Why anchor text matters for SEO
Search engines use anchor text to understand what the linked page is about, both for links from other sites and for your own internal links. Readers use it to decide whether to click.
Types of anchor text
- Exact match: the target keyword, such as “SEO audit”.
- Partial match: a variation, such as “a free audit of your SEO”.
- Branded: the company name, such as “MexSEO”.
- Naked URL: the address itself, such as “mexseo.info”.
- Generic: “click here” or “read more”, which tells readers and search engines very little.
Best practice
Write anchor text that describes the page it points to, keep it short and natural, and vary it. A backlink profile where most links use the same exact-match keyword looks manipulative and can lead to a penalty under Google’s link spam policies.
Anchor text examples
| Weak anchor | Better anchor |
|---|---|
| click here | read our guide to local SEO |
| this page | see the SEO site checkup checklist |
| https://example.com/page | the Search Console documentation (named source) |
Anchor text for internal links
Use descriptive text that tells readers and crawlers what the linked page covers, and keep it short. Different pages can link to the same page with slightly different wording, as long as each fits the sentence. Google’s guidance asks for link text that is descriptive and reasonably concise. For image links, the image’s alt text works as the anchor text.
Anchor text for backlinks
You cannot control most anchor text from other sites, and you should not try to force it. A natural profile mixes brand names, URLs, generic words and descriptive phrases. Pushing exact-match anchors through paid or exchanged links breaks Google’s link spam policies. See backlink.
Anchor text FAQs
Should I use keywords in anchor text?
Use words that describe the target page. If they include the keyword, fine, but do not repeat the same exact phrase everywhere.
What is a good length for anchor text?
A few words is usually enough: long enough to be clear, short enough to read naturally.
Does anchor text matter for SEO?
Yes, as one signal that helps search engines understand the linked page, and it helps readers decide whether to click.