Anytime you see a website or online article that has hyperlinks throughout, they’re using anchor text. These blue words do a lot more than just link to another page or website; they tell Web users – and the search engines – precisely what that link is about.
An anchor text link holds a lot of weight in the SEO world. These links are an important part of on-page and off-page optimization. Strategically placed internal links, combined with other on-page optimization strategies, can give your internal pages a boost. They can be especially helpful in assisting with increasing rankings for a page that otherwise may not be performing as well as it should. You should never have an internal link with generic anchor text that merely says “click here.”
Even links that come from other websites, also referred to as external links or off-page optimization, should have anchor text optimized for SEO. This is why in addition to natural links, you also want to have a portfolio of high-quality custom and directory links that include the desired anchor texts for your website. These links hold even greater weight than internal links, as the search engines view them as a virtual endorsement for your website and the keyword used in the anchor text.
Whether on- or off-page, moderation is key in anchor text optimization. Too many links, especially those with the same anchor text, raise a red flag as being spam. As with other search engine optimization strategies, there is a balance that you want to strike. Ready to learn how anchor text can increase your rankings? Give us a call at 1-877-Rank-321 for a complimentary analysis of your website’s SEO effectiveness.
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