How to format text links

The NHS guidance for text links focuses heavily on accessibility and clarity. The link text should always be descriptive, making sense even when read out of context.

Here are the instructions on how to word text links in line with NHS guidance:

1. Be Descriptive and Clear

The link text must clearly describe where it will take the user and what the user will find.

• Do: Use specific, descriptive phrases that convey the link's destination.

  • Example: Find your nearest A&E, Order a new prescription, Read our guide to sleeping better.

• Do: Ideally, the link text should match the heading of the target page. If the heading is too long, shorten it, but ensure you use words from the original heading.

  • Example: If the target page heading is "Sleep and tiredness," the link text should be Sleep and tiredness.

2. Avoid Ambiguous Phrases

Never use generic or vague phrases that do not tell the recipient what action to take or where the link goes, especially for users relying on screen readers. Links should not have an instruction to 'click'.

• Do Not Use:

  • 'Click here'

  • 'Read more'

  • 'More'

  • 'Click link'

  • 'This link'

  • 'See'

  • 'Read'

• Instead Use:

  • Find out about (e.g., Find out about long COVID)

  • Learn about (e.g., Learn about how to deal with stress)

3. Handling Document Links (PDFs, etc.)

If a link goes to a document (like a PDF), you should inform the user of the file type and size within the link text. This is important for accessibility, especially for mobile users or those on slower connections.

• Do: Include the file type and size in the link phrase.

  • Example: Annual financial report (PDF, 200KB)

• Note: The guidance also states that linking to PDFs and other office documents should be avoided wherever possible, as they generally do not meet the same level of accessibility as well-designed HTML (web page) content. Content should always be presented in HTML format.