In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to links, one of the most important little things is the discernible text. Discernible text is text that is either visible on the screen or that can be read by a screen reader. It’s important for all of your interactive elements to have discernible text so that users can understand what they do. This guide will explore the importance of discernible text for links and how to fix it.
Think of your links as a row of unlabeled doors. Without a label, you have no idea what’s behind each door. The same is true for your website. By giving each link a unique and descriptive discernible text, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing missing discernible text for links is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Links Without Discernible Text: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any links that are missing discernible text.
- Add Discernible Text to Your Code: You can add discernible text to your links by simply adding text to the link element. You can also use the ‘aria-label’ or ‘aria-labelledby’ attribute to provide a short, descriptive name for the link.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to links from MDN.
Don’t let your links be a mystery to your users. By taking the time to give them discernible text, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is discernible text?
Discernible text is text that is either visible on the screen or that can be read by a screen reader. It’s important for all of your interactive elements to have discernible text so that users can understand what they do.
Why is it important for my links to have discernible text?
It’s important for your links to have discernible text so that users can understand what they do. This is especially important for users who are blind or have low vision, as they may not be able to see the link itself.
How do I add discernible text to my links?
You can add discernible text to your links by simply adding text to the link element. You can also use the ‘aria-label’ or ‘aria-labelledby’ attribute to provide a short, descriptive name for the link.
Ready to make your links more accessible? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your use of discernible text.