Making a link clickable is a crucial aspect of web development and design. It allows you to create smooth user experiences by enabling users to seamlessly navigate between pages and sites. There are a few simple ways to make a link clickable depending on whether you are using HTML or markdown language. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make links clickable in HTML and markdown.
Using HTML
HTML provides the <a> anchor tag to create clickable links. Here is the basic syntax:
<a href=”url”>Link Text</a>
The href attribute contains the destination URL. This is the page or resource the link should take the user to when clicked. The text between the opening and closing anchor tag is the visible link text.
For example:
<a href=”https://www.example.com”>This is a link</a>
Will display:
This is a link
And take the user to https://www.example.com when clicked.
Absolute vs Relative Links
The href URL can be an absolute or relative link:
- Absolute – Includes the full URL, e.g. https://www.example.com
- Relative – Links to pages within the current site, e.g. /about/ or about.html
Absolute links will take the user to that exact destination, while relative links navigate to pages within the current domain.
Linking to an Email Address
You can create a clickable email link using the mailto attribute:
<a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>Email Me</a>
Opening Links in a New Tab
Adding target=”_blank” to the anchor tag will open the linked page in a new browser tab:
<a href=”https://www.example.com” target=”_blank”>Open in new tab</a>
Link Styling
Style links with CSS using the :link, :visited, :hover, :active selectors. For example:
a:link {
color: blue;
text-decoration: none;
}
a:visited {
color: purple;
}
a:hover {
text-decoration: underline;
}
a:active {
color: red;
}
Using Markdown
Markdown provides a simple shortcut syntax to create links:
[text](url)
For example:
[Visit Example](https://www.example.com)
Will display as:
Visit Example
And link to https://www.example.com when clicked.
Link Title Attribute
You can add a title attribute to provide additional descriptive text when the user hovers over the link:
[Visit Example](https://www.example.com “Example Website”)
Relative Links
Relative links work the same as HTML:
[About page](/about)
Links to a page in the current domain.
Email Links
To create a clickable email link:
[Email Me](mailto:[email protected])
New Tab/Window
Markdown doesn’t have a specific syntax for opening links in a new tab. However, you can achieve this by using HTML:
[New Tab Link](https://www.example.com){:target=”_blank”}
The {:target=”_blank”} applies the target attribute after conversion.
Link Best Practices
Here are some best practices for creating links:
- Use descriptive, concise text – Help users know where the link will take them before clicking.
- Use relative links whenever possible – This allows for site structure changes.
- Open external links in new tabs – This provides a better user experience.
- Check links regularly – Ensure there are no broken links.
- Consider accessibility – Use title attributes and screen reader only text where needed.
- Make linked images SEO-friendly – Use descriptive alt text.
Common Link Elements
Here are some common link elements you’ll use:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| <a> | Anchor tag, creates a hyperlink in HTML |
| href | Specifies destination URL in HTML anchor tag |
| [ ] | Link syntax in Markdown |
| mailto: | Creates an email link |
| target | Specifies link behavior, e.g. _blank opens in new tab |
| title | Provides additional descriptive text for the link |
Link Tracking
You can also track link clicks for analytics or marketing purposes. Here are some methods:
Campaign Parameters
Append campaign variables to your links so you can identify traffic sources and medium. For example:
<a href=”https://www.example.com?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email” target=”_blank”>Trackable Link</a>
URL Shorteners
Services like Bitly allow you to shorten links and track clicks.
Click Tracking Software
Tools like Google Analytics or Clicky provide advanced tracking of link clicks and traffic analysis.
Link Tags
Wrapping a link tag around anchor links can help track click activity.
<link rel=”click” href=”https://example.com”>
Conclusion
Making links clickable is easy with HTML anchor tags and Markdown formatting. Pay attention to relative vs absolute links, be thoughtful with link text, and use best practices for accessibility and SEO. Link tracking provides valuable analytics into site engagement and campaigns. With these tips you can create clickable links that drive positive user experiences.
