Standard: Link Text
On this page
Definitions
The text of your links describes what the visitor will find at the next page and help them easily navigate your content.
Content requirements
- Use the HTML linking defaults. Don’t change the link color.
- Links must be adequately and properly described. Make sure that your visitor understands what type of information you're linking to (for example, report, brochure, Powerpoint presentation, etc.).
- Do not use short, non-descriptive phrases like "click here", "available online" or "more."
- Whether linking externally or to another page within epa.gov, always link to a relevant content page (not an organization home page).
- Links outside of epa.gov must meet the requirements and presentation set out by the External Site Links procedure.
- Link text must closely match your destination page's title.
- Links in a list are preferable to links embedded in a paragraph because they are easier for people to scan on the screen
- If you are developing a site for kids, students, and/or educators, consult the EPA educational site linking criteria set by EPA's Environmental Education Web Workgroup.
Also See
Writing for the Web - EPA Web content writing requirements
Examples
Yes:
- Acid Rain Progress Report
- Fact Sheet About the Rule
- 2006 Grant Guidelines
No:
- Report
- Click Here
- Available
- URLs (e.g.; http://www.epa.gov/compliance/criminal )
Full Metadata about this standard
Name Link Text
Tracking number NT00000000
Type Standard
Required or Recommended Required
Effective date 01/01/2004
Date approved 07/01/2011
Category Links and Navigation, Writing and Style
Web Council review by 07/01/2013 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)
Governing Policy Web Governance and Management (PDF) (4 pp, 339K, About PDF)