Proper Use of Anchor Text in Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization for Google Rank

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Anchor Text is the text which makes up a hyper link, and will be considered keywords by search engine algorithms.

Easily one of the most powerful search optimization tools; the improper use of “anchor text optimization" is also one of the most common mistakes webmasters make. This column defines the importance of anchor text and illustrates how you can use this under-rated and incredibly "index-friendly" feature to gain a more prominent ranking in search engines.

What is Anchor Text?

Anchor text is the hyperlinked text on the page which directs the user to another page where more information is located. Let's consider this example: "Please review our SEO case studies to evaluate our search engine optimization capabilities."

The phrase “SEO case studies" and “search engine optimization" are hyper linked to the hidden URLs: http://www.reelmagicmedia.info/case/studies.htm and http://www.reelmagicmedia.info/seo/ranking.htm respectively. The words within the hyperlink, “SEO case studies" and “search engine optimization", are called the anchor text.

In a Reel Magic Media created web site, which is painstakingly built from the ground up for search engine optimization, the anchor text is used to indicate the subject matter of the page to which it links. For example, the text “Search Engine Optimization” indicates to visitors that they can expect to see content about Search Engine Optimization if they visit the link. This pattern of usage has been applied in search engine algorithms to enhance the relevance of the "target" or the "landing page" URL for the keywords appearing within the anchor text.

Anchor Text Magnifies the Target Page's Relevance

Google and its peers strive to provide searchers with the most relevant pages to match the search criteria entered into the search box. Having anchor text directing searchers to pages which elaborate upon the terms within the anchor text helps the search engines determine which pages will most likely suit a searcher's needs ultimately increasing that pages relevancy rating.

Search Engine Algorithms Simply Adore Anchor Text

The inclusion of pertinent keywords in the anchor text makes an enormous difference in the final ranking of your site pages. Popular search engines give significant weight to the anchor text on your pages. In fact Google even has a special operator: ‘allinanchor:keyword’, which picks up text strictly from within the anchor text of indexed pages.

This further implies that Google's algorithm is configured to index anchor text as separate query able data, thereby, making it evident that Google considers it an important pointer to page relevance. Our internal research has shown that precedence levels given to anchor text has been raised recently in the most recent Google algorithms. With these changes, it is possible to enhance your website's ranking by using the right keywords in anchor text.

It has also been studied that anchor text, whether from external or internal pages, is important. It should therefore be ensured that significant attention is given to the inclusion of important keywords in your anchor text.

Nothing turns off the search algorithm quite as fast as hyperlinks containing terms like: ("more info...") or ("click here") these links will earn a "negative vote", or even worse a "no follow" so avoid these practices at all cost. These days most internet users are well acclimated to hyperlinks and don't need to be told where to click!

While anchor text is only one component in the ever changing parameters employed by the differential equations implemented in the complex search algorithms, it is an important one, and shouldn't be overlooked or underestimated! For more information you may call (770) 887-1419, we are always happy to help in any way we can.

J. Bowers