It’s easy to slap the same blue underline on every link and call it a day. And hey, it might be fine… if you’re running a personal blog from 1998. But if you’re serious about your website’s user experience (UX), it’s worth a closer look.
Let’s be honest: your links are the veins and arteries of your site. They guide people, keep them engaged, and ideally, get them to take action. A boring, one-size-fits-all approach can leave a lot of potential on the table.
Internal vs. External: It’s Not Just Semantics
Here’s the deal: internal and external links serve different purposes.
- Internal links keep folks on your turf. They help them discover more content, explore your products, and generally get to know you better. You’re essentially saying, “Hey, stick around! There’s more cool stuff here.”
- External links send them elsewhere. These might be to trusted sources, partners, or even competitors. It’s a riskier move, since you’re directing attention away from your site, but it can also build credibility if done right. Think of it like saying, “I vouch for this information/resource.”
Thinking about these as two separate tools opens up a world of design choices. You wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a lightbulb, right? So why treat all your links the same?
Visual Cues That Don’t Scream “CHEAP!”
Color
The color of your links is a powerful tool for guiding users. For internal links, consider using your brand’s primary color (as long as it’s not an eye-searing neon hue). This reinforces your brand identity and visually connects those links to your site. For external links, a more neutral tone like gray or a darker blue can subtly signal that the user is leaving your domain. This creates a visual distinction without being jarring or disruptive.
Underlines
While underlines are the standard way to indicate links, you can get creative here. Instead of the usual solid underline for all links, try a dotted or dashed underline for external links. This subtle difference can subconsciously cue users that they’re about to venture off your site. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big impact on user experience.
Don’t like underlines? Here’s a quick guide on how to remove underlines from your links
Hover Effects
Hover effects are a great way to add a touch of interactivity to your links. When a user hovers their mouse over an internal link, you could slightly intensify the color to indicate that it’s clickable. For external links, a tooltip that reveals the destination URL can be incredibly helpful. This gives users a preview of where they’re headed before they click, giving them more confidence in their navigation.
Icons
Adding a tiny icon next to external links can be a helpful visual cue. A simple box with an arrow pointing outward is a universally recognized symbol for external links. Place it discreetly next to the link text, so it doesn’t clutter your design or distract from the content. This little icon can provide valuable information to users without overwhelming them.
Link Preview Tool
For external links, a tooltip or a link preview tool that reveals the destination URL can be incredibly helpful. This gives users a preview of where they’re headed before they click, giving them more confidence in their navigation. Services like Linkilo offer this feature and can be easily integrated into your website.
Instead of just telling you about icons and link previews, let’s show you how they work in the real world! Check out these examples using Linkilo to enhance external links:
Wikipedia page about internal links
One of the best Mr Beast videos
SEO Round Table Google Updates
Google Search Status Dashboard
Notice how the icon instantly signals that this link will take you off the current site. The Linkilo preview gives you a sneak peek of what to expect, so you’re not clicking blindly. It’s like having a tiny window into another website without leaving your current page!
See how versatile this can be? You can customize the icon and preview style to match your website’s aesthetic. It’s a subtle touch that adds a layer of professionalism and user-friendliness.
Remember, the goal is to enhance the user experience, not bombard them with visual clutter. So, experiment with these visual cues, find what works best for your site’s aesthetic and your audience’s preferences, and always prioritize clarity and ease of use.
The “Must-Do” List for a Link-Savvy Site
Ready for some tough love? Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t ignore when it comes to your website’s links:
Accessibility: Don’t Leave Anyone Behind
Colorblind users should be able to easily distinguish your links. Relying solely on color to differentiate internal and external links is a no-go. Always provide additional visual cues like underlines or icons, and make sure there’s enough contrast between link colors and background colors. Remember, an accessible website is a user-friendly website for everyone.
Clarity: No Guessing Games Allowed
Don’t make your users guess where a link will take them. Use descriptive link text that accurately reflects the destination. Instead of a generic “click here,” opt for something more informative like “Learn more about our services” or “Visit our partner’s website.” This helps users make informed decisions about where they want to click, improving their overall experience.
Mobile-Friendliness: Think Small Screens
Test your links on various devices, especially mobile phones. Fat fingers on small screens shouldn’t be a nightmare to navigate. Make sure your links are large enough to tap easily, and that there’s enough space between them to avoid accidental clicks. Remember, a significant portion of your audience is likely accessing your site on mobile devices, so optimize accordingly.
These aren’t just suggestions, folks. They’re the difference between a site that works seamlessly and one that frustrates users. So take the time to get your links right. Your users will thank you.
Your Links, Your Rules (But Use Your Head)
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to styling your links. The best approach for your site depends on several factors:
- Your Brand: What kind of image do you want to project? A playful, creative brand might have more flexibility with link styles than a serious, corporate one.
- Your Content: What are you linking to? If you have a lot of external resources, you might want to make those links more visually distinct.
- Your Audience: Who are your users? Consider their expectations and preferences. Tech-savvy users might be more comfortable with subtle cues, while others might appreciate more explicit visual indicators.
So, go ahead and break the mold! If you want to experiment with different colors, hover effects, or even animations, feel free. Just remember, with great link power comes great responsibility. Your goal is to enhance user experience, not confuse or overwhelm them.
