Anchor text, in the context of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), refers to the clickable text in a hyperlink, which is usually blue and underlined. It is used to indicate the content of the linked page, helping internet users navigate between different webpages efficiently. For search engines like Google, the use of anchor text is one of the ways they determine the relevance of webpages and the ranking in the search engine result pages (SERPs).
Google, for example, views anchor text as a critical ranking signal. Inc.com illuminates that when anchor texts are used correctly, they help convey to Google the subject matter of the webpages you’re linking to. For instance, if a webpage about “healthy diets” is linked with the anchor text “benefits of a healthy diet,” Google will then associate that linked webpage with the topic of healthy diets.
However, in the post-Penguin updates era (algorithm changes enacted by Google to combat spammy link-building practices), over-optimized anchor text can harm SEO. According to Search Engine Journal, this means excessively using exact-match keywords in anchor texts or using irrelevant anchor texts just to include a keyword.
To utilize anchor texts beneficially for SEO, ensure they are diverse yet descriptive, accurate, and relevant. Ahrefs suggests using natural language, making the anchor text valuable for readers, but at the same time, helpful for search engines in understanding the content’s context.
It’s important not to overlook internal linking when it comes to anchor text SEO as well. The SEO experts at Moz propose a strategy called “reasonable surfer” model, which considers the location and context of the link on the page. For example, a link in the main body text of a webpage carries more weight compared to a link in the footer or sidebar.
In conclusion, the usage of suitable anchor texts is essential in the light of SEO, as it guides the search engines about the context of the linked page. While crafting them, remember to keep them relevant, accurate, and diverse, and avoid over-optimizing them for a particular keyword.
Sources:
1. Inc.com: How to Use Anchor Text to Navigate the High Seas of SEO -https://www.inc.com/guides/2010/06/anchor-text-seo.html
2. Search Engine Journal: Anchor Text Guide for 2020 -https://www.searchenginejournal.com/seo-guide/anchor-text/
3. Ahrefs: Anchor Text Guide for 2021 -https://ahrefs.com/blog/anchor-text/
4. Moz: All About Anchor Text – https://moz.com/learn/seo/anchor-text
