If your website uses links like “Click here” or icon-only buttons, and it probably does, WCAG 2.4.4 applies to you.
In this WCAG Fix It guide, we’re breaking down a common accessibility issue: unclear link purpose.
It might seem small. Just a few words in a hyperlink, but when link text isn’t meaningful, navigation becomes confusing, frustrating, and sometimes impossible for users relying on assistive technology.
What Is WCAG 2.4.4?
WCAG 2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context) requires that the purpose of each link can be determined from:
- The link text itself, or
- The link text together with its surrounding context
In simple terms: A user should understand where a link goes or what it does without guessing.
This applies to:
- Text links
- Button links
- Image links
- Icon-only links
Level A compliance requires clarity at a basic usability level.
What Does “In Context” Mean?
“In context” means the link can be understood when read with the surrounding sentence or paragraph.
For example:
Bad:
Click here
Better:
Download the accessibility checklist
Context example:
Read more about our accessibility services.
Here, “Read more” works only because the sentence clearly defines what the link refers to.
But there’s a problem.
Screen readers often allow users to navigate by listing all links on a page.
If your site contains:
- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
- More
That list becomes meaningless.
The Human Impact of Unclear Links
Imagine navigating a website using a screen reader and opening the links list.
You hear:
- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
- View
That’s it. No context.
You don’t know:
- Where the link goes
- What you’ll download
- Whether it’s external
- Whether it’s important
Navigation becomes guesswork and when navigation becomes guesswork, users lose trust.
Unclear links don’t just reduce usability, they create digital barriers.
Common WCAG 2.4.4 Failures
Here’s what we typically see when scanning websites:
- “Click here” used repeatedly
- “Read more” with no descriptive context
- Multiple links on a page with identical text but different destinations
- Icon-only links with no accessible label
- Empty anchor tags
- Linked images with no alternative text
All of these can fail WCAG 2.4.4.
How to Fix Unclear Link Text
Identify Problematic Links
Run your site through an accessibility checker or check over all your link manually for the common mistakes
The Recite Me Accessibility Checker will flag: WCAG 2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context)
You’ll see:
- The affected link
- The link destination
- Why it lacks clarity
Replace Generic Link Text
Instead of:
<a href=”guide.pdf”>Click here</a>
Use:
<a href=”guide.pdf”>Download the 2026 Accessibility Compliance Guide</a>
The link now clearly explains its purpose.
Fix Icon-Only Links
If you use icons as links, such as a magnifying glass for search:
Bad:
<a href=”/search”><i class=”icon-search”></i></a>
Better:
<a href=”/search” aria-label=”Search the website”>
<i class=”icon-search”></i>
</a>
The aria-label ensures screen readers announce the purpose.
If You’re Using a CMS
No coding required.
In platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace:
- Edit the hyperlink text
- Replace vague phrases
- Update button labels
- Add accessible labels for icons
Save and retest.
How to Write Good Link Text
Here’s the golden rule:
👉 The link should make sense on its own.
Instead of:
“Click here”
Use:
“View our accessibility services”
“Download the annual report”
“Read the WCAG compliance guide”
Keep it:
- Specific
- Action-focused
- Context-aware
- Meaningful
Avoid:
- Repeating identical link text to different pages
- Using URLs as link text
- Relying only on surrounding visuals
What About “Read More” Links?
“Read more” can pass WCAG 2.4.4 if the surrounding heading clearly defines what the link relates to.
For example:
Heading:
Accessibility in Healthcare
Link:
Read more
Because the heading provides context, this may be acceptable.
However, from a usability and SEO perspective, descriptive links are still stronger.
Why WCAG 2.4.4 Matters Beyond Compliance
Clear links:
- Improve navigation
- Reduce confusion
- Support screen reader users
- Improve SEO (anchor text matters)
- Strengthen user trust
- Reduce legal exposure
This isn’t just about accessibility.
It’s about making your website easier to use for everyone.
Small wording changes.
Massive navigation improvement.
WCAG 2.4.4 Quick Fix Checklist
All links clearly describe their destination
No repeated “Click here” links
Icon-only links include aria-label
Linked images include alt text
Link list makes sense when read independently
Links re-tested after updates
WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose Frequently Asked Questions
What is WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)?
WCAG 2.4.4 requires that the purpose of a link can be determined from the link text itself or from its surrounding context so users understand where it leads.
Can I use “Click here” and still be compliant?
Only if the surrounding context makes the destination completely clear. However, descriptive link text is strongly recommended for usability and SEO.
Do icon-only links need accessible labels?
Yes. Icon-only links must include accessible labels (such as aria-label) so screen readers can announce their purpose.
Why does link text matter for accessibility?
Screen reader users often navigate by scanning a list of links. If link text is unclear, navigation becomes confusing and inefficient.