What is anchor text?

Anchor text (also known as anchor text in Dutch) is the clickable part of a hyperlink. They are the words or phrases that are visible to users and are often shown in blue and underlined. Anchor text helps search engines and visitors understand what the linked page is about.

Example:
👉 <a href="https://voorbeeld.nl">best SEO specialist</a>
In this example, “best SEO specialist” the anchor text.

Why is anchor text important for SEO?

Anchor text provides context. It tells search engines what the link is about and what relevance the page has. If many trustworthy websites link to you with the same or similar anchor text, Google can see this as a signal that your site has authority on that topic.

For users, anchor text offers clarity. Instead of a vague “click here” link, a descriptive anchor text helps you understand where you're going.

Different types of anchor text

Not all anchor texts are the same. Some of the commonly used types include:

• Exact match: the anchor text is exactly the keyword you want to be found on.
  Example: SEO specialist Eindhoven.
• Partial match: the keyword is partly included.
  Example: reliable specialist in SEO.
• Branded: the anchor text is your brand name.
  Example: Rank Rocket.
• Naked URL: the URL itself is used as anchor text.
  Example: https://rankrocket.nl.
• Generic: general words like click here whether more info.
• LSI/related: synonyms or related terms in the anchor.

What is a good anchor text?

A good anchor text is:

• Relevance: links to the content of the page you're linking to.
• sure: fits the sentence and reads fluently.
• Varied: your link profile must have a mix of different types of anchors.

Over-optimization is dangerous. If you only use exact match anchor texts, Google often sees this as manipulation.

Common anchor text mistakes

Despite the importance, things often go wrong. The biggest pitfalls are:

• Using too many exact match anchors.
• Use generic texts that don't provide context (click here).
• Irrelevant anchor texts that don't match the landing page.
• No variation in your link profile.

My advice as an SEO specialist

See anchor text as an opportunity to provide clarity and context — to search engines and visitors alike. Keep it natural and provide variety. Use exact match occasionally, but combine it with branded and generic anchors. That way, you can build a natural link profile that Google trusts and supports your rankings without the risk of a penalty.

Conclusion

Anchor text seems like a small detail, but is a crucial factor in SEO and link building. It determines how Google understands the link and how users experience your content. With a smart, varied use of anchor texts, you can strengthen your authority and grow more safely and effectively in search results.