Comments on: What does SEO and clicking links got in common?

By: Calvin Warr

Calvin Warr — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:52:33 +0000

Yes, Matt, that is true. Usually, there are good reasons to use “click here” or to use a more intuitive phrase. It’s up to the writer, really, to find the most appropriate way to communicate meaning and intent. If we are solely dictated by SEO and SERPs, I don’t think Harry Potter would have ever been written. :D

By: Matt Keegan

Matt Keegan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:24:23 +0000

Calvin, I see “click here” a lot too. What I like better are those clickable links that actually tell you a bit more such as, “Please click here for my free SEO Report.” With this, you know what you are getting before the click and the webmaster gets a juicy keyword inserted into the text –SEO Report — which can help SERPs.

By: Calvin Warr

Calvin Warr — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:08:19 +0000

I agree Phil that a relevant link text is good. But, you cannot beat the good old “CLICK HERE!” for sheer commanding effect. It’s like what Brian stated, when it is appropriate, there should be no fear for us to use the dreaded “click here”.

Actually, I wanted to do an experiment to make all the “click here” in the post clickable and count them… but I got lazy. :)

As for surfing aimlessly, well, its true that not everyone can do that. Just as how women can be “shopping” for days on end and maintain their high levels of energy is a mystery I aim to solve in this lifetime!

UPDATE: I made the “click here” page! :D

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:13:56 +0000

Hi Calvin,

Interesting take you’ve got here. Of course, having compelling content or products matter above all and when it comes down to it, the majority of the time your link text doesn’t matter as much. Content is king, as they say.

However, my point in this argument is that it isn’t hard to use proper link text and it will mean that everybody will know where the link is taking them and this will improve the user experience and accessibility of your site. Keeping users happy with your content is of top importance, but ensuring that they enjoy using your site is a vital consideration too, one that little errors like “Click Here” can add up to wipe out.

By the way, I never got “surfing” the web with no intention. I normally found nothing of interest when I was first introduced to the internet and told to look around. In fact, I didn’t get too far out of the old Yahoo! directory. Hooray for StumbleUpon! :-D