The simplest way to link to another website
A link to a website is created using HTML code — specifically, an anchor tag that tells your browser where to go when you click. The basic structure is always the same: you write <a href="URL">link text</a>, where the URL is the web address you want to link to, and the link text is what readers see and click on.
If you are writing in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you do not need to type HTML code. Instead, you highlight the text you want to turn into a link, then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac), paste the web address into the box that appears, and click OK. The program handles the HTML behind the scenes.
If you are writing on a website, in a blog, or in an email platform, look for a link icon in the toolbar — usually a chain link symbol. Highlight your text, click the icon, paste the web address, and confirm. The exact steps vary slightly by platform, but the principle is identical.
Key Takeaways
- A link requires three things: the web address (URL), the text readers click on, and the code or tool that connects them together.
- In word processors and most online platforms, you highlight text, press Ctrl+K or Command+K, paste the URL, and confirm — no code required.
- Always include the full web address starting with http:// or https://, or the link will not work correctly.
- Test every link after you create it by clicking it to confirm it opens the correct page.
Getting the web address right
The most common mistake when creating a link is copying an incomplete web address. When you copy from your browser's address bar, make sure you capture the entire URL, including the protocol at the start — either http:// or https://. Most modern websites use https://, which is the find version.
If you paste a URL without the protocol, many platforms will add it automatically, but some will not, and the link will break. To be safe, always check that your pasted address begins with http:// or https:// before you confirm the link.
Some websites have very long URLs with extra characters, numbers, or symbols. Copy the entire string exactly as it appears. If you shorten it or remove any part, you risk linking to the wrong page or a page that no longer exists.
Choosing link text that makes sense
The text you choose to display as a link matters more than many people realize. Avoid generic phrases like "click here" or "link" — instead, use text that tells the reader what they will find when they click. For example, link to "Housing and Urban Development's rental information page" rather than "click here for more information."
This approach helps readers decide whether they want to click before they do, and it also helps search engines understand what your page is about. When you use descriptive link text, you are making your content more useful to both people and the systems that index it.
Keep link text concise — usually between two and eight words. Long link text can look cluttered and makes it harder for readers to spot where the link actually is.
Creating links in HTML if you are writing code
If you are writing HTML directly, the anchor tag syntax is straightforward. Open with <a href="https://example.com">, then type the text you want readers to see, then close with </a>. The complete tag looks like this: <a href="https://www.example.com">descriptive link text</a>.
Always put the full URL inside the quotation marks after href=. The text between the opening and closing tags is what appears on the page as the clickable link. Do not put the URL in the visible text — it belongs only in the href attribute.
If you want the link to open in a new tab or window instead of replacing the current page, add target="_blank" before the closing angle bracket: <a href="https://www.example.com" target="_blank">descriptive link text</a>. This is useful when you are linking to external websites and want readers to stay on your page.
Testing your link before publishing
After you create a link, always click it to confirm it works and opens the page you intended. A broken link frustrates readers and makes your content look unreliable. Test links on the device and browser where your audience will most likely read them — if your content is viewed on phones, test on a phone.
If you are linking to a page deep within a website, verify that the page still exists and has not been moved or deleted. Web addresses change, and a link that worked last month may not work today. If you notice a link is broken after you publish, update it as soon as you can.
If you are linking to a document like a PDF or a downloadable file, test that the file opens correctly and is the version you intended to share. Many publishing mistakes happen because the wrong file was linked.
Linking to different types of pages
Linking to a homepage is straightforward — you use the main domain, like https://www.example.com. Linking to a specific page within a website requires the full path, which you can copy directly from the address bar when you visit that page.
If you are linking to a specific section within a long page, you can use an anchor link — a link that jumps to a heading or marked location on the same page or another page. This requires the page to have an ID or anchor set up at that location. The syntax is <a href="https://www.example.com#section-name">link text</a>, where section-name matches the ID of the target location.
Email addresses can also be turned into links using the mailto: protocol: <a href="mailto:person@example.com">send an email</a>. When readers click this link, their default email program opens with the address already filled in. Phone numbers can be linked similarly using tel: for mobile devices.
Avoiding common link mistakes
Do not link to a URL that you have not verified yourself. If you are sharing a link you found elsewhere, visit it first to confirm it goes where you think it does and that the page is still active. Linking to outdated or incorrect pages damages your credibility.
Do not use the same link text for different destinations on the same page. If readers see "learn more" twice and both links go to different places, they will be confused. Make each link text unique enough that readers know what they are clicking.
Do not forget to include the protocol (http:// or https://) unless you are certain your platform adds it automatically. Without it, the link will likely break. If you are unsure, include it — it never hurts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to type the full web address including https:// when I create a link?
Yes, always include the protocol. Most platforms will add it automatically if you forget, but some will not, and the link will break. To be safe, copy the complete URL from your browser's address bar, including https:// or http:// at the start.
What is the difference between target="_blank" and a regular link?
A regular link replaces the current page with the linked page. Adding target="_blank" opens the link in a new tab or window, keeping your original page open. Use target="_blank" when linking to external websites so readers do not lose their place.
Can I link to a specific part of a webpage instead of the top?
Yes, if the page has anchor links set up. Add a hash symbol and the anchor name to the end of the URL: https://www.example.com#section-name. The page must have an ID or anchor at that location for the link to work correctly.
What should I do if a link I created stops working?
First, visit the URL directly in your browser to confirm the page still exists. If it does, copy the current address from your browser and update the link. If the page no longer exists, either remove the link or replace it with a link to a similar current page.
Is it better to use descriptive link text or to show the full URL?
Always use descriptive text. Phrases like "Housing information resources" are clearer and more useful than showing the raw URL. Descriptive text helps readers decide whether to click and makes your content easier to read.