The document outlines five guidelines for creating effective links on web pages: 1) Links should be visually distinct through color or underlining. 2) Links must be functional and accessible to the intended audience. 3) Links should be integrated naturally into sentences or lists using only a few words. 4) The linked text should clearly indicate what content will be found at the link. 5) Links should be useful and audience-oriented, avoiding obvious information and furthering the conversation. The document provides examples of both effective and ineffective links and instructs the reader to practice evaluating links.

1. Creating
Effective
Links
Dr. Nichols-Boyle
W315 Writing for the Web

2. Five Main Guidelines
1. Appearance
Color and/or underline
Set apart from surrounding
text

3. 2. Accessibility
Updated and link works
No broken or outdated links
Publicly available to audience
No sign-ins required

4. 3. Integration
Part of the sentence/list
Five words or less
Words and phrases only
No full web address:
http://www.iusb.edu

5. 4. Expectation
Linked words clearly indicate
content
No “click here” or “see web
page”
Note if video/sound

6. 5. Usefulness
Audience-oriented
Avoids obvious information
Furthers conversation
Adds complementary
information

7. Review
Appearance
Accessibility
Integration
Expectation
Usefulness

8. Examples: Effective
Writing for the Web Tips contains
further link information and
examples.
Author Mindy McAdams is a
professor at the University of
Florida, specializing in digital
journalism.

9. Examples: Ineffective
See
http://www.macloo.com/webwritin
g/index.htm for more information
about links.
Click here for more about
Professor Mindy McAdams.

10. Practice
Click on all the links in the “Link
Practice” document in the Canvas
module 1.
Note each link’s audience
effectiveness using the guidelines

11. Practice
Review the “Link Practice
answers” to test your
knowledge

12. Produce
Rewrite your defining quote
following the “Quote Rewrite”
instructions in Canvas Module 1.
Make sure you add 1-2 effective
links for this audience.