The anchor text, also called anchor text or linking text, is the visible and clickable text of a link within a document or web page. It is an important factor for search engines such as Google to evaluate the content of the linked page and determine its relevance for certain search terms.
Types of Anchor Texts
There are different types of anchor texts, which are evaluated differently in the context of SEO (search engine optimization) and online marketing:
- Keyword-Rich Anchor Text: The link contains an important keyword or keyword combination for which the linked page should rank. Example: "<a href="https://www.example.com/schuhe">Ladies shoes</a>"
- Generic Anchor Text: The anchor text consists of general terms like "here" or "more information". Example: "<a href="https://www.example.com/schuhe">Here</a> there is a wide selection of shoes."
- Branded Anchor Text: The brand name or the name of the website is used for linking. Example: "<a href="https://www.example.com/schuhe">Shoe shop24</a> Offers a wide selection of women's shoes."
- Naked URL: The link consists only of the URL, without any linked text. Example: "<a href="https://www.example.com/schuhe">https://www.example.com/schuhe</a>"
Relevance of Anchor Texts for SEO
Choosing the right anchor text plays a significant role in the SEO process and in improving rankings for selected keywords. A well-chosen anchor text can show potential users and search engines what content they can expect on the linked page. To avoid unnatural-looking or manipulative link profiles, it is advisable to use a balanced mix of different anchor text types.
Best Practices for Anchor Texts
Some tips for using anchor texts in SEO and web development are:
- Choose anchor texts that match the content of the linked page and are relevant to users.
- Vary the type of anchor text to build a natural link profile.
- Make sure the linking is in a natural context and doesn't feel forced or manipulative.
- Avoid excessive keyword rich anchor text to prevent possible Google penalties.
