Writing better hyperlinks

# Meaningful link text

# Frontloading for scanning

# Match the destination when possible

# Obvious link styling

# How to handle English-only or French-only links

# Where to place the link in a sentence

> [Readability Guidelines](https://readabilityguidelines.co.uk/content-design/links/)
> Avoid mid-sentence links. They can be distracting. They can slow down users who scan read, as they need to stop and read text on both sides of the embedded link. They may cause readability challenges for autistic users.

> [GOV.UK content principles](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/govuk-content-principles-conventions-and-research-background/govuk-content-principles-conventions-and-research-background)
> Research by Lynch (1997) cited in Spyradakis cautions against the use of links embedded in the middle of a sentence. He suggested that embedded (associative) links can distract the reader. He says that such links may slow down readers who are scanning because they will need to stop and read text surrounding the embedded link. This suggests that authors should place such links at the end of a sentence where they will least disrupt the syntax

> [US Web Design System](https://designsystem.digital.gov/components/link/)
> Simplify link placement in body text. A link has cognitive weight and this affects readability. Reduce the number of links in a single sentence to simplify its message. Consider placing links at the beginning or end of sentences to improve readability.

> [Canada.ca Blog](https://blog.canada.ca/2021/07/20/effective-links)
> Avoid link splatter. Splattering links here and there in the middle of sentences and paragraphs:
> makes them easy to miss when you’re scanning
> interrupts the flow of the sentence for anyone using a screen reader
> adds complexity by creating the impression that you can’t fully understand the text without following the link to get the rest of the story
> Instead, take the link text out of the paragraph and place it on it’s own line to help it stand out and be found.

https://www.scroll.co.uk/scroll-blog/links-in-guidance-content