The anchor tag is a basic HTML element used to create links between web pages, files, sections on the same page, or external websites. It's written as <a>, and it's one of the most essential elements in any website. The anchor tag helps users navigate the internet by linking different resources together through a clickable hyperlink.

The anchor tag works by wrapping around the clickable text or image and specifying a destination in the href attribute. For example, <a href="https://example.com">Visit Site</a> creates a clickable link labeled “Visit Site.” This small bit of code plays a huge role in user experience and content structure.

How the anchor tag works in HTML

Anchor tags use the href attribute to specify the URL or location you want to link to. The value of href can be a full web address (like https://www.b12.io), a relative path (like /contact), or an internal link that jumps to a section on the same page (like #pricing). When clicked, the browser takes the user to the target location.

You can also add attributes like target="_blank" to open a link in a new tab, or rel="nofollow" to control how SEO engines treat the link. These customizations let you have more control over how your links behave and how they affect your site’s performance.

Why anchor tags are important in web design

Anchor tags make your site usable and navigable. They let users jump to other pages or sections easily, reducing frustration and helping them find what they need quickly. They also improve site structure by enabling internal linking, which helps both users and search engines understand the hierarchy of your content.

In addition, proper use of anchor tags boosts your site’s SEO by distributing link equity and helping Google crawl your pages more efficiently. A well-placed anchor tag with clear, relevant text can guide both people and bots around your site with ease.

Examples of anchor tag usage

Here are some ways you might use anchor tags in a real project:

• Link to another website:
  <a href="https://example.com">Visit our partner site</a>
• Link to a section on the same page:
  <a href="#about">Learn more about us</a>
• Link to download a file:
  <a href="/files/guide.pdf" download>Download our guide</a>
• Link that opens in a new tab:
  <a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Open in new tab</a>

Each of these examples uses an anchor tag differently but serves the same goal—connecting your visitors to useful content or actions.

Common mistakes to avoid when using anchor tags

A few easy-to-make mistakes can weaken your links or cause confusion. One is using generic text like "click here" instead of something descriptive like "download our PDF guide." Another is forgetting to close the tag or leaving off the href, which makes the link non-functional.

Also, linking to broken URLs or using outdated paths can hurt the user experience. And while opening links in a new tab is often helpful, overusing target="_blank" can annoy users if it’s not done thoughtfully. Always check your anchor tags carefully before publishing.

FAQs about anchor tags

What is the purpose of an anchor tag?

The anchor tag lets you create links that connect web pages, sections, or downloadable content. It's a key part of making your site interactive and user-friendly.

Can anchor tags link to specific sections on a page?

Yes! By using an href that starts with # followed by the ID of an element on the page, you can jump to that specific spot. This is especially useful for creating table-of-contents style navigation.

What’s the difference between relative and absolute URLs in anchor tags?

A relative URL links to a file or page on the same domain, while an absolute URL includes the full path, including the https://. Use relative links for internal navigation and absolute for external sources.

Do anchor tags affect SEO?

They can! Anchor tags help with internal linking, which assists search engines in understanding your site's structure. Using relevant anchor text also improves how your pages rank in search.

Can you style anchor tags with CSS?

Absolutely. You can change the color, hover effect, underline, and more using CSS. Styling helps maintain brand consistency and improves the user experience.

Build stronger links into your site

Understanding how to use the anchor tag correctly helps create a more navigable, professional-looking website. It improves user experience, boosts your site's visibility, and supports your goals, whether you’re offering downloads, linking to other pages, or just helping visitors find the right info.

If you’re building a site and want tools that help you do things like this easily, the B12 website builder is worth a look. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and gets the basics right. Sign up and start creating your website with cleaner navigation today.