“Click Here” Is an Accessibility Problem

Under WCAG Success Criterion 2.4.4 (Link Purpose – In Context), links must clearly describe their destination. In practice, this means users should be able to understand where a link goes based on the link text itself without relying on nearby content.

Phrases like “click here,” “read more,” and “learn more” break down quickly for people who don’t experience a page visually. Many users navigate websites in very different ways than designers and content authors assume.

For example, screen reader users often pull up a list of links on a page and navigate directly through that list. Keyboard-only users tab from link to link without reading surrounding paragraphs. Voice control users rely on clear link names to activate the correct destination. When every link says the same thing, users are left without context or confidence.

What Makes a Good Descriptive Link?

A good link clearly communicates its destination on its own. If the link were read aloud or presented in a list, the user should still understand where it leads. Including details like the document type, topic, or year helps users quickly decide whether the link is relevant.

Examples of poor link text:

• Click here
• Read more
• Learn more
• Download

Examples of accessible link text:

• View the 2026 Budget Report
• Read more about our participation in the water festival
• Download the water quality report (PDF)
• Learn how to pay your bill online

Buttons vs. Links: Fix the Text First

There are two methods of conveying link destinations: visible text and ARIA labels. The best solution is to change the visible text. If a button or link already describes its purpose clearly, ARIA labels are unnecessary.

For example:

• ❌ Button text: Read More
• ✅ Button text: Read the 2026 Annual Report

ARIA labels should be reserved for cases where visible text truly can’t change like icon-only buttons or rigid design systems. ARIA labels are not a substitute for clear, meaningful content.

Small Change, Big Impact

Replacing “click here” with descriptive link text is one of the fastest and most effective accessibility improvements you can make. It improves usability for everyone, not just users of assistive technology.

If your site includes repeated links that all say the same thing, this is an excellent place to start improving WCAG compliance and it’s usually a quick fix.

Accessibility requirements and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction. This article reflects general WCAG best practices and is not a substitute for legal or regulatory guidance.