The phrase “Click Here” has been a staple of web navigation for decades. It's a simple call-to-action (CTA) that encourages users to take action. However, as the internet has evolved, so too have users’ expectations and behavior online. What once seemed like a helpful directive has become outdated and even counterproductive in modern user experience (UX) design.
In this article, we explore the impact of “Click Here” on UX and why it’s time for a change. We'll look at how it affects accessibility, navigation, SEO, and engagement, and offer practical alternatives that will improve your site's usability and overall performance.
The Rise and Fall of “Click Here”
1. The Early Web: A Necessity
In the early days of the internet, "Click Here" served a clear purpose: it was a guiding phrase that helped users navigate the web. At a time when the internet was still a new frontier, users were unfamiliar with hyperlinks and how to interact with them. Adding a “Click Here” CTA made sense, as it provided clear instructions to those unfamiliar with digital interfaces.
During this period, “Click Here” was used primarily as an instructional tool for users to understand that there was more content or functionality to explore by clicking. It helped bridge the gap between the novice user and the internet’s vast potential.
2. The Downside: Overuse and Obsolescence
Fast forward to today, and “Click Here” has outlived its usefulness. What once was a helpful instruction has now become a generic, overused phrase. It no longer adds any real value to the user experience. In fact, it may actually hurt your site’s performance in several key areas.
The Negative Impact of “Click Here” on UX
1. Accessibility Problems
The most important reason to move away from “Click Here” is accessibility. Web accessibility is a fundamental principle of modern UX design. Websites need to be designed for all users, including those with disabilities.
Screen readers—tools used by people with visual impairments—rely on descriptive link text to narrate the content of a page. If your link simply reads "Click here," a screen reader will provide no context about the destination or the action. For example, a user might hear:
“Click here”
“Click here”
“Click here”
This gives them no indication of what they are clicking on or where it will take them. For users who depend on screen readers to navigate the web, vague and non-descriptive link text makes websites far more difficult to use.
Solution: Always use descriptive, context-rich link text. For example:
“Download the user manual”
“Learn more about our services”
“Read our latest blog post”
This way, screen readers can provide users with a clearer understanding of the link’s purpose, which in turn creates a more inclusive web experience.
2. Lack of Semantic Meaning for SEO
Search engines like Google use link text, or anchor text, to determine the relevance of linked content. When you use “Click Here,” you’re not providing search engines with any meaningful information about the content of the linked page. As a result, you’re losing out on an opportunity to improve your SEO rankings.
For instance, if you’re linking to an article about “email marketing strategies,” a link with anchor text that says “Click Here” won’t help the search engine understand the relevance of the content. However, a link with anchor text like “Learn the top email marketing strategies” provides context that can help improve the SEO value of both the current page and the linked page.
Solution: Replace “Click Here” with relevant keywords. For example:
“Read the full article on email marketing strategies”
“Download our SEO checklist”
“View our case study on content marketing”
This approach ensures that both users and search engines can easily understand the purpose of the link.
3. Confusing and Unhelpful for Users
At the heart of any great user experience is clarity. Confused users are frustrated users, and frustration often leads to abandonment. “Click Here” lacks specificity, leaving users unclear about what will happen when they click the link.
For example, if a link simply says “Click Here,” users may hesitate because they don't know if they’ll be taken to a product page, a registration form, or an entirely different site. Modern users want to know exactly what they’re clicking on and what benefit they will get in return.
Solution: Be specific and clear with your CTAs. For example:
“Request a demo”
“Sign up for our newsletter”
“Explore our product features”
Each of these CTAs tells the user exactly what will happen when they click.
4. A Poor Fit for Mobile and Touchscreens
In today’s mobile-first world, many users access websites through smartphones and tablets. On these devices, users tap rather than click. When you continue to use phrases like “Click Here,” you’re not only providing outdated language but also potentially alienating mobile users.
Additionally, mobile screens are small, and users may not have the patience to read through unnecessary instructions. Short, action-oriented phrases are far more effective on mobile devices.
Solution: Use language that works across all devices, including touchscreens. For example:
“Tap to see pricing”
“Swipe to view more options”
“Get started now”
This ensures that your CTAs are actionable, regardless of the device your users are on.
5. Missed Opportunities for Engagement
The phrase “Click Here” doesn’t tell users what they’ll gain by clicking the link. It’s a missed opportunity to engage your audience and drive conversions.
Imagine you’re promoting an e-book on your site. Rather than using a generic “Click Here to download,” you could use a CTA like “Download your free e-book now” or “Get the complete guide to digital marketing.”
These phrases create a sense of urgency and value, compelling users to take action.
Solution: Use action-oriented, benefit-driven CTAs. For example:
“Start your free trial today”
“Get your free consultation”
“Save your spot for the webinar”
Moving Beyond “Click Here”: Best Practices for CTAs
1. Use Action-Oriented Verbs
Your CTAs should be direct and action-oriented. Words like “Download,” “Subscribe,” “Learn,” and “Get” create a sense of urgency and prompt users to act.
2. Be Specific
Make sure your link text is specific to the content users will find on the other side. Users don’t want to click on something without knowing exactly what they’ll get.
3. Keep It Concise
While it’s important to be specific, brevity also matters. CTAs should be short and to the point. Avoid long sentences and focus on key action words.
4. Ensure Visibility
Your CTA should stand out on the page, with clear typography, contrasting colors, and adequate spacing. Use buttons or hover effects to make your links more interactive.
Conclusion: Retire “Click Here” for Better UX
“Click Here” may have served a purpose when the internet was in its infancy, but today it’s an outdated, vague phrase that compromises the user experience. It harms accessibility, SEO, and user engagement. In short, it’s time to let it go.
By replacing “Click Here” with descriptive, specific, action-oriented language, you’ll not only improve accessibility and SEO but also provide users with a clearer, more intuitive experience. Your CTAs should be engaging, valuable, and tailored to your audience's needs.
Action is the ultimate goal, and the right language makes it clear what action the user should take. So, audit your site today—replace “Click Here” with more effective CTAs, and watch your UX and conversion rates improve.
