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What Is Anchor Text?
SEO
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
Anchor text is the clickable, visible text of a hyperlink — the words a link is attached to, which search engines use as a clue about what the linked page is about.
Anchor Text vs. Backlink — What's the Difference?
| Anchor Text | Backlink | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The visible clickable words | The link itself, pointing from one site to another |
Why It Matters
- Descriptive anchor text ('our plumbing services' vs. 'click here') helps both visitors and search engines understand what they'll find.
- It's a genuine, if modest, SEO signal — search engines partly use it to understand the linked page's topic.
How It Works
- A link is created around specific text on a page.
- That text is the anchor text — what's visible and clickable.
- Search engines read it as one signal about the destination page's topic.
Key Takeaways
- Anchor text is the visible, clickable words of a link.
- Descriptive anchor text helps both visitors and search engines understand the destination.
- Natural variation is healthier than repeatedly using identical anchor text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes good anchor text?
Descriptive text relevant to the destination page, rather than generic phrases like 'click here' or 'read more.'
Does anchor text affect SEO?
Yes, modestly — it's one of many signals search engines use, but over-optimizing it can look manipulative and backfire.
Should every link use the exact same anchor text?
No — natural variation looks more organic to search engines than repeatedly using the identical phrase.