The phrase “click here” is one of the most familiar instructions on the internet. For years, it has been used in websites, emails, and digital documents as a quick way to guide users toward an action. However, modern web design, accessibility standards, and SEO best practices now strongly discourage its use.In this article, we’ll explore what “click here” means in digital communication, why it’s considered outdated, and what you should use instead to improve user experience and search performance.
“Click here” is a call-to-action phrase used to direct users to a link or button. For example:
It was popular in the early days of the web when hyperlinks were less obvious and user behavior was still developing. At the time, explicit instructions helped users understand what to do next.
Not all users interact with content using a mouse. People using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies may not benefit from vague instructions like “click here.”Screen readers often extract links out of context. If multiple links simply say “click here,” users have no idea where each one leads.
Search engines rely heavily on anchor text to understand link context. When you use “click here,” you miss an opportunity to describe the linked content.For example:
The second version clearly signals relevance to search engines and improves ranking potential.
Modern users scan content quickly. Descriptive links help them understand what will happen before they click.“Click here” forces users to read surrounding text for context, which slows them down and reduces clarity.
The word “click” assumes a desktop environment. But users today browse on:
This makes the phrase less universal and slightly outdated.
Instead of using generic instructions, use descriptive and action-oriented text.
These alternatives clearly explain both the action and the destination.
Your link text should describe what the user will get.✔ “View beginner SEO checklist”
✘ “Click here”
Avoid long sentences inside links. Make them short but meaningful.
Start with verbs like:
Users should understand a link even if they see it out of context.
In rare cases, “click here” may still appear in:
However, even in these cases, it’s usually better to modernize the phrasing.
The phrase “click here” is a relic of early web design. While once useful, it no longer meets the standards of modern usability, accessibility, or SEO.By replacing it with clear, descriptive link text, you improve:
In short, better link text leads to better communication—and a better web experience for everyone.