Anchor Text For SEO

Posted on 11. Aug, 2011 by Loren Greig in SEO Strategies

Anchor Text is simply the text or words found within a link on a web page, or in a document, and is used optimally to enhance SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Many people overlook the importance of anchor text on their site.

Google places a lot of weight on anchor text, using it as one of the first ways to determine the relevancy of your site to the myriad of searches being made, and how it is ranked.

Wisely selected text is a very important strategy for SEO when it tells the search engines what the link is all about. This reason alone makes it crucial to use descriptive language in anchor text, as opposed to the frequently used words “click” or “click here” which are found permeating articles and posts.

The word or phrase that creates the link, which is the clickable text of a hyperlink, is usually highlighted in blue or a color different than the text found in the body of the article. When you click the highlighted text, you are taken to the corresponding link on another page or another site.

Valuable anchor text contributes to increased search engine rankings for your site, thus making it vitally important to use descriptive words that efficiently describe your topic and site. Linking this text to recognized authority sites is extremely valuable and important in the eyes of Google who associates the value of your site with this as well.

Anchor text is extremely valuable to a link-building campaign.

You can choose precise text for each page in the navigation structure of our site as well as the anchor text for your internal pages that point back to your home page.

A simple alteration to your navigation structure can increase search engine rankings.

Links near the top of your page will be given more relevance. The majority of sites create their navigation at the top of the page, or close to it, so that navigation links are given more weight than other links on the page. At the top of this navigation you usually find a link to the home page (which is usually the first link in the navigation bar) and it is given the most weight.

Many people give the label “Home” to their home page. Simply changing this text to your main keyword or keyword phrase, you can add additional benefits to our search engine optimization. In addition to this, promotion of your inside pages to grow their authority will help in the overall growth of your home page for its selected keyword.

A change like this is quite easy to make but making small changes goes a long way in contributing to the ranking of your home page for your targeted keywords; as well, it can really beef up your campaign for link building. So, you can see the importance of remaining aware and constantly improving on your link building campaign.

Descriptive anchor text assists Google in categorizing relevant links, topics and web sites.

Specifically selected, relevant text also points in and out of a site, and to and from other related websites, creating a maze of reciprocal-like linking. This is a useful SEO tactic because it helps people to quickly move around your site; to easily link to topics on other sites; and it alerts the search engines to the popularity of your site.

Often you will see the words “click here” as anchor text that takes you to another web page. “Click here” is not descriptive and Google will not give it any weight. Anchor text should be making a statement about what you are linking to without using the URL itself; however, it is much, much more than a URL shortener.

Search engines highly consider anchor text when they are determining where to index pages in search results. When this text is found on relevant pages linking to and from each other it helps determine and bolster search engine rankings.

The value of anchor text as relevant, wisely chosen descriptive words linking within and without your site to other, preferably aged, authority sites, is extremely beneficial for optimum SEO and increased search engine rankings.

Wishing You Every Success Always,

Tags: anchor text, seo

36 Responses to “Anchor Text For SEO ”

Loren Greig

07. Sep, 2011

Hi Kyle,

Not all blogs that are using the KeywordLuv (or CommentLuv) plugin are necessarily “DoFollow”. To check for this, a really great, free tool with other valuable features is SEOQuake, which I love.

The KeywordLuv plugin is simple; when you’ve entered yourname@yourkeyword or keyword phrase in the “name field”, this plugin automatically links your keyword to the website you entered in the website field. You then have anchor text with a back link.

KeywordLuv is a good way to combine your efforts of commenting with search engine optimization. Usually bloggers who use KeywordLuv understand the important use of anchor text and will most likely be adding high value links to your site.
Loren Greig

05. Sep, 2011

Hi Yorinda,

Thank you for stopping by and adding your comments; it is very much appreciated. I’m glad you found this information valuable. Internal linking is a good way to increase SEO to your pages. Create the anchor within the first paragraph of your blog post and link back to another relevant page on your site using relevant specific keywords in the anchor text. I hope that helps!
Yorinda

05. Sep, 2011

Hi Loren,
thank you for your very informative article, which helped me to understand anchor text better and why not to use just ‘click here.’
I read in another article that if we create anchor text which appears when we hover over the link with the mouse, that it would also enhance the SEO result.
I haven’t found a way to do that with internal links, but with external links.

Thanks again for educting us.
Cheers,
Yorinda
Yorinda recently posted..Time for Self Reflection
Kyle from After High School

04. Sep, 2011

Thanks for the advice on the anchor text. I remember learning this in the past in an SEO course that I took, but often times it’s these easy little things that get forgotten… So thanks for the reminder as well as expanding on the things that I already knew!

I believe that the fact that you use keyword love adds anchor text which links back to our websites. Is this correct? If so I believe that more people should have the keyword love plugin on their websites to benefit their visitors. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Thanks,
Kyle Quinlan
Kyle@ After High School recently posted..The Biggest Mistake You Don’t Want To Make After High School Is…
Loren Greig

02. Sep, 2011

Hi Tony,

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. It is very much appreciated!
Tony Tate

02. Sep, 2011

Thanks for letting us know how important anchor text in SEO. The first time, I started working on SEO, I didn’t realize that it’s valuable in link-building strategies. But thanks to you, your post is really an eye-opener not just to me but to all who worked on SEO. Keep posting!
Tony Tate recently posted..What Tigger Taught Me
VaNessa Duplessie from smallbusinesscoach

31. Aug, 2011

Loren,
I must admit SEO is not my favorite thing. I of course, know it is important and critical and it just isn’t my forte. I have a great friend I can count on to help me as she has an SEO company and that is all she focuses on. However, not everyone has that option. Your post was terrific in that it explains a whole lot of the technical side in an easier to understand manner. Thank you so much for a great explanation. VaNessa
Loren Greig

29. Aug, 2011

Thanks for your visit Jim!
Jupiter Jim from Thesis Tutorial, Thesis Theme, WordPress Tutorial

29. Aug, 2011

Loren,
Well researched and well-written blog post. From everything I know about this SEO stuff, your post is right on the money. Internal linking to pages within a blog is something that is often overlooked. Changing the link from HOME to a relevant keyword is another great tip. People may click on the link “click here” more, but those words definitely don’t help the SEO of the page.
Thanks so much!
Jupiter Jim
Jupiter Jim@Thesis Tutorial, Thesis Theme, WordPress Tutorial recently posted..WordPress Tutorial: How to Use FileZilla FTP Client to Backup your Entire WordPress Blog
Loren Greig

26. Aug, 2011

Hi Louise,

Thanks for visiting… I always enjoy your insightful comments! Yes! The emphasis now is on popularity rather than keywords. Especially since Google’s Panda Update it’s vital to get visitors to stay on your website and browse through its pages. Google views website popularity and a low bounce rate as a sign of a quality website and rewards your site with better rankings. Content that matches what your visitors are searching for is considered quality content and gets them to stick around longer. Google loves quality content because it helps them with their main job to perfectly match searchers with the most relevant content. Linking to quality, authority sites is also a major factor in increased rankings.
Louise Steiner

26. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren…thank you for this great information. I was aware of the importance of anchor text within our posts, but did not know about the “Home” page. I will try changing that and see if it has an impact.

My understanding is that Google is placing increasing emphasis on the quality of content when calculating search engine placings and, as you say, anchor text and interlinking within your site are both important factors. One way that Google gauges the quality of our content is via our bounce rates and the length of time visitors are spending on our sites. The level of interaction is also taken into account, making comments another important factor in getting our pages ranked.
Louise
Louise Steiner recently posted..Google Plus Versus Facebook …. What’s The Difference?
Jim Talbott

23. Aug, 2011

Wow Loren ~ I was doing it right and I didn’t even know what I was doing. I don’t particularly care for the “click here,” thing. It just seems so overused and not very enticing. So I have always used something relevant to the page that clicking on it would take a reader.

I have known that using relevant keywords is important but I wasn’t aware until I read this article that I should be including keyword links closer to the top of my articles.

Thanks so much for this relevant learning and validating article.

Jim
Jim Talbott recently posted..Peary’s Eagle Island
Holly

23. Aug, 2011

Well I sort of knew what anchor text was. In fact I got an explanation from someone the other day and I must have been a little non comprehensive cause I really didn’t get it..Now I know for sure. Thank you for the precise explanation of what it is, how to work with it and what it does. I understand it now. Great post!!
Holly recently posted..Is What You Do Considered Physical Fitness Activity?
David Paul from network marketing leader

23. Aug, 2011

Thanks for the concise explaination of ancor text and its functions with the search engines, Loren.

This info, for me, is definitely not new, but you did a great job with it. I can see that many of our colleagues had no clue and really needed this post.

Peace,

David H. Paul
David Paul@network marketing leader recently posted..Your “Why”: Be Someone’s Miracle
Dr. Erica Goodstone

22. Aug, 2011

Loren,

I have finally learned how to create anchor text. Each small change can really improve my presence in the search engines so I am grateful for all the tips you give in your posts.

Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..How Old is Old Enough? Reflections on Compulsive Aging by Guest Blogger Jeanne Denney
Justin Hammonds

22. Aug, 2011

This is an awesome post Ms. Loren Greig. I am thankful that you describe SEO from a human standpoint an not from a technical appeal. Here’s what I mean:

You stated in your article:

“Specifically selected, relevant text also points in and out of a site, and to and from other related websites, creating a maze of reciprocal-like linking. This is a useful SEO tactic because it helps people to quickly move around your site; to easily link to topics on other sites; and it alerts the search engines to the popularity of your site.”

Many people may not know that it is a person who is searching the site, not just an algorithm or machine that is important. You mentioned making it easy and quick to move around your site is important because it is. Awesome observation. Thank you for your post, & May God Richly Bless You.
Justin Hammonds recently posted..3 Tips to Counteract The Struggles of The Humble Social Media Marketer!
Theuns

22. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren

You just help me understand SOE a bit better again
i really learn a lot out of your blog and i will apply it
from now on.

I am on the point to buy my self a brand new WP Blog
so i will apply what i just learn.

Thanks Theuns
Theuns recently posted..Why you need to smile: The Hidden law in the law off attraction
John Gaydon

20. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,

Anchor text is very important for SEO. I have seen sites ranked highly when the only SEO I could see was a large number of internal links between pages using anchor text.

Something not to ignore if you want high rankings!
John Gaydon recently posted..Page One On Google – Meet My Secret Weapon
Raena Lynn

20. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,

Thanks for this article on anchor text. I learned a lot. I’ve always understood that Google snaps up the keywords at the top of the document.

“Search engines highly consider anchor text when they are determining where to index pages in search results” is an excellent summary of this article.

Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn recently posted..What Are The Top 10 Reasons For Joining TSA? (Tribe Syndication Association
Loren Greig

20. Aug, 2011

Hi Andy,

Thanks for stopping by and for adding your cool tip!
Andy Nathan from Social Networking

20. Aug, 2011

Loren,

Anchor texts are definitely not used enough by most internet marketers. One of the coolest bit of code that I have learned is how to create anchor text for my links. It is helpful for SEO and also just looks cleaner without the link seperating the text.

Andy
Andy Nathan@Social Networking recently posted..The Surprising Resemblance between Christopher Columbus and Today’s Entrepreneurs
Loren Greig

18. Aug, 2011

Hi Perry,

Changing the ‘Home” involves changing a bit of the html but isn’t difficult. When we promote our inside pages we create internal linking from page to page or from one of our websites to our other sites.

Loren
Perry A Davis Jr from Network Marketing Nut and Bolts that make building your business Fun, Simple, Magical and Profitable.s

18. Aug, 2011

Hello Loren

I have been using anchor text but have not used your suggestion for Home page. This is probably an elementary question , what do mean by promotion of your inside pages?

Thanks

Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry A Davis Jr @Network Marketing Nut and Bolts that make building your business Fun, Simple, Magical and Profitable.s recently posted..What might be the most important idea of the “now” and “next” of network marketing ?
Steve-Personal Success Factors

18. Aug, 2011

Loren, thank you. I’ve noticed that it’s taken me at least a couple of years to finally figure out what anchor text actually is. I think this is the first time, however, that I’ve actually considered the importance of having more anchor text links toward the top of my page. Another recommendation that I too often don’t see followed is for writers to provide a description of each post using a plugin like All In One SEO.
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Live Like A Marathon Runner!
Emma

17. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,

Great post, I didn’t realize that it made a difference what the description of the link said!

Learn something new every day! Thank you!

Emma
Emma recently posted..10 uses for video conferencing
Willena Flewelling

16. Aug, 2011

Thank you for another great post, Loren! I used to think it didn’t matter what you used for anchor text… that the search engines would pick up where it was really going. Descriptive anchor text is vital to our Google rankings!

Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling recently posted..Some Thoughts on Growth
Paul Reimers from Network Marketing Online

16. Aug, 2011

Thanks for the great post Loren,

A lot of people can be intimidated by anchor text and it can be intimidating when first working with it, after a little bit it’s pretty clear how to do it.

I’m glad that you mentioned the “click here” mistake. I have actually seen that a lot as well. What I think is cool about anchor text is that it is all about meaning. Putting relevant anchor text in a link gives it meaning instead of just a destination.
Paul Reimers@Network Marketing Online recently posted..How to Ride a Purple Cow and Stand Out from the Competition
Melodie Kantner

16. Aug, 2011

Great post. I have been usin. g SEO tactics for several years with my main web site. It has really helped get good ranking in the search engines. Anchor text should be paid attention to and used whenever it works naturally
Melodie Kantner recently posted..6 Characteristics of Professional Network Marketers
Dewane Mutunga

16. Aug, 2011

Loren,

Great insight here. I’ve been becoming more SEO-minded these days and this very tactic is definitely one that works. I use keywords I’m trying to rank for with my anchor text and it has been helping. I recommend others use this tactic but be strategic in their approach.
Dewane Mutunga recently posted..40 Tips to Increase Engagement
William Earl Amis, Jr. III

16. Aug, 2011

Loren,
yet another wonder article with usable information that I have never utilized. Today I will start to focus on this procedure with my Text.

I always just researched information and then wrote my articles with my focus on helping others in a situation that was shown on multiple blogs I came across. The subjects just keep being repeated on several blogs and I would make it my mission to simplify the subject based on my own experiences.

This is going to help me so much. I really love visiting your blog. This will be shared with all my contacts.

Loren, your really a strong force in our industry. Your leadership is well known. I am honored to have access to all your knowledge. Thank you for all you do.
William Earl Amis, Jr. III recently posted..Awe
Kevin Schmidt

15. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,

Absolutely right on the anchor text.
Any extra juice we can get from Google will certainly help!

thanks for sharing!
-Kevin
Kevin Schmidt recently posted..Business Blogging with the Online Marketing Trinity
Bryan McHeyzer

15. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,
An excellent post to help us with SEO which I must admit I have not spent enough time working on.
There is so much said and written about SEO which makes it a daunting task…when time is limited.
This is a easy tip to remember and lets face it every bit is a step forwards.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Bryan
Bryan McHeyzer recently posted..A-Professor-or-Friend
Marc Korn

14. Aug, 2011

Hi Loren,

Thanks for more great advice to help us better understand the importance of SEO for our sites and blogs.

Your advice is clear and concise and really explains what web publishers need to know in a very logical way.

If we were all Google, Yahoo or Adobe, it would suffice for our anchor text to simply say “Click here”

But, since they don’t need the traffic and we do, it is certainly to our advantage to use relevant keywords in our anchor text.

In all of my posts, I try to use at least 3 or so pointing to internal or external pages and it certainly helps with my search engine ranking for those keywords.

Thanks for another great piece of SEO content.

Marc
Marc Korn recently posted..Time Management: Ten Ways to Expand Your Productivity
Peter Fuller

14. Aug, 2011

Great explanation on anchor text Loren

Another tip – mix up your anchor texts, do not always use the same one as it does not look natural.

Peter
Peter Fuller recently posted..How to Attract your Niche to your Blog – Day 5 of 5
Loren Greig

12. Aug, 2011

Hi Marty,

I know what you mean! “Click here” works just great when you want people to buy! When building SEO and ranking, however, “click here” has no relevance with the search engines. One of the most important ways search engines find relevant, unique content is first through anchor links. So, using keywords in anchor text is one of the most beneficial strategies for getting noticed and ranked with Google. I hope this helps to clarify why we need to use keywords, that we want to rank for, in our anchor text. Loren
marquita herald

12. Aug, 2011

Great information Loren. On using “click here” – this is one of those issues that makes me feel like a little bouncing ball between the advice experts. This isn’t the first time I’ve read this advice, but I went through a tutorial published by Aweber a week or so ago and part of it was a study done on which phrases to people click on more – “click here” was the overwhelming winner. Of course in the end we each need to do our homework and see what works best for us. Thanks for the inspiration!
marquita herald recently posted..If You’re Not Happy … Maybe You’re Not Dreaming Big Enough

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Anchor Text For SEO

36 Responses to “Anchor Text For SEO ”

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