How to make web pages accessible
Links and link text
Link text should describe where the website link is taking the user. Users should understand where they are going by the link text alone.
You should avoid:
- Linking to inaccessible or untrustworthy sites
- Sites where a user must pay or register to see the information
Why links need accessible link text
People using screen readers might not read all the text on your web page. They might skip straight to the links, so they need to be descriptive enough. Go to YouTube to watch how someone uses a screen reader to navigate a web page (video) .
How to write accessible link text
- Keep the link text short yet informative
- Make sure you use plain English
- Start with an action like download, visit, how to, go to, find out, read...
- Use either:
- The title of the web page you are linking to
- A description of the page you are linking to
Good link text examples:
- 'How to create accessible content'
- 'Go to GOV.UK's coronavirus testing page'
- 'NHS guidance on COVID symptoms'
- 'What happens next when you contact us'
Bad link text examples:
- 'Click here' - it is too vague and not everyone can see where 'here' is
- 'Read this' - 'this' is not descriptive
- 'Learn more - 'more' is not descriptive
Most links should open in the same tab or window
All internal links - which go to a page on the same website - should open in the same tab or window. This is standard industry practice and users expect it.
Most external links - which go to a page on another website - should also open in the same tab or window.
This is because:
- Opening links in a new tab can be a poor experience for screen reader users
- New windows or tabs can disorientate. Users do not realise that a new window or tab has opened. It increases the 'clutter' of the user's information space
- Mobile users must click twice to return to our website if a link opens in a new tab. This can be confusing for users who are not good with technology. They might not know how to switch tabs on a mobile browser
When links should open in a new tab or window
Some external links should open in a new tab or window.
For example, if an external link is to an online form or a secure website where personal information is submitted. A new tab or window prevents inputted data from being lost if the user clicks the back button (the back button allows the user to navigate to a previously viewed web page).
It is recommended that you give the user advance warning. For example, write (opens in new tab/window) within the link text.
Good link text examples:
- 'Apply for a care needs assessment (opens in new window)'
- 'Visit GOV.UK to apply for Universal Credit (opens in new window)'
Both these external links should open in new windows because they link to online forms.