What is Anchor Text and Why Do We Use It?
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that allows us to create a link over a word, which can lead to any web page or service. Typically, the anchor text we use is a keyword, and it helps us improve our website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
Why Are Anchor Text Links Important for SEO?
Text Links are crucial for SEO. Including links in the content can help search engines understand the structure of your website. The text within the link makes it easier for search engines to understand internal links; it provides the search engines with more context. When you link to other content, Google uses the link text to understand the content of the linked page, as an indicator of the topic. If the link text matches your keyphrase, Google may have difficulty determining which article is more relevant for the topic and should rank for that keyphrase. So yes, using anchor text strategically is crucial for SEO.
Exact Match Anchor Text:
Exact match anchor text is a hyperlink which you create with the text in that hyperlink exactly matching your target keyword or keyphrase. This means that the word that you use in your anchor text precisely matches an important keyword for your SEO.
Using exact match anchor text gives the search engines a clear understanding regarding what the linked page is about. For example, if you aim to rank for the keyword “SEO Agency in Abu Dhabi,” your exact match anchor text could be “SEO Agency in Abu Dhabi”.
However, one should use exact match anchor text cautiously, as overuse can be risky for SEO and can lead to penalties from search engines. Therefore, it should be used carefully.
Partial Match Anchor Text:
Partial match anchor text contains only a part of your target keyword or keyphrase and doesn’t use the entire keyword. Using such anchor text can be beneficial for SEO as with this technique, you can make your webpage more relevant for search engines and avoid over-optimization. This approach also provides you with the flexibility to use variations of your keywords
For example, if you’re trying to rank for the keyword “SEO Agency,” your partial match anchor text can be “Award Winning SEO Agency in Abu Dhabi.” In this example, “SEO Agency” is a partial match as it is only a part of the keyword or keyphrase.
Using partial match anchor text can be beneficial for SEO because it appears natural as well as effective and doesn’t raise concerns about keyword overuse.
Branded Anchor Text:
Branded anchor text incorporates your brand or company name or any related specific words that represent your brand identity. Using branded anchor text, you promote your brand recognition. It also helps you attract online users to your brand. It also enhances your brand’s authority and strengthens your online presence.
For example, if your company’s name is “Numo by digitalfarm,” your branded anchor text can be “Visit Numo by digitalfarm’s official website for expert digital marketing, SEO services, and social media marketing.” In this case, “Numo” is the branded element.
Generic Anchor Text:
Generic anchor text typically includes non-specific words or phrases that do not indicate any specific keyword or context. Generic anchor text is usually used to make things simple for the user experience.
For example, common generic anchor text includes phrases like “Click here,” “Read more,” “Visit this page,” “Learn more,” or simply “Website.” Generic anchor text is used when the primary goal is to make it easy for users to click on a link, and it is not as beneficial for SEO as others.
To conclude, it is important to use anchor texts in the content, as using these different types of anchor text strategically can help you improve your website’s search engine optimization. Lastly, always remember to use the anchor text in a way that provides context and relevance and avoids over-optimization.