What is Anchor Text? A Simple Guide to Get It Right

You’ve probably been there, staring at a piece of content, trying to figure out how to create a successful backlink strategy in the UAE. You know you need to add links for better SEO, but when you read it back, the link either sticks out like a sore thumb or feels like it was just thrown in for the sake of ticking a box.

The problem? It’s not just about adding a link. It’s about using the right anchor text so that readers (and search engines) understand exactly what they’ll get when they click it. When done wrong, it can confuse your audience, hurt your rankings, and make your content look spammy. When done right, it can help you climb the search results and build trust with readers.

In the simplest terms, anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. It’s usually underlined and often appears in a different colour from the surrounding text. For example, in the phrase “Learn more about anchor text in backlinks”, the highlighted words are the anchor text.

Search engines look at anchor text to understand what the linked page is about. Readers use it to decide whether or not to click. So, it plays a double role, guiding humans and helping search engines connect the dots between your content and the linked resource.

Not all anchor text is created equal. Here are some common types:

This is when the anchor text exactly matches the keyword of the linked page. Example: linking the words “backlink strategies in UAE” to a page about backlink strategies in UAE.

Here, the anchor text includes a variation of the keyword. Example: “effective strategies for UAE backlinks” for the same topic.

This uses the name of a brand as the link. Example: “Visit Numo, a professional SEO agency, for expert guidance.

This is the classic “Click here” or “Read more”. It’s vague and doesn’t tell much about the linked page.

This is when the web address itself is the anchor text, like “www.example.com“. It’s straightforward but not very reader-friendly.

When you link an image, the alt text for the image acts as the anchor text.

If you’re still wondering whether anchor text really makes a difference, here’s why it should be a priority:

1. Boosts SEO Rankings
   Search engines use anchor text as a clue to the linked page’s topic. Well-chosen words can help your page rank higher for relevant searches. 
2. Improves User Experience
   Clear anchor text sets expectations. When readers know exactly where they’ll end up, they’re more likely to click and stay on the page. 
3. Increases Link Value
   A relevant anchor text makes your backlink stronger because it connects meaningfully to the topic of the linked page. 
4. Enhances Content Flow
   Natural anchor text blends into the content, making the reading experience smoother without distracting the audience. 
5. Builds Trust
   If readers consistently find valuable, relevant content behind your anchor text, they’ll start to trust your recommendations. 

If you want your anchor texts to work for you (and not against you), here are some practical, non-technical tips:

Your anchor text should clearly describe what the reader will find on the linked page. Instead of writing “Click here”, say “See our complete guide to anchor text in backlinks“.

The anchor text should match the topic of the linked page. If the link is about backlink strategies in the UAE, make sure your anchor text reflects that.

Repeating the exact same keyword over and over can look spammy to search engines and unnatural to readers. Mix it up with related phrases or partial matches.

Sometimes it’s best to link a brand name, especially if you’re highlighting a trusted source. For example: “Get advice from a professional SEO agency”.

If your anchor text says “Free SEO checklist”, make sure the link actually leads to one. Misleading links break trust fast.

Anchor text should flow naturally in the sentence. If it feels out of place, rephrase the sentence so it reads smoothly.

Using a variety of anchor text types, exact match, partial match, and branded anchor text, creates a more natural link profile and avoids over-optimisation.

Anchor text might seem like a small detail, but it’s a small detail with a big impact. Whether you’re optimising your internal links or working on your backlink strategies in the UAE, using the right words in the right places can boost your visibility, improve user experience, and build trust with your audience.

It’s not about being clever or technical; it’s about being clear, relevant, and helpful. Get that right, and you’re well on your way to making your links work harder for you.