What Is Link Accessibility?
Link accessibility ensures that hyperlinks on a website are descriptive, contextual, and fully operable by keyboard and screen reader users. Accessible links clearly communicate where the link goes or what it does, allowing everyone, including people with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities, to navigate digital content confidently.
Example (Accessible):
<a href="/pricing">View our pricing plans</a>
Example (Inaccessible):
<a href="/pricing">Click here</a>
Bad practice, no context.
Why Link Accessibility Matters
For users who rely on screen readers, links are often read out of context. Tools like JAWS or NVDA provide options to list all links on a page. If all of them say “Click here” or “Read more,” it’s impossible to understand their purpose.
Proper link accessibility supports:
- WCAG compliance (Guideline 2.4.4 – Link Purpose)
- ADA (U.S.) and BFSG (Germany) legal accessibility standards
- Digital inclusion, helping users with visual impairments, color blindness, or mobility challenges
Accessible links are key to meeting your accessibility compliance goals and building a user-friendly site.
Screen Readers & Link Navigation
Screen readers often pull links into a list, stripping away surrounding content. That means links need to stand on their own.
❌ “Click here” — leaves users guessing
✅ “Download the annual accessibility report” — describes the action and the content
Also, screen readers:
- Identify links as such ("Link: [text]")
- Announce if a link opens in a new tab/window (if coded properly with aria-label or visible text)
CMS Best Practices for Link Accessibility (TYPO3, WordPress)
TYPO3 Tips:
- Use the Rich Text Editor (RTE) to add meaningful link text, avoid pasting URLs or generic phrases.
- Use title or aria-label attributes if extra context is needed, but keep them concise.
WordPress Tips:
- In Gutenberg, always write descriptive anchor text.
- Avoid setting links to open in new tabs unless necessary; if you do, warn the user with visible text or screen-reader-only instructions.
Universal Strategies:
- ✅ Place links in logical tab order
- ✅ Group links clearly in navigation and sidebars
- ✅ Avoid styling links so subtly that they don’t appear clickable (e.g., no underline, same color as text)
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ “Click here” or “Read more” without context
✔️ Fix: Add detail — “Read more about form accessibility best practices”
❌ Using raw URLs
✔️ Fix: Use readable anchor text — instead of https://example.com/form-guide, use “Download the Form Guide PDF”
❌ Hiding links visually with poor contrast or hover-only styles
✔️ Fix: Use visible styling and ensure color contrast meets WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines
Explore related terms: Screen Reader, WCAG, Focus Indicator, Keyboard Navigation, Web Accessibility
Key Takeaway
Every link should tell a story, even when read alone.
Accessible links improve usability for everyone and are fundamental for web accessibility, SEO, and compliance. If your links don’t explain themselves, it’s time for a rewrite.
Want to Audit Link Accessibility on Your Site?
Run a link test using the T3AA Accessibility Analyzer or download our Link Accessibility Checklist to get started.
Make every link count, connect users with clarity and context.