Hyperlinks

Users scan web pages looking for information about what is on a page and where to go next. They are usually searching for a specific piece of information. Easy to understand links help the user navigate to the required information quickly and easily.

Writing good anchor text is essential. You should never write 'click here' as your anchor text. This gives the user no idea of what to expect, doesn’t mean anything to a touch screen and does not meet accessibility standards. Instead, links should be descriptive, unique, start with keywords and short. Also, do not display the URL in the link text.

Good link examples include:

• Find out more about the 'Digital at Keele' conference
• Read more about your accommodation choices
• Find out more about postgraduate qualifications offered by the University

When creating links, both internal and external links must remain in the same window. Creating links that open new windows is disorientating for a few reasons:

• Screen reader users, screen magnifier users, and users with certain cognitive impairments can become disoriented when they are taken to a new window
• The use of the back button, the most used button within the browser, is broken
• Certain user agents, like kiosks, are unable to open new windows or tabs
• Users have the ability to choose if they want to open a particular link in a new window or tab.

There are times when it is appropriate to open a link in a new window, such as when launching a web application. There are some cases where you do not want the user to be able to back out of an application. If you do open a link in a new window you should alert the user that you are doing so.

Always test links before publishing a page / sending your email.

Links to PDFs should include files size e.g:

• Download our handy Welcome Week guide (PDF, 126kb).

Mailto: and Tel:

Use mailto: for emails e.g. mailto:webmaster@keele.ac.uk

Use tel: for telephone numbers. This will open mobile / facetime / Skype audio, etc, whatever is default on the users system.

If using tel: keep the number as one string (e.g. tel:01782732000) within the link itself.

The consistent and most user friendly approach to presenting phone numbers is following this example: +44 (0)1782 732000.

Please remember to use country dialing code for our international audience, and do not break up the number more than necessary.