Anchor Text
Anchor text represents the clickable words that are associated with a URL on a web page. When a user clicks on the words, they are directed to another web page. Algorithm-based search engines use anchor text to identify the topic of a page.1
Fast Facts
- Can be used for internal or external pages1
- Link bombing is a negative use of anchor text2
- Consists of a phrase or a single word
Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization is the process of driving traffic to a website by weighting algorithmic search results in a site's favor. Although most major search engines do not disclose their algorithms for determining search engine placement, it is believed that the strategic use of anchor text on pages that link to a webpage will improve the linked-to page's rank, and consequently, the traffic that the page receives.1
Anchor Text Examples
In the following link, the text "Cat Eating Spaghetti" is the anchor text, even though the link itself is to the phrase "Spaghetti Cat."
The anchor text for this link could be any text, though search engine optimizers suggest that algorithms will view the link with more favor if the anchor text uses keywords strongly related to the subject.3
More Anchor Text Examples
Click on the following links to see how the page name relates to the anchor text used here:
Michael Phelps' Gold Medal Record
Ellen DeGeneres' Wedding to Portia de Rossi
Reality Star Jade Goody Has Cancer
Categories
