What are anchor links?
Anchor links are small but effective navigation points that make a web page far more user-friendly. You can think of them as internal shortcuts that take the user directly to selected sections on the same page. Instead of having to scroll through long texts, the user can click a link and land straight on the relevant section. This makes a particular difference on pages with very text-heavy content, where you want the reader to find the information they need quickly.
In practice, an anchor link consists of two parts: the anchor itself, which marks a point on the page, and the link, which points to that point. When you click an anchor link, the browser automatically moves the view down to where the ID is placed. This happens without reloading the page, which both saves time and creates a smoother experience.
In other words, anchor links make it easier to organise complex content. They help the user find their way around and give you, as the publisher, the opportunity to structure information more effectively. That applies to blog posts, product guides and other pages where you work with content and want to ensure high accessibility.
How do you use anchor links?
You create an anchor link by combining an HTML ID with a link that references that ID. It doesn't require advanced coding, and you can do it directly in most CMSs. In its simplest form, an anchor is an identifier you place in your HTML code, typically on a heading or a specific spot where the user should land.
A basic example looks like this:
Contact
Go to the contact section
When the user clicks the link, the view jumps straight down to the heading with the ID contact. You can use the same method if you create a table of contents that links to different sections on the page. In many cases, anchor links are styled with a visual cue, so the user can clearly see where they can navigate.
If you work with digital design or UX, you can use anchor links to improve the flow of the page. When you combine them with a well-thought-out design, you help the user understand the page's structure. It also makes the content more SEO-friendly, because search engines can more easily interpret the hierarchy between the sections.
Why you should use anchor links
Anchor links create clear navigation logic on otherwise long pages. They reduce the friction between the user and the content they want, which in turn can lower the bounce rate and increase time on site. This is especially important at a time when many visitors read on mobile and expect quick access to what's most relevant.
Anchor links matter for SEO too. They help search engines understand how the content fits together internally. If you work with structuring content, e.g. in pillar pages and topic clusters, anchor links make it possible to divide the information into clear subsections. This doesn't just improve the user experience; it also helps Google index the page more precisely. When you combine this technique with a well-considered content strategy or a thorough keyword structure, you strengthen your overall performance in the search results.
Anchor links can also tie in with your conversion optimisation work. In a long blog post or a product guide, you can use links as quick “jump points” to relevant sections, such as contact forms or CTAs. This makes navigation easy without interrupting the reading experience.
What types and variants are there?
There are several ways to use anchor links, depending on your page's structure and goals. The most common are:
- Intra-page links: The classic anchor links that navigate between sections on the same page. Typically used in articles, FAQs and tables of contents.
- Inter-page links: Links that point from one page to an anchor on another page. Here you typically use a full URL followed by a
#and the anchor name. - Menu links: Used especially on “one-page” websites, where the navigation in the top menu jumps between sections on the same page.
On the other hand, you should avoid using anchor links in emails, because many email clients remove them automatically. Here it's better to link directly to a web page.
How do you use anchor links in practice?
In practice, it's about building anchor links in from the moment you structure your content. In CMSs like WordPress, you can give your headings unique IDs, which you then reference in the link. It's a simple way to create content that's both easy to navigate and easy for search engines to understand. Systems like HubSpot have dedicated tools that let you insert anchors via the editor without touching the code.
If you combine anchor links with web analytics, you can measure how users interact with them. For example, you can track which sections get the most clicks and how that affects the user's journey through the page. This gives you insight into how to prioritise your messages and adapt your content.
Anchor links also affect technical performance. Be aware that Google PageSpeed Insights can flag empty anchor tags as errors. That's why you should always use ID attributes rather than empty links. It helps both your SEO and the technical quality of your site.
What should you watch out for?
Even though anchor links are simple to create, they need to be used with care. You need to choose distinct IDs that aren't repeated on the same page and make sure naming is consistent, so you avoid broken links. Also remember that too many anchor points can feel overwhelming for the user, so plan the structure based on the actual information architecture.
It's also important to test your anchor links regularly, especially if you change headings or layout. A broken anchor link can be confusing and undermine the user's trust. Ultimately, it's about creating a seamless experience where design, content and technical setup work together — whether you work with SEO optimisation, web design or content production.
