What is Anchor URL?

An anchor URL is a link that points to a specific section of a webpage (using a “#” symbol). For example: example.com/page#section. It helps users jump directly to relevant content but doesn’t usually carry separate SEO value.

Understanding Anchor URLs

Anchor URLs work by linking a word, phrase, or button to a specific part of a page or another page entirely. For example, clicking a table of contents link that takes you to a specific section is an anchor URL in action.

There are two main types:

1. Internal anchor URLs: Link to sections within the same page. Example: example.com/page#section1

2. External anchor URLs: Link to a specific section on another website. Example: example.com/other-page#features

Anchor URLs enhance usability by allowing visitors to jump directly to relevant content, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement. From an SEO perspective, properly structured anchor links help search engines crawl and index pages more effectively.

Anchor URLs Across Popular CMS Platforms

WordPress

• Adding anchor URLs is simple using the block editor or classic editor.

• Plugins can automatically generate table of contents with anchor links for posts.

Shopify

• Product pages and FAQs often use anchor URLs to navigate to specific sections like reviews, details, or specifications.

• Ensures customers can quickly find information, improving conversions.

Wix

• Wix allows adding anchors to headings and buttons for smooth navigation on landing pages.

• Supports mobile-friendly scrolling for better UX.

Webflow

• Webflow users can create anchor links within collections or sections to guide users efficiently.

• Enhances content accessibility and internal linking structure.

Custom CMS

• Developers can implement anchor URLs for long-form content, dashboards, or documentation.

• Ensures structured navigation for users and search engines.

Why Anchor URLs Matter Across Industries

• E-commerce: Allows users to jump to product specifications, reviews, or shipping information, improving user experience and sales.

• Local Businesses: Lets visitors quickly find services, pricing, or contact details on long pages.

• SaaS Companies: Guides users to feature explanations, pricing tables, or demo sections efficiently.

• Blogs and Publishers: Enhances readability by linking to sections in long-form articles, keeping users engaged.

• Agencies: Improves reporting dashboards and case studies by directing clients to key content efficiently.

Anchor URLs help both users and search engines navigate content more effectively, indirectly boosting SEO performance.

Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Use descriptive anchor text that clearly explains the linked section.

• Ensure anchors are unique within a page to avoid confusion.

• Combine anchor URLs with table of contents for long-form content.

• Test anchor links across devices to ensure smooth scrolling.

• Use internal anchors to strengthen page structure and keyword relevance.

Don’ts

• Do not use generic phrases like “click here” for anchor text.

• Do not link to hidden or non-existent sections.

• Avoid excessive anchors that clutter the page or confuse users.

• Do not ignore mobile optimization; anchor scrolling should be smooth on small screens.

• Do not over-optimize anchor text for SEO keywords unnaturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Creating multiple anchors with identical IDs, causing broken navigation.

• Linking to sections that load slowly or require scrolling beyond visible content.

• Using anchors without context, confusing users and search engines.

• Forgetting to update anchor URLs when content is moved or removed.

• Overusing anchor links in a single page, which can dilute SEO relevance.

FAQs

What is an anchor URL in web development?

An anchor URL, also known as a fragment identifier, is a link that directs users to a specific section within the same webpage. It is created by appending a hash symbol (#) followed by an identifier (ID) to the URL. For example, https://example.com/page#section2 takes users directly to the element with id="section2" on that page.

How do anchor URLs work?

Anchor URLs function by linking to elements that have a unique ID attribute within the same page. When a user clicks on such a link, the browser scrolls to the corresponding element, facilitating quick navigation without reloading the page.

Why are anchor URLs important for SEO?

Anchor URLs enhance user experience by improving site navigation, especially on long or content-rich pages. They allow users to access specific information directly, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement, which are positive signals for search engine rankings.

How can I create an anchor URL?

To create an anchor URL, first assign a unique ID to the target element using the id attribute in HTML. Then, link to this ID by appending #your-id to the page’s URL. For example, <h2 id="about">About Us</h2> and the link <a href="#about">Go to About</a> will navigate users to the “About Us” section.

Can anchor URLs be used across different pages?

Yes, anchor URLs can link to specific sections on other pages by combining the page’s URL with the fragment identifier. For instance, https://example.com/page#section will take users to the “section” on the specified page, provided that the target page exists and contains the corresponding ID.