Short answer: Anchor text is the clickable text of a link. The main anchor text types in SEO are exact match, partial match, branded, naked URL, generic, related or long-tail, and image anchors (which use the image’s alt text). A natural backlink profile is led by branded and descriptive anchors, with only a small share of exact-match keywords, because too many exact-match anchors looks manipulative.
Anchor text types in SEO matter because anchor text is one of the clearest clues Google gets about what the linked page is about. It also has a long history of abuse, which is why the wrong anchor mix can do more harm than good. This guide explains each type with examples and shows how to use them safely in backlinks and internal links.
It is part of our series on the types of backlinks in SEO.
What Is Anchor Text?
Anchor text is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink. In this example, “SEO course in Faridabad” is the anchor text:
<a href="https://adifyskills.com/seo-course-in-faridabad/">SEO course in Faridabad</a>
Search engines read anchor text, together with the words around it, to understand the topic of the page being linked to.
The 8 Main Anchor Text Types in SEO
All examples below assume the linked page is a digital marketing course page in Faridabad.
1. Exact match anchor
The anchor is exactly the target keyword. Example: “digital marketing course in Faridabad”. Powerful in small amounts, risky in large amounts.
2. Partial match anchor
The anchor contains the keyword plus other words. Example: “this practical digital marketing course in Sector 81”. Natural and relevant.
3. Branded anchor
The anchor is your brand name. Example: “AdifySkills”. This is the most common anchor type in natural link profiles and the safest.
4. Branded plus keyword anchor
Example: “AdifySkills digital marketing course”. It combines trust with relevance.
5. Naked URL anchor
The URL itself is the anchor. Example: “adifyskills.com”. Common in citations, directories and social profiles.
6. Generic anchor
Words like “click here”, “read more”, “this website” or “source”. They give Google little topic information, but they look natural in moderation.
7. Related or long-tail anchor
Descriptive phrases related to the topic without the exact keyword. Example: “a hands-on course where students run real ad campaigns”. These read naturally and add context.
8. Image anchor
When an image is the link, Google uses the image’s alt text as the anchor. A missing alt text means a wasted signal, so always describe linked images.
What Is a Natural Anchor Text Mix?
There is no official percentage, and copying a formula is itself a footprint. In natural link profiles, though, a clear pattern appears:
| Anchor text type | Typical share in a natural profile |
|---|---|
| Branded and branded plus keyword | Largest share |
| Naked URL | Common |
| Partial match and related phrases | Moderate |
| Generic | Some |
| Exact match | Small |
If most of your backlinks use the same exact-match commercial keyword, that is a strong signal of manipulation and one of the patterns Google’s spam systems look for. Our guide to toxic backlinks covers the risk in detail.
Anchor Text for Backlinks You Earn
- You usually cannot control anchors on editorial links, and that is fine. Natural variety is the goal.
- When you can suggest an anchor, for example in a guest post bio or partner listing, prefer your brand name or a descriptive phrase.
- Do not ask every site to use the same keyword anchor.
Anchor Text for Internal Links
Internal links are under your full control and carry far less risk. Descriptive, keyword-rich anchors are helpful here because they tell Google how your pages relate. Use the anchor that best describes the target page, and vary it naturally across pages. Our comparison of backlinks vs internal links explains how the two work together.
How to Check Your Anchor Text
Google Search Console shows “Top linking text” under Links. Backlink tools such as Ahrefs, Semrush and Moz show a fuller anchor distribution. Look for over-use of one keyword and for odd, irrelevant anchors that could come from spam.
Common Anchor Text Mistakes
- Using the same exact-match anchor in every guest post or directory profile.
- Generic “click here” anchors for important internal links.
- Linked images without alt text.
- Anchor text that does not match the linked page, which confuses users and search engines.
Learn On-Page and Off-Page SEO Together
In the SEO course in Faridabad at AdifySkills, students audit anchor text types in SEO on real sites, then plan internal links and outreach with a natural anchor mix.
Key takeaways on Anchor Text Types in SEO
- Anchor text is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink.
- All examples below assume the linked page is a digital marketing course page in Faridabad.
- There is no official percentage, and copying a formula is itself a footprint.
- You usually cannot control anchors on editorial links, and that is fine.
- Internal links are under your full control and carry far less risk.
- Google Search Console shows "Top linking text" under Links.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main anchor text types in SEO?
Exact match, partial match, branded, branded plus keyword, naked URL, generic, related or long-tail, and image anchors.
Which anchor text type is safest?
Branded anchors and naked URLs are the safest, because they are what most natural links use.
Is exact match anchor text bad?
Not in small amounts. It becomes a problem when a large share of your backlinks use the same commercial keyword.
Does anchor text matter for internal links?
Yes. Descriptive internal anchors help Google understand the topic of each page and how your pages connect.
What anchor text does Google use for image links?
The image’s alt text. Always add descriptive alt text to linked images.
Related Reading
Want to learn this with live campaigns and a trainer beside you? See the full digital marketing course in Faridabad, or check admission and batch dates.