"CLICK HERE": THE MOST OVERUSED PHRASE ON THE WEB – BUT IS IT STILL EFFECTIVE?

"Click Here": The Most Overused Phrase on the Web – But Is It Still Effective?

"Click Here": The Most Overused Phrase on the Web – But Is It Still Effective?

Blog Article

In the vast landscape of the internet, where attention spans are short and competition for user engagement is fierce click here, few phrases have become as ubiquitous as “click here.” From email newsletters and blog posts to landing pages and digital ads, this call-to-action (CTA) seems to be everywhere. But what makes it so common, and does it still hold value in the modern web? Or is it time to rethink our approach?

In this article, we’ll dive into the origins, effectiveness, pros and cons, and best practices surrounding the infamous “click here” link text—and why it might (or might not) belong in your digital content strategy.

The Origin of "Click Here"

The phrase "click here" dates back to the early days of the internet, when hyperlinks were new and users needed guidance on how to interact with them. Web designers and content creators used the phrase to prompt users to take a specific action—usually to visit another page, download a file, or complete a form.

Fast forward to today, and users no longer need instructions on how hyperlinks work. Yet, the phrase persists. Why? Because it's simple, direct, and still surprisingly effective in certain contexts.

Why Marketers Still Use “Click Here”

Despite being labeled as generic and overused, "click here" continues to be a popular call-to-action for a few key reasons:

1. Clarity

"Click here" is unambiguous. It tells users exactly what to do. In an age of information overload, simplicity can be powerful.

2. Familiarity

Users are conditioned to look for this phrase when seeking action-oriented content. Its familiarity means less cognitive load, especially for less tech-savvy visitors.

3. Action-Oriented Language

The word “click” is a verb, and action verbs are fundamental to effective CTAs. It nudges the user toward an interaction.

The SEO Debate: Is “Click Here” Bad for SEO?

From an SEO perspective, using “click here” as anchor text has been criticized for its lack of keyword relevance. Search engines like Google use anchor text to understand what the linked page is about. When the anchor text is "click here," it provides no meaningful information to search engines or screen readers.

Consider the following comparison:

  • Poor SEO: “To download the guide, [click here].”

  • Better SEO: “Download our [comprehensive guide to digital marketing].”

The second example includes relevant keywords in the anchor text, which benefits both user experience and search engine rankings.

Accessibility Concerns

Another major concern with “click here” is accessibility. Screen readers for visually impaired users often navigate by reading out hyperlinks. If all your links are labeled “click here,” the user has no context for where the link leads, making the website harder to navigate.

Example:

  • Instead of “For more information, [click here],” try:

  • “[Learn more about our pricing plans] for detailed information.”

Descriptive anchor text not only improves accessibility but also enhances usability for everyone.

Is "Click Here" Ever Appropriate?

Yes—when used strategically and sparingly.

There are scenarios where "click here" might make sense, particularly when the surrounding text provides enough context. For instance:

For more case studies and success stories, click here.

If the sentence already clearly describes what the user will get, the phrase “click here” simply acts as a functional trigger. The key is to avoid isolating the phrase from context.

Best Practices for Using (or Avoiding) “Click Here”

To balance usability, SEO, and accessibility, here are a few actionable best practices:

1. Use Descriptive Anchor Text

Whenever possible, describe the destination of the link in the anchor text itself. This helps users and search engines understand what to expect.

Example: Instead of saying “click here for our services,” use “Explore our full list of [digital marketing services].”

2. Incorporate Keywords

Use relevant keywords within the anchor text to improve SEO. This also enhances contextual relevance for users scanning the page.

3. Provide Context

If you must use “click here,” surround it with sufficient context. Avoid using it in isolation or as a standalone link.

Bad: [Click here]
Better: For full details about the event, [click here to view the schedule].

4. Think About Accessibility

Make your content inclusive. Use anchor text that can stand alone and still make sense when read out of context.

5. Avoid Repetition

Using “click here” multiple times on a single page can be redundant and unhelpful. Vary your CTAs and use more specific, engaging phrases.

Alternatives to “Click Here”

If you’re looking to refresh your call-to-action vocabulary, here are some more compelling alternatives:

  • Learn More

  • Read the Full Article

  • Download the Guide

  • Get Started Now

  • Watch the Video

  • Explore Features

  • Subscribe Today

  • Claim Your Offer

  • Contact Our Team

  • View Portfolio

These options provide immediate clarity about the action and are more engaging than the generic “click here.”

Case Study: A/B Testing with "Click Here"

Let’s take a real-world scenario. A software company ran an A/B test on its landing page CTA. Version A used:
“Click here to start your free trial.”
Version B used:
“Start your free 30-day trial today.”

The result? Version B had a 22% higher conversion rate. Why? Because it was more specific, benefit-driven, and clearly communicated what the user would get.

The Psychological Angle

Humans are action-oriented. The brain reacts positively to direct instructions, especially when they suggest a reward. “Click here” works on a psychological level because it gives a simple directive.

However, as users grow more sophisticated, they also expect more compelling reasons to act. Modern users scan content quickly. They are more likely to click if the link provides value or a clear outcome.

Conclusion: Should You Use "Click Here"?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. “Click here” isn’t inherently bad—but it's often lazy. It can be effective in certain contexts, especially when paired with strong surrounding content. But in a world where digital content is judged by its clarity, relevance, and usability, it’s usually better to aim higher.

Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that informs, engages, and respects the user’s time. That way, every link you place becomes an opportunity—not just to “click here”—but to build trust, drive traffic, and enhance the user experience.

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