In the digital age, like today, we are all so close. But not many know in depth what a hyperlink is. And why this is important. Especially in the world of web developers.
Hyperlinks are links. And in India, it is called a link. The hyperlink is the basic concept behind what is called the web.
To explain what a link is, we need to re-explore the basics of Web architecture.
The main requirement to more easily understand what a Hyperlink is. So, you should at least be familiar with how the Internet works. Also, you must be familiar with the differences between web servers, web pages, websites, and search engines.
Table of Contents
Hyperlink History
We had to go back far back in 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the web, mentions the problem of the three pillars on which a Web stands:
- A URL, a system that can be called an address for tracking Web documents
- HTTP, the transfer protocol for finding documents when given a URL
- HTML, document format, or programming language that allows hyperlinks to be created.
If you look at the three pillars, anything on the web revolves around documents and how to access them.
The Web’s central concept is as a medium in providing the easiest way to reach, read, and navigate a document in the form of text. That’s the basic idea.
Since then, the Web has evolved and evolved to provide access in a variety of other forms. Like pictures, videos, and binary data. The increase that occurred hardly changed the three pillars.
Before there was a Web, it wasn’t easy to access documents and move from one to another.
The concept of a URL is quite as easy as an access tool. But it’s still quite difficult to remember/type long URLs. Its effectiveness has not been able to make it easier for humans to access a document.
This is the beginning where the idea of hyperlinks revolutionizes everything. The link can correlate any text string with the URL, so users can reach the target document by clicking the link.
By default, links will stand out from the surrounding text. Usually underlined and in blue text.
When there is action, tap, or click done on the link, it will activate its function. Or, if you use a keyboard, press Tab, then you will automatically be directed to the focus of the link. When you press the Enter function key or space bar, it will automatically point to the URL as the document’s place/address.
Links are ideas or breakthroughs that make the Web very powerful. And this is the first step to its success.
Next, we will discuss the types of hyperlink and their functions for modern Web design.
Link Types
As a web development company that provides Professional Website Development Services, we are familiar with the name of the link. As previously reviewed, a link is a string of text that is bound to the URL.
And usually, we use links as a tool to make it easy to jump from one document to another. From one page to another. Even from one website to another website.
We can divide the function and form links into three types. Namely as follows;
Internal Link
A link that connects two web pages, where both web pages are on the same website, is called an internal link. Without internal links, there is no website (except, it is a one-page site).
Internal links function as navigation tools, including those placed on what is commonly called a menu.
External Link
This External Link is a description of a link from your web page that leads to someone else’s web page. Without external links, there is also no Web, because the nature of the web is a network of web pages.
External links function as a tool to direct users to specific pages outside of your site. Useful in providing additional information besides the content available on your web page. It can be in the form of references, recommendations, or others.
Incoming Link
Incoming links are links that come from other people’s Web pages that link to your site. This is the opposite of external links.
If you build a website, you certainly need to build an internal link network. Because it makes the site usable, does it with the right balance and adjust to the needs and essential functions. Not too much or too little.
In designing website navigation, building the perfect link is a must. The most important rule is that every time you add a new page to the web, make sure there is at least one link that leads there as a tool for navigation for users.
When you’re just starting, external links don’t matter to you. Suppose, you produce quality and essential content for many people. So, there will automatically be other sites that will link their pages to your great content. Both in the form of recommendations, as a source, or reference.
But it’s different if you think about how search engines find your site. Then the incoming link or usually better known as a backlink, becomes very important. This explanation will belong. For a quick explanation, you can read at the bottom.
Anchors
The concept of a link is to unite or a link between web pages. Anchor or better known as Anchor, binds two parts of a document into one.
When you follow the link in the form of an anchor, your browser will jump to another part of the current document instead of loading a new document. However, to create and use anchors, it’s the same as making other links.
Links And Search Engines
Link is an essential factor in the Web—both for users and search engines.
The search engine crawls the Web using a link column. And every time a search engine crawls a web page, they read the data/document and then index the relevant website.
Search engines not only follow link columns in finding various pages of a website. But, they also use link text to determine relevant search queries to reach the target web pages.
The link works while influencing how easily search engines link to your site. The problem is, it’s difficult to measure how search engine activity.
For many business people, sites indexed by search engines and rank high on search results pages are significant.
Links and Search Engine Ranking
In web developers, one of the tasks we usually do is optimizing sites to be indexed and ranked in search engines. That is through Professional SEO Services. And some of the factors that determine site ranking are links.
Including the following:
- The text shown in the link affects the search query where it will find the URL provided.
- The more incoming links (backlinks), the higher the site’s ranking. What backlinks are?
- External links affect the search ranking of both source and target web pages. Read what SEO Off Page is.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a technique to increase a website’s ranking in search engines.
Thus a brief explanation of what is a hyperlink. It may be useful.
FAQ
What is a hyperlink?
A hyperlink is a digital reference that connects one web resource to another by allowing users to click and navigate to different pages or documents online.
Why is hyperlink important for web navigation?
Hyperlinks are essential for web navigation as they facilitate easy access to related information, enhancing user experience and website usability.
What is a hyperlink’s role in search engine optimization (SEO)?
A hyperlink plays a crucial role in SEO by improving site visibility, helping search engines discover new content, and providing context for ranking algorithms.
Why is hyperlink important for content interlinking?
Hyperlinking content is important as it creates a network of related topics, guiding users through a logical flow of information and encouraging longer site visits.
What is a hyperlink’s impact on user engagement?
A hyperlink significantly impacts user engagement by enabling users to explore additional resources, thereby increasing interaction time and overall satisfaction with the content.