What Is Anchor Text and How To Use Anchor Text

Definition of Anchor Text:

Anchor Text and html Anchor Text is simply the text that is used in a Hyperlink (link) from one URL to another. This of course holds true regardless of where the hyperlink points (It can point to a specific position on a page as well.) What this means is that you may have:

Internal links from one page (URL) on your web site to another supporting page (URL) on your Website.
An embedded hyperlink pointing within the same document on a webpage.
An outbound anchor text link from your web site to another web site that supports, or is related to your topic “outbound vote of confidence.”
Inbound Anchor Text hyperlink from another website to your website. This is known as an “inbound vote of confidence.”

When developing inbound and outbound links, or any hyperlink for that matter, the Anchor Text is the most important aspect for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) purposes. It is very important to use relevant keywords for where the user is to be directed.

This Keyword Optimization will serve two purposes:

The user gains an idea as to what to expect at the other end of the Anchor Text link.
Search engine rankings will be improved because of the text’s relevance.

The following criterion is important when developing a Hyperlink’s Anchor Text.

Keyword Relevance of anchor text
Topical Relevance of anchor text
Quality Information at the other end of the Anchor Text Link.

All three of the above are very important. The Keyword Relevance of your anchor text is the most important as far as search engines are concerned. An example of a keyword relevant anchor text would be:

Since Thiamin or Vitamin B-1 is a water-soluble food factor, the body uses and eliminates it rapidly.

Don’t forget that when you develop an Outbound Anchor Text Hyperlink (vote of confidence) to another Domain (website), the Web surfer may leave your site, and for good. Be clear that where you’re sending them is necessary (topical relevance). The surfer will take note that you have pointed them in the right direction for their need (quality information). Respect will be gained for this and a greater possibility they will refer to you again in the future.

IMPORTANT:

For the Keyword Relevance of an anchor text link make sure that the actual keyword or keyword phrase that you utilize in the anchor text appears on the page that you are sending the surfer. Otherwise the SEO aspect of creating the link is lost.