Give links a discernible name (WCAG 2.4.4)

Every link must expose text that describes where it goes — including icon-only links, which need an accessible label.

Why it matters

Screen-reader users often navigate by pulling up a list of links. "Click here" ten times, or an unlabeled icon, gives them nothing to act on.

How to fix it

Use descriptive link text. For icon-only links, add visually-hidden text or an aria-label.

<!-- Fails: no text -->
<a href="/cart"><i class="icon-cart"></i></a>

<!-- Passes -->
<a href="/cart" aria-label="View cart"><i class="icon-cart"></i></a>

Related guides

• Fix low colour contrast (WCAG 1.4.3) 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
• Add text alternatives to images (WCAG 1.1.1) 1.1.1 Non-text Content
• Give buttons a discernible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
• Label every form field (WCAG 1.3.1 / 4.1.2) 1.3.1 Info and Relationships / 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value

These guides cover automated checks (~30–40% of WCAG criteria). A full audit also needs manual review.