Starting and Growing a Career in Web Design

How to Effectively Use External Links in Web Design

External links are hyperlinks that direct users from your website to content on a different domain. They play a crucial role in enhancing user experience, improving SEO rankings, and establishing your site's credibility. However, managing external links effectively requires adherence to best practices to ensure they serve their intended purpose without causing user confusion or affecting your site's performance negatively.

1. Use Descriptive and Relevant Anchor Text

Anchor text—the clickable portion of a hyperlink—should provide clear information about the linked content's nature. Instead of generic phrases like "click here," use specific descriptions that inform users about what to expect. For example, instead of writing:

For more information, visit this link.

Consider:

For comprehensive guidelines on external link usage, refer to the U.S. Web Design System's recommendations.

This approach enhances user understanding and aids search engines in indexing your content appropriately. (U.S. Web Design System)

2. Open External Links in a New Tab

To prevent users from navigating away entirely from your site, it's advisable to set external links to open in a new browser tab. This practice allows users to view external content without losing their place on your site. However, it's essential to use this feature judiciously, as some users prefer links to open in the same tab. Providing clear indicators, such as icons, can inform users of this behavior. (U.S. Web Design System)

3. Link to Authoritative and Relevant Sources

When incorporating external links, ensure they point to reputable and relevant sources. Linking to high-quality content not only bolsters your site's credibility but also enriches the user experience by providing valuable information. Conversely, linking to low-quality or unrelated sites can harm your site's reputation and SEO standing. For instance, the U.S. Web Design System emphasizes the importance of linking to authoritative sources to maintain trustworthiness. (U.S. Web Design System)

4. Provide Context for External Links

It's beneficial to inform users when a link will take them to an external site. This practice manages user expectations and enhances transparency. You can achieve this by adding descriptive text before the link or using icons alongside the anchor text. For example:

For detailed statistics, refer to the CDC's guidelines.

This approach helps users understand the nature of the linked content and prepares them for the external site experience. (U.S. Web Design System)

5. Use the 'Nofollow' Attribute When Necessary

The 'nofollow' attribute tells search engines not to pass ranking credit to the linked page. This is particularly useful when linking to untrusted or sponsored content.

6. Regularly Audit and Update External Links

Over time, external links can become outdated or lead to broken pages. Regularly auditing your site's external links ensures they remain functional and relevant. This practice prevents user frustration and maintains your site's credibility. Tools like Dead Link Checker (deadlinkchecker.com) can assist in identifying and fixing broken links.

7. Avoid Excessive Linking

While external links add value, overusing them can clutter your content and distract readers. Aim for a balanced approach, incorporating external links that genuinely enhance your content without overwhelming the reader. Grouping links under headings like "Recommended Resources" can provide clarity and improve user navigation. (Medium)

8. Ensure Accessibility of Links

All users, including those with disabilities, should be able to navigate and interact with your links effectively. Use clear and concise link text, avoid overly complex URLs, and ensure that links are easily distinguishable from regular text. Adhering to accessibility standards not only broadens your audience but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. (Medium)

By implementing these best practices, you can enhance user experience, boost your site's SEO performance, and establish a trustworthy online presence. Remember, the goal of external linking is to provide additional value to your users while maintaining the integrity and credibility of your own site.