How To Create HyperLinks to Anchor Text
Many of our Members and Bloggers have heard, read, or been told that it's not good to include links in your Blog posts to other sites. Nonsense! In this post, I'll share my difference of opinion, then show you how to do it. Creating Hyperlinks to Anchor text can be very powerful and beneficial to your Blog for multiple reasons. Useful and informative links bring more value to your readers and targeted audience, they increase your SEO, and they drive traffic back to your blog from those who you are linking to.
According to many experts, creating anchor text boosts your search engine rankings and can make all the difference in the world to your Blog. "It tells search engines what the page is about. Used wisely, it boosts your rankings in search engines.
What is Anchor Text? Anchor text is the hyperlinked word(s) or phrases on your blog or website page - the words that you can click on to be taken to another site, Blog, or web page.
What is a Hyperlink? A Hyperlink is the underlined word which is commonly referred to as embedded text or an embedded link. It's usually a blue underlined word that turns purple once it's been clicked on. When you hover your mouse over a Hyperlink on a page, the arrow of the mouse will turn into a hand, and the URL or web address of that Anchor Text Hyper Link will appear in the lower left hand corner of your browser.
Hover your mouse over this Anchor Text Hyperlink but don't click on it, you'll see the Web address displayed at the Bottom of your Browser. If you click on the Anchor Text Hyperlink, you'll end up right back here at this post. Why? Because that's how I've setup the hyperlink for that Anchor Text phrase.
How do you create hyperlinks and what is considered good Anchor Text? Here's a couple tips: Words like CLICK HERE, and READ MORE are not the suggested anchor text to use on your Blog posts. They carry less value, and even moreso, they're less likely to get clicked on. Also creating URL Anchor text IE: http://activerain.com/blogs/activebrad is less valued than using keyword(s) Anchor Text like "ActiveBrad's ActiveRain Blog" If you want to see what other members have written about this Anchor Text topic, check out ActiveRain Anchor Text Blogs.
Now it's your turn!
Creating a hyperlink to Anchor Text is really easy.
1. Type the keywords or phrase (Anchor Text) you want to use as the hyperlink within your Blog post.
2. Highlight the word(s) or phrase with your mouse so that it's 
(only highlight and select the keywords or anchor text you want to use for your link)
3. Click on the "chain link icon" located in the toolbar at the top of your Blog Entry
(if there is no chain link, then you are most likely on the HTML tab)
4. Once the "Insert/Edit Link" box pops up, type in the URL or web address that you want to link to:
Example: http://activerain.com and be sure to add your "Keyword" or "Phrase" as the Title
The default on ActiveRain is to open a new window when your hyperlink is clicked on. You can change that option by clicking on the black arrow located at the end of the "Target" box. I suggest having it always open in a new window so that your Blog post stays open, and your readers can come back to your post. If you want the linked site to replace your Blog post page, then select "Open In Same Window."
5. Now click on the "Insert" button and your Anchor Text will be Hyperlinked to whatever URL or Web address you've entered. If you hover your mouse over the new link, this is where you'll see the "Title" you created pop up over the hyperlink.
This should help get you started creating Hyperlinks to Anchor Text and key phrases, and understand why it's important that you do this on your Blog posts. Don't get carried away with these though, if not used wisely, too many hyperlinks to anchor text can do more harm than good. The recommended amount of Hyperlink Anchor Text ranges depending who you talk to, I suggest no more than 3 or 4 per Blog post. So what type of links are you thinking about now? Maybe Local Schools? MLS or IDX sites? Chambers, Restaurants, Local Businesses etc.?
Just for fun, here's an Anchor Text that's sure to get clicked: DON'T CLICK HERE! :-O
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Thanks Brad for clearing that up. I was under the impression adding links within a post was a no no yet it seems like a great seo move.
You "didn't say Simon says," that's pretty funny Brad! You got me.
I did hear it's not good to include links in your blogs. I will have to bookmark this and come back and try it.
Thank you and have a great week!
I use anchors on my website but never in my blog.
Will definitely start doing that, I didn't know that this is that important for the SEO.
thank you!
Thanks Brad for this information.
Cal
Good morning Brad. I link all the time, I just don't name it. Now I will! I love links, I can never find enough of them, LOL.
Thank you Brad. I always wondered if the "Title" field is useful to complete? I suppose SE read the wording from the "Title" field and this gives an apportunity for more keywords?
Knew how to do this, but appreciate the extra pointers - thanks Brad!
Brad great tutorial for the newbies and not so newbies. Of course I had to click your last link what kid could resist?
Thanks for your tips. Very helpful information. Best wishes for continued success.
Don't click here...you know I had to! What a neat link, spent way too much time there! Great info, thanks Brad!
I think that some people worry about links pointing out from their blog post will leak "google juice" away from their post. I guess they might have a point but I have a feeling that the link text might create a better on page effect that counters that leak of google juice.
I don't worry about it much. I link out to pages that I have used as a reference or pages that will help the reader with some background information.
Thanks Brad - I recently learned how to do this and I am now adding multiple links to my blogs!!!
I have had notes from others that it is bad judgment to create a hyperlink when commenting on someone else's blog.
If that is the case why does ActiveRain provide the ability to so do?
Sonny Landau
Thank you so much for clearing this up.... It can be a little confusing sometimes with everyone throwing opinions around - it is hard to know who to listen to until the King of Active Rain steps in:)
Anchors aweigh! Sorry. I just couldn't resist.
Thanks Brad. I had also heard that you don't want to link to others web sites. This was an eye opener for me.
Marianne
Very good information Brad. The importance of knowing how to put links on your blog could determine it's success
Thanks for the reminder Brad!
Brad.. I like that you have a sense of humor. Of course (probably like others have or will) I put my mouse over "Hover your mouse over this Anchor Text Hyperlink and what came up just made me laugh. I won't spoil it for others. Thanks for posting this blog.
I can not get it to highlight in blue and the link chain is in my tool bar but is not activated.
Help
Hey Brad, I don't know who started spreading rumors that it was bad to link to your website from your blog. What nonsense!
Brad:
This completely contradicts what I have just learned in class from a very trustworthy source. And I have heard you say this before. So, I continue to be a bit confused about this issue...
I have been taught the same thing and thanks for the post to all of us. I use Apture on my Wordpress blog to create links to Google maps and links to Wikipedia when I am using terms like internal rate of return. Another advantage is when you have technical terms you don't need to waste space defining them in the blog rather use a hyperlink to go to a robust definition.
Simon Brad, I can tell this is going to be a great week. You know how I can tell? Because I just read one of your posts and actually understood what the h*ll you were talking about!! Woohoo! I'm popping the champagne (and orange juice) as we speak... -- Tanya in Montreal
I think there are two conceptions going on here.
Brad are you referring to both of these?
Hi Brad,
.......Great information !
Thanks
thanks for the help, always trying to get better.
Good stuff. I need to use these more often in my blogs. Nice thing is your advice is good on AR and will help my other blogs. Thanks.
Hi Brad:
Thanks for the information. I knew how to link but did not fully understand the importance of doing so. Now I will be sure to include links more often.
Have a great day!!!
Thanks Brad! I really like the image that you used to illustrate with.
Brad - I have used links to not only my website but to sites that I feel help my clients. Thanks for reinforcing this as a correct decision.
Your tips are always very helpful, Brad. I must admit, I have used anchor text like "click here" and didn't realize that it was a bad thing until now. It's always good to learn something new here in the rain.
Brad - I have used links to not only my website but to sites that I feel help my clients. Thanks for reinforcing this as a correct decision.
Great tutorial Brad. I really didn't know the difference in the use of the Target window and you have certainly clarified that for me.
Well now that I know, and had my "private tutorial" Friday night, I better not make any mistakes in the future. Have to remember to add links since I like sharing useful information.
Brad - I have always linked to outside sites in my posts, when it makes sense to do so. Glad to see this article on why that's a good thing to do. Lots of rumors out there. S aimple tutorial that is easy to grasp and put into place for folks not in the know. Love your sense of humor in your writing. LOL
Jeff
Brad - I use hyperlinks and always have had them open in a new window, so I was glad to read that that is the best way to do it. Simon Says was funny - thanks for the chuckle & the info.
"I have had notes from others that it is bad judgment to create a hyperlink when commenting on someone else's blog. If that is the case why does ActiveRain provide the ability to so do?" Sonny Landau - Comment #13
Sonny - great question. We allow members to create links in comments of other members posts in hopes that they'll use the feature correctly. With great power comes great responsibility (from spiderman movie) meaning that if you add a link to someones blog in the comments, it should only be if it's to assist, add to the thread, answer a question, or related to the topic or the conversation. In your case and sample above, your link would be considered spam and most likely removed by the author of the post. It's not "bad judgment" so much as it is bad etiquette, and the links in comments are no-follow anyway.
You'll also see that this is discussed and covered in the AR community guidelines. Thanks for asking for clarification on that. :-)
No more than 5 but always at least 2
Thank you for the helpful post. I'll try it in my blog.
This May Help Some of You too....
Adding Links and Anchor Text - Video Tutorial by: Jeff Turner
"How to add links to your blog posts in a way that will add the most SEO value"
Awesome! I had suspected this, but am glad to read the confirmation.
Hi Brad..Great Leaders are always teaching..You Rock Brad.
Thanks for the clarification. It is very helpful and informative.
Great post and it ends up as the top blog on the AR entry screen. Why then d at least two people have to reblog it first thing this morning? Point whores, give it a break!
Thanks for the clarification. It is very helpful and informative.
Brad thanks for the interesting and informative post. I'll use some of your advice to enhance my site.
Glenn - not sure I get what you're saying? Getting reblogged (IMO) is one of the best compliments one member can give another, I hardly see getting 25 points for reblogging any other members post making them a point whore, but maybe I am misunderstanding your comment or where you're coming from? Can you explain or clarify? Thanks. :-)
Hi Brad. Great advice. I actually use this for some of my other blogs as well and it has helped immensely.
Thank you Brad for the information. I was entering blogs using an older format. I am going to go back and change my blogs using the information you spoke about. Active Rain has helped me learn so much about the internet. I would encourage anyone who isn't currently active with Active Rain to take a second look and stop missing the boat. I have had blogs show up on the first page of Google after only a half hour after posting it. Where else can you do that?
Thank you!
I've wondered why RE bloggers seem to believe linking is wrong... is it the fear that they might leave your blog?
Brad - Great teaching tool to use the hyperlinks as part of the lesson. And yes, I clicked on the Do not click link! Pretty cool.
Brad -- Great little tutorial on hyperlinking - Thanks!
My concern with adding links to my blogs or websites is whether or not the SEO benefits balance or outweigh the fact that I would be sending a reader AWAY from my blog or website, perhaps to never return. Maureen/#58 made the point and I believe it's a valid one. Obviously, my content would have to be superior in order to combat this potential problem, but that may be easier said than done. I would caution the use of links away from your blog or website, unless they are for reference purposes, only, that provide helpful information directly related to your content. Always make it easy for your reader to come back.
When I do use links, I almost always select the "Open in new window" option, so that my page/site is still open in the background (as mentioned by Susan/#37), unless there's a good, specific reason not to. There almost never is, unless I'm sending them to another one of my 'properties' where I want them to end up.
Remember -- Think twice, push "Send" once. Blogging, posting, commenting: It's all 'never having to say you're sorry', because it won't make any difference --
-- it's FOREVER!
Hi Brad-It's great to link to our website, a listing or another of our blogs, but isn't it dangerous to send them away where they might disappear into outer space and never return? I think that may be what some of us still have a question about. Guess that's another blog for you.
Brad -- Thanks, also, for including (embedding - how did you do that?? Is there a tutorial for that as well, or upcoming?) the video of Jeff's tutorial in your comment. It's a great complement to your post and covers the issue of "Open in a new window" well.
John - thanks for sharing your concern about this subject, it very well may be why folks believe links are not good. Hopefully you read the links I provided in this post that answer your SEO question.
I look at it this way, you go to google.com to do a search, they send you (away) to (LINKS) of what you're looking for, you find value in that so you return to their site and use them again... and again... and again.... right? If you provide value with your links to help your clients, educate your readers, and the links benefit them, they'll be back.
Plus, you're correct in that if you setup the hyperlinks to your anchor text to open in a new window, they won't end up being "a reader driven AWAY from your blog or website, perhaps to never return."
Regarding your second comment/question, yes there is: ActiveRainManual.com
Good Grief Brad- I just had more fun at the Don'tClickIt site. I had to hold my thumb back to keep from clicking. Thanks for some Monday fun.
Another inormative blog today Brad - as always, thanks so much.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Such a great tutorial Brad.
And, of course, me being me, I had to click the "Don't Click Here" link!
Very cool web site!
Thanks for the post Brad...great info as always.
Thanks- I learned the mistake I was making at Rain Camp. I was doing the "Click Here" or "Read More". Thanks for clearing that up.
Brad -- I have to say, "Thanks, again!" for your info. and comments. The ActiveRain Manual is awesome! I didn't know such a tool existed here on AR. And AssociatePrograms.com is a great website: I got lost for awhile in it (on purpose) and will be going back to it often.
Of course outside of blogs, like these comments it does no good because all links are NOFOLLOWed which means google stops here.
On my posts, I try to link to another of my own posts (maybe even 2), my main page on my website, and one other page on my website. Never 2 links to the same page. I also like to add a link to a city or info site.
But only link to something that has relevance to what you are saying.
Not sure about how many/too many links to have on a blog post. Someone above said 2-5, I don't think so.
When I think about which keywords to use as the anchor text, I think 'what words would a consumer who is looking for this information type into that search box?'
Brad -- I have to say, "Thanks, again!" for your info. and comments. The ActiveRain Manual is awesome! I didn't know such a tool existed here on AR. And AssociatePrograms.com is a great website: I got lost for awhile in it (on purpose) and will be going back to it often.
Brad:
I think the back-links became a "no-no" because of the abuse but, done properly, can have wonderful effects. Thanks!
Brad --- I bookmarked this so that I can come back again and really study. Thanks so much for the information --
Who said not to link away from your site?
Weird, using anchor text is great for the consumers and readers.
Ok I did click don't click here, you knew I would.
I love all this information. Makes a huge difference if one takes the time to read and apply when they see it and learn from it!
Thank you!
I am so guilty of the CLICK HERE linking! Thanks for the heads up
Howdy and evenen to ya Brad
I always have links open up in a new window, I have found that it actually saves the folks visiting time. And folks remember that you did not make it a pain for them to find even more helpful info. As the old sayen goes, time is money!!!
I didn't click the link as I always listen to instructions...
We provide links all the time because so many of our blogs are intertwined and related so it just makes sense to have the ability to jump back and forth between blogs.
I already do this but can see I need to do more of it. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the "nonsense" remark. This is blogging about real estate, not recreating the New Testament. While being respectful and showing good etiquette is always appropriate, some folks need to lighten up. And yes, I clicked every place I wasn't supposed to -- laptop didn't blow up -- my little thrill for the evening!
This is a great post - I had no idea how to do this when I started and this post would have been helpful:)
Ok Simon I am out...Care to play red light green light now? lol
I love the Don't Click research site. It's enough to stop you ever clicking anything again.
I guess I have been blogging in ignorance, I never heard "don't put links in your blogs posts". Seems counter-intuitive to me so I shall continue on the path of linking as I see fit.
Great post. It must be the language thing, but hyperlink and anchor text still look like synonyms to me. Or is the anchor text the word, and the hyperlink the actual highway to another website or content somewhere else. I know in the skim of things is not that important, but I still don't get it.
I started using hyperlinks a while back, but just recently, I have started using them consistently. My blog posts are doing better lately 90% make it to page one in google. That must be the difference.
Hi Tere - you are correct in that "the anchor text is the word(s) or word phrase, and the hyperlink the actual highway and link to another website or content somewhere else on the Internet. :-)
Brad, that is a great tutorial! Even though basic for some, it's a great training blog post to help members! It's good to hear an estimated quantity of links per blog. I have often wondered about that.
Also, is it best to link to more than just one website from the multiple anchor text links?
...so nice and simply put ... even a monkey could figure it out from this post !
Not that we have many Monkeys in this community of course ;o)
lol !
Hi Brad:
I stopped by to wish you a Happy St Patrick's Day from the team at National Credit Fixers!
:)
I am also on board. Thanks for the info.
Sally
Thanks for sharing the simple instructions for hyperlinking in our blog posts.
Don - it is good to link to more than one website as long as the link and site add value or credibility to the post and topic.
Sheldon - did you mean caveman? lol~
Hey Matt - thanks for the greenday wishes, hope your St Patty's day was great as well.
Sally, Dora & Vincent - thanks, and you're very welcome... always! :-)
LOL !!! ...yeah them too !!!! haha !
Thanks for the details - I wasn't aware that hyperlinking words instead of URL's gets you more Google juice.
Love the don't click it link Brad:)
Bill - I knew that you'd go for that one!! :-)
Celeste - always happy to help when and where we can.
Is there a reason why my blog posts are being nofollowed? I can't seem to get them to follow on my blog post, unless you have to pay to get that option.
Phi - I'll have one of our community builders contact you to explain. Thanks. :-)
Thank you for this information about linking and hyperlinks. I have been on the fence about linking to outside sites. You make a good argument for doing so.
Thanks for the information. I am still struggling with the web creation thing and any information is useful.
Woody
No problem Woody, glad to help any way I can. You may want to search the network for some additional help or members who may be able to expand on what you're looking for. We have a pretty sharp group of folks here and the best part is, they love to help others. :-)