Definition
Anchor text is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink that links one web page to another. It provides context to both users and search engines about the content of the linked page, making it a crucial element for search engine optimization (SEO).
Detailed Explanation
Think of anchor text as a signpost on the internet. When you link to another page, the words you make clickable tell your visitors what to expect when they click. More importantly, it sends a powerful signal to search engines like Google about the topic of the destination page. If many different websites link to a page on arjankc.com.np with the anchor text “digital marketing courses,” Google will correctly assume that the page is highly relevant for that topic, which can help it rank higher in search results.
In practice, anchor text is the blue, underlined text you typically see online, though its appearance can be changed with code. There are several types of anchor text, each serving a different purpose. These include “exact match” (using the precise keyword you want to rank for), “branded” (using a company name like “Daraz”), and “generic” (using phrases like “click here”). A healthy, natural backlink profile for a website will have a diverse mix of these anchor text types. A common misconception is that you should always use your main keyword; this outdated practice, known as over-optimization, can actually harm your rankings.
Nepal Context
In the Nepali market, strategic use of anchor text presents a significant opportunity. As the digital ecosystem is still maturing, many businesses overlook this fundamental SEO practice, creating a chance for savvy entrepreneurs to gain a competitive edge. For example, a travel company in Pokhara should aim for links from travel blogs with descriptive anchor text like “paragliding in Pokhara” or “best Annapurna Base Camp trek packages” rather than just their company name.
A unique aspect in Nepal is the multilingual nature of online content. Businesses should not be afraid to use Nepali anchor text in Devanagari script (e.g., “नेपालमा अनलाइन सपिङ”). Google’s algorithms are now sophisticated enough to understand and value Nepali language content. A brand like eSewa or Khalti benefits immensely when a news portal like OnlineKhabar or a government site links to them using anchor text such as “यहाँबाट विद्युतको बिल तिर्नुहोस्” (Pay your electricity bill here). This is far more powerful than a generic “click here.”
The challenge lies in the relatively small pool of high-authority Nepali websites to get links from. However, this also makes each link more valuable. Building relationships with top Nepali news portals, popular bloggers, and industry-specific websites is crucial. When collaborating with them, guide them to use relevant, natural-sounding anchor text. For instance, if Pathao sponsors a local event, they should request that the event website links back to them using “our ride-sharing partner Pathao” instead of just a logo.
Practical Examples
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Beginner Example (Descriptive):
- Weak: To see our products, click here.
- Strong: Check out our full range of handmade Nepali lokta paper products.
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Intermediate Business Scenario (Internal Linking):
- A hotel in Chitwan writes a blog post titled “Top 5 Activities in Sauraha.” Within the article, when they mention a jungle safari, they link to their own tour booking page using the anchor text: “book your Chitwan jungle safari with us.”
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Advanced Strategy (Backlink Diversification):
- An e-commerce site like Daraz wants to rank for “buy smartphones online.” They notice most of their links use this exact phrase. To look more natural, they encourage partners and bloggers to use a variety of anchor texts like “latest mobile phone deals on Daraz,” “see Samsung phones here,” and simply “Daraz.com.np.”
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Nepal-Specific Case:
- A restaurant in Kathmandu wants to promote its Newari cuisine. They collaborate with a popular Nepali food blogger. The blogger writes a review and links to the restaurant’s menu page with the anchor text “the best yomari in Kathmandu.” This is highly specific, valuable, and targets a local search query.
Key Takeaways
- Anchor text is a direct signal to Google about the topic of a linked page.
- Always prioritize descriptive and natural-sounding anchor text over generic phrases like “read more.”
- A healthy strategy involves a diverse mix of anchor text types (branded, partial-match, exact-match, etc.).
- In Nepal, use both English and Nepali (Devanagari script) anchor text where contextually appropriate.
- The text surrounding your anchor text also provides context, so ensure the entire sentence is relevant.
Common Mistakes
- Over-optimization: Using the exact same keyword in every single anchor text pointing to your site. This is a red flag for Google and can lead to penalties.
- Using Generic Anchors: Consistently using non-descriptive text like “click here” or “website” provides almost no SEO value and is a missed opportunity.
- Mismatched Anchor and Page Content: The anchor text creates an expectation. If you use “cheap flights to Pokhara” but the link goes to your homepage, it creates a poor user experience, which can increase your bounce rate.
