---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-clear-action-links.md
title: "Write clear action links instead of click here"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Write effective links; GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Highlight important concepts."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-comm: calls to action and meaningful link labels"
tags: writing, plain-language, communication, clear-action-links
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Write effective links"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/web/write-effective-links.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Highlight important concepts"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/design/highlight-important-concepts.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Write clear action links instead of click here

Effective link names are key to satisfying your customers. [S1]
Make the link meaningful. Do not use click here or read more. [S1]
Only emphasize important information, otherwise you will dilute its impact. [S2]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Link names should be the same as the page name linked to. [S1]
2. [ ] Be as explicit as you can. Too long is better than too short. [S1]
3. [ ] Add a short description when needed to clarify the link. [S1]
4. [ ] Use bold and italics for important issues. [S2]
5. [ ] Do not put everything in capital letters as an emphasis technique. [S2]
6. [ ] When reading online, people expect underlined text to be a link. [S2]

**Done when:** links written in plain language are explicit and meaningful. [S1]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Plain-language link names work better.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Eyetracking studies show that links written in plain language are the most effective."
- id: C2
  claim: Link names should match the destination page.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Link names should be the same as the page name linked to."
- id: C3
  claim: Vague click-here labels are not meaningful.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Make the link meaningful. Don't use \"click here\" or \"read more.\""
- id: C4
  claim: Over-emphasizing everything weakens emphasis.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Only emphasize important information, otherwise you'll dilute its impact."

## Sources
- [S1] Write effective links. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/web/write-effective-links.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Highlight important concepts. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/design/highlight-important-concepts.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).