“Click Here”: The Most Famous Phrase on the Internet
The phrase “Click Here” is one of the most iconic instructions in the history of the internet. For decades, it has been a direct, simple way to prompt users to take action online. Whether in an email, an ad, or a website button, “click here ” has guided billions of people toward the next step. But while it’s familiar and effective, it also has drawbacks in modern web design and digital marketing.
The
Origins of “Click Here”
When the World Wide Web became
accessible to the public in the 1990s, online navigation was new to most
people. Website designers used “Click Here” to make it obvious what visitors
needed to do next. The wording left no room for confusion: to see more
information, download a file, or visit another page, you simply clicked there.
Why
“Click Here” Still Works
- Clarity
– Everyone understands it. Whether someone is tech-savvy or new to the
internet, “Click Here” is self-explanatory.
- Direct Action
– It uses an imperative verb (“click”) that encourages immediate
engagement.
- High Conversion Potential – In certain cases, a straightforward call-to-action
(CTA) like this can outperform more creative wording because it leaves no
ambiguity.
The
Problem with “Click Here”
While it works in basic situations,
“Click Here” has some important limitations:
- Poor Accessibility
– Screen readers for visually impaired users often read only the link
text, so “Click Here” gives no context about where the link leads.
- Weak SEO Value
– Search engines consider the text of a hyperlink when determining page
relevance. Generic text like “Click Here” doesn’t help.
- Overuse
– In modern websites, repeated “Click Here” links can feel outdated or
unprofessional.
Better
Alternatives
Today, web usability experts
recommend descriptive CTAs that tell the user both what to do and what
they will get. For example:
- Instead of “Click Here to Read More,” use “Read the
Full Article”.
- Instead of “Click Here for Discounts,” use “Get 20%
Off Your First Order”.
- Instead of “Click Here to Register,” use “Register
for the Free Workshop”.
This approach makes the link more
meaningful, boosts SEO, and improves accessibility.
When
to Keep “Click Here”
There are still situations where
“Click Here” works perfectly:
- For audiences unfamiliar with online navigation.
- In step-by-step instructions where clarity is essential.
- On printed materials (e.g., “Visit our site and click
here to start”).
In these cases, pairing it with
descriptive text is ideal:
“Click here to download the migraine relief guide.”
Final
Thoughts
“click here ” is a relic of the internet’s early days, but it still holds value when clarity is more important than creativity. The key is to balance its simplicity with context and purpose. In today’s digital landscape, the most effective links not only tell users what to do—but also why they should do it.
