Creating Accessible Websites: Don’t Just “Click Here!”

by Mary Gillen

Most people who surf websites don't think twice about the link they're about to click. The linked text typically says "click here." The web surfer assumes the link will load a page based on something seen earlier in the text.

However, if the web surfer is visually impaired, assistive devices such as screen readers will inform the surfer where the link will take them. When you use generic text like "Click Here" or "Read More" as instructions in linked text, it is confusing because the link says nothing about the content that will appear once the link is clicked.

Another thing to note: screen readers often tab from one link to the next. Tabbing between links labeled "click here" sounds like "click here, tab, click here, tab, click here" when read by an assisitive device.

As an alternative, consider changing the link text so it is an explanation of the target content. This will make more sense when read by a screen reader.

EXAMPLE

Original Instruction Text: Click here
Revised Instruction Text: Click here to read the latest news 

***
Looking to learn more about creating accessible websites? Check out Mary's upcoming mini course: Website Accessibility: 17 Steps You Can Take Today to Ensure Future 508 Compliance
***

Since 1995, Mary Gillen has designed and developed Web sites and applications that serve, all responsive, 508-compliant, accessible and search engine-optimized. Over the years, she has developed responsive and accessible-compliant Web sites for large corporations, small startups, non-profits, associations, Federal government agencies, and more. Clients include: National Institutes of Health, The World Bank, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Cancer Research Foundation of America, American Pharmacists Association, McKinsey & Company, and many others. Responsive design, search engine optimization, 508-compliant, and WCAG 2.0 standards (from A to AAA) are always applied.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from The Logical Blog

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading