Link text should describe its destination

Rule link-generic-text · Links & buttons · impact minor · Static + live

↩ Back to the rules index · WCAG cross-reference

Why it matters#

Screen-reader users often pull up a list of links out of context. Generic text ("click here", "read more") gives that list no meaning. 2.4.4 is Link Purpose (In Context): a generic link whose list item, table cell, or paragraph carries a heading or other text is programmatically disambiguated and conforms — only context-less generic links are flagged.

How to fix#

Make the link text describe the destination, or extend it with visually-hidden text / aria-label. Alternatively, place the link in a list item/cell/paragraph whose heading or text identifies the destination.

Example#

<a href="/pricing">click here</a>

<a href="/pricing">See our pricing</a>

Example#

<a href="/post">Read more »</a>

<a href="/post">Read more about pricing »</a>

Example#

<p><a href="/post">Read more »</a></p>

<li><h3>Pricing</h3><p>Plans start at $5/month.</p><a href="/pricing">Read more</a></li>

The list item's heading is the link's programmatic context (2.4.4 In Context), so the generic text is disambiguated.

WCAG success criteria#

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) — Level A#

The purpose of each link should be clear from its text (or its programmatically-associated context).

Understanding 2.4.4

Standards#

This rule contributes to the following standards:

WCAG A EN 301 549

References#

• WCAG — Link Purpose