-bulbs/all-about-gladiolus]