How to make web pages accessible
Links and link text
Link text should describe where the website link is taking the user.
This helps users understand where a link will take them and decide whether they want to click on it. It also helps people using screen readers in particular - they might skip straight to the links rather than reading all the text on the page. So, the link text needs to make sense out of context.
Go to YouTube to watch how someone uses a screen reader to navigate a web page (video).
You should try to avoid:
- Linking to untrustworthy sites
- Sites where a user must pay or register to see the information
How to write accessible link text
- Keep the link text short yet informative
- Make sure you use plain English
- Consider starting with an action like download, visit, how to, go to, find out, read...
- Use either:
- The title of the web page you are linking to
- A description of the page you are linking to
Good link text examples:
- 'How to create accessible content'
- 'Go to GOV.UK's working, jobs and pensions page'
- 'NHS heatwave guidance'
- 'What happens next when you contact us'
Bad link text examples:
- 'Click here' - it is too vague and not everyone can see where 'here' is
- 'Read this link' - 'this' is not descriptive, and you don't need to tell users it's a link
- 'Learn more - 'more' is not descriptive
You can include urls if they are descriptive and don't include 'https://'.
Good URL link text examples:
Bad URL link text examples:
We recommend writing email addresses out in full - like 'email@example.com' rather than 'email us'. This is because:
- Email addresses are usually short and descriptive
- This allows users to find out the email address without clicking the link. Clicking the link may open an application the user doesn't want to use
Most links should open in the same tab or window
All internal links - which go to a page on the same website - should open in the same tab or window. This is standard industry practice and users expect it.
Most external links - which go to a page on another website - should also open in the same tab or window.
This is because:
- Opening links in a new tab can be a poor experience for screen reader users
- New windows or tabs can disorientate. Users do not realise that a new window or tab has opened. It increases the 'clutter' of the user's information space
- Mobile users must click twice to return to our website if a link opens in a new tab. This can be confusing for users who are not good with technology. They might not know how to switch tabs on a mobile browser
When links should open in a new tab or window
Some external links should open in a new tab or window.
For example, if an external link is to an online form or a secure website where personal information is submitted. A new tab or window prevents inputted data from being lost if the user clicks the back button (the back button allows the user to navigate to a previously viewed web page).
It is recommended that you give the user advance warning. For example, write (opens in new tab/window) within the link text.
Good link text examples:
- 'Apply for a care needs assessment (opens in new window)'
- 'Visit GOV.UK to apply for Universal Credit (opens in new window)'
Both these external links should open in new windows because they link to online forms.
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