Optimizing HTML: Links

We've probably all done this before. Ya know, make a link that nobody knows what its for until they click it, like if you write "you should really read this" or "try this". I know I have on many occasions.

And one of the first rules of optimizing web sites for search engines is that if it isn't clear to people, then it won't be clear to a program.

The problem with the kind of links used above is that they don't benefit the linker or the linkee. The person making the link doesn't make it clear to their readers or search engines how the link relates to the rest of their content. The person being linked to may get some traffic, but the search engines actually get less of a feel for the content of their site because there is no key text within the link. It would be better to write something like "hey, I found this great sports site" instead.

However, you can go too far with adding keywords to a link. For example, if I told you that I found this great article about the Yankees being beaten by a rookie pitcher last night over at ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports which is a great site in my opinion, if perhaps a little busy...well, actually the site is better for it's updates and videos than most of it's content, but it's useful nonetheless, that might be a little much. At that point, there are many words thrown in there that do not even relate to the link in particular, leaving your readers wondering if you know what you're doing, and watering down the accuracy of the search engines understanding of the linked page.

In the end, it's best for everyone involved to keep your links clear and concise. Not only is it more clear and useful for your visitors, but it helps for good search engine optimization as well.