Creating Useful Links

Links are a very important part of a Web page. In many studies it has been shown that people viewing Web pages are drawn to images. But their eyes are also drawn to links. This is because, in most Web pages, links are underlined and in a different color than the surrounding text. They stand out. When your readers come to a Web page, they are trying to learn something or be entertained. Most people don't read Web pages, they scan them. And because links stand out, they make a Web page more scannable.

HomePage Links

Unless your site is only one page, your home page will have links to other parts of your site. For links of your home page I recommend:

• Make the links clear, don't make your readers guess where the link will go
• Make Your Links Order From General to Specific

Tips for Writing Links

• Review your log files to see what people are searching for. The most commonly used words should be links to other parts of your site.
• Write clear links.
• Use straightforward language, and put links that are useful to customers.
• Create links that go to content rather than just lists of other links. If you're sending your readers to a list of links, add explanatory content to the page.