13.1 Clearly identify the target of each link

Use meaningful text for links, which makes sense even when read out of context. Clear link text helps you to decide whether you want to follow a link and to understand what happens if you do. Some points to bear in mind:

• Use meaningful text for links, which makes sense even when read out of context. Instead of "more", link text should indicate the link target, as in "More information about Pericles"
• Don't say "Click here". Not only is this phrase device-dependent (it implies a pointing device), it says nothing about what you will find if you follow the link
• Don't use the same link phrase for links that point to different places. The same link text should point to the same place
• Use the title attribute to provide more information about links, when needed
• If the link takes you away from the current site or opens a new browser window, include a warning such as (opens in a new window) as part of any link title. If you Include the warning as part of the link, it makes the link title more meaningful when read out of context, e.g. it will be read by screen reader users when they call up a list of links on the page
• Indicate file sizes and file types in links that activate downloads. For example, "PDF (153K)". If possible, give estimates of the download times for various types of connections alongside the download links. For example, "56K modem - 3 minutes". Information about downloads helps you to decide whether you can afford the time and cost required for the download and whether you can read they downloaded file. It is very frustrating to download a document, only to find that it is not compatible with your system or software
• Whether the link submits information to a database