Anchor Text

Anchor text is the clickable wording of a hyperlink and a key contextual signal for users and search engines. Well-chosen anchor text clarifies what the destination page covers and improves navigation relevance. Common types include branded anchors, exact-match anchors, partial-match anchors, generic anchors, and naked URLs. Overusing exact-match anchors can create an unnatural link profile and increase risk, especially in aggressive link campaigns. Healthy strategies balance anchor diversity and prioritize readability first. Internally, anchor text helps distribute topical signals across your site architecture; externally, it shapes how referring links support target keyword themes. Teams should audit anchor distribution regularly to detect manipulation patterns, reduce cannibalization, and strengthen intent alignment for priority pages.