Tip 3: Write Meaningful Links

Core skill: Create clear, descriptive links that tell users exactly where the link will take them.

Why this matters

Many people who use screen readers navigate websites by moving through links without reading the surrounding page content. If multiple links simply say “click here,” “read more,” or “learn more,” those links become confusing because they provide no context on their own.

Descriptive links improve:

• Accessibility for screen reader users
• Clarity for all readers
• Searchability and usability
• Mobile and keyboard navigation

Good link text helps users quickly decide whether a link is relevant before selecting it.

What to do (2-minute action)

Use descriptive link text
Write link text that clearly identifies the destination, document, or action.
Instead of vague phrases, describe:

• What the user will read
• What action will happen
• Where the link leads

Keep links concise but specific

The best links are short, meaningful, and easy to understand out of context.

Avoid raw URLs in body text

Long URLs can be difficult to read, especially for screen reader users. Whenever possible, use readable text instead of displaying the full web address.

Examples

Accessibility tips

• Make each link unique when multiple links appear on the same page.
• Avoid using the same link text for different destinations.
• Do not rely on surrounding sentences to explain a link’s purpose.
• If a file will download, identify the file type when possible (PDF, Word document, spreadsheet, etc.).

Example:

• Download the Emergency Preparedness Checklist (PDF)

Learn more

• University of Minnesota Office for Digital Accessibility: Links
• Siteimprove Learning Hub: Links and Link Text Accessibility

Tip 4: Spacing & Layout

Core skill: Avoid visual spacing that disrupts assistive technology for Accessibility.

Why it matters
Screen readers interpret every blank line or extra space as content. Multiple blank returns added for visual spacing can cause screen readers to announce repeated “blank” lines, making content harder to follow.

What to do (2-minute action)

• Do not press Enter repeatedly to create space
• Do not use the space bar to align text
• Use paragraph spacing, margins, or layout tools instead

Applies to
Emails, Word documents, PDFs, web pages, and presentations

Learn more

• Siteimprove Learning Hub: Spacing and Alignment (Formatting for Content Contributors) and Designing the Layout (Accessibility for Designers)
• LinkedIn Learning: Digital Accessibility in the Modern Workplace