Enhancing Accessibility: Best Practices for Internal Linking

Making websites easy to use for everyone is super important. One way to do that is by using something called “Internal linking.” It helps people find things on a website, and it’s like a secret tool to make websites better. Let’s learn more!

Internal Linking – What’s That?: Internal linking is like building bridges between different pages on a website. It’s not just about making websites show up in search engines; it’s also about making websites easy for everyone to use, especially for people who might need extra help, like those with disabilities.

10 internal linking best practices for accessibility

Top 10 Tips to Improve Websites:

  1. Use clear and descriptive words for links: When you click a link, it should tell you where you’re going. Words like “click here” don’t help. It’s like having a map but not knowing where you’re headed!
  2. Make sure the words match what you want: If a link says “chocolate cake,” the page should really be about chocolate cake, not something else. It’s like having a sign for a zoo, but when you go inside, it’s a library!
  3. Don’t put too many links: Too many links can be confusing. It’s like having too many signs on the road – you might not know where to go!
  4. Tell if a link opens a new window: Imagine if you open a door and suddenly end up in a different room! Links should tell you if they’re taking you to a new place.
  5. Make links easy to see: Links should stand out, like signs on the road. If they’re hard to see, it’s like having invisible signs!
  6. Use breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are like a trail of breadcrumbs in a fairy tale. They help you know where you are on a website. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs in the forest so you can find your way back.
  7. Have a menu that stays the same on every page: Imagine if your favorite restaurant keeps changing the menu every time you visit. It’s confusing! Websites should have a menu that stays the same.
  8. Don’t turn headings into links: Headings are like big titles on a page. Turning them into links can be like turning chapter titles into doors. It might get confusing!
  9. Fix broken links: Broken links are like roads that suddenly end. It’s frustrating! Websites should make sure all their links work.
  10. Use redirects carefully: Redirects are like shortcuts, but too many can be like taking a shortcut and ending up in a different neighborhood. Websites should use them wisely.

Final Thoughts: Remember, making websites awesome for everyone means listening to people who use the internet in different ways. By making sure websites are easy to use for everyone, we’re making the internet a fun place for everyone!

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