Anchor text plays small but a critical role in SEO, yet it’s often misunderstood especially by beginners. For SaaS and other online companies competing in crowded search results, using the right types of anchor text can improve website rankings, strengthen topical relevance, and create a natural backlink profile that search engines trust.
In this blog, we will break down what anchor text actually is, why it matters a lot, and all major types of anchor text with real examples for better understanding. You’ll also learn best practices, common mistakes, and how SaaS brands should be using anchor text for both internal links and backlinks.
What Is Anchor Text?
Anchor text is the visible, clickable or linked text of a hyperlink. It tells users and search engines what the linked page is about before they click. Instead of showing a raw URL, anchor text provides context in natural language.
For Example:
“Hire an link building agency to build quality backlinks.”
Here, link building agency is the anchor text.
From an SEO perspective, anchor text helps search engines:
- Understand the topic of the linked page
- Evaluate content relevance
- Discover relationships between pages
For SaaS websites, anchor text is especially important because it connects feature pages, blog content, and product use cases in a logical way.
Anchor Text vs URL vs Hyperlink
Many beginners confuse these terms, so let’s clear it up:
- URL: The web address (e.g., https://example.com/email-verifier)
- Anchor text: The visible, clickable text
- Hyperlink: The complete clickable element (URL + anchor text)
Anchor text in blog post:
Anchor text in HTML code:
<a href="https://onlineoutrun.com/services/">Link building service provider</a>
Why Anchor Text Is Important for SEO
Anchor text is not just a clickable label it is a contextual indicator. In SEO Search engines analyze anchor text to understand what the linked page represents within the broader web ecosystem.
When done correctly, anchor text:
- Improves keyword relevance
- Strengthens topical authority
- Helps search engines categorize your content
- Improves user trust and click-through rates
However, when over-optimized(especially in backlinks) anchor text can trigger penalties. Google’s Penguin algorithm specifically targeted manipulative anchor text patterns, making natural variation essential in modern link building.
Types of Anchor Text (With Examples)
Let’s break down the most important anchor text types you should know.
1. Exact Match Anchor Text
Anchor text that exactly matches the target keyword of the linked page.
Example:
“Use an email verifier to reduce bounce rates.”
(Target page keyword: email verifier)
Pros
- Strong relevance signal
- Can improve rankings when used carefully
Cons
- Overuse looks manipulative
- High risk if used excessively in backlinks
SEO Impact
Exact match anchors send a very strong relevance signal. Historically, SEOs overused them to manipulate rankings. Today, excessive use especially in backlinks can look unnatural and get your site penalised for malicious SEO practices.
Link Building Context
In backlink campaigns, exact match anchors should be used sparingly. For SaaS companies, they’re safer in internal links than external backlinks. A natural link profile rarely contains large volumes of identical keyword anchors.
2. Partial Match Anchor Text
Anchor text that includes the target keyword along with extra words.
Example:
“Here’s how an email verifier tool for SaaS improves deliverability.”
Why it’s safer
- More natural than exact match
- Reduces over-optimization risk
SEO Impact
Partial match anchors balance optimization with safety. They still reinforce keyword relevance but don’t appear manipulative.
Link Building Context
For link building through guest posting and niche edits, partial match anchors are ideal. They blend naturally into content and reduce algorithmic risk while still supporting rankings.
3. Branded Anchor Text
Uses the brand name as anchor text.
Examples:
- “According to Snov.io, email deliverability depends on list hygiene.”
- “The study by HubSpot shows…”
Why SaaS brands should prioritize this
- Safest anchor type
- Builds brand authority
- Looks completely natural to Google
SEO Impact
Branded anchors build trust and authority. They signal brand legitimacy rather than keyword manipulation.
Link Building Context
For SaaS businesses, branded anchors should form the largest portion of your backlink profile. They look completely natural and protect your site from over-optimization penalties.
4. Brand + Keyword Anchor Text
Combines brand name with a keyword.
Example:
“Snov.io email verification helps clean mailing lists.”
SEO Impact
This is a balanced approach. It strengthens brand association with specific keywords.
Link Building Context
Highly effective for SaaS companies trying to rank for product-related terms without appearing overly aggressive.
5. Generic Anchor Text
Non-descriptive anchors that don’t include keywords.
Common examples:
- click here
- read more
- learn more
Example:
“Want to explore the features? Click here.”
SEO downside
- No contextual relevance
- Missed SEO opportunity
When it still makes sense
- Call-to-action buttons
- UX-focused navigation
SEO Impact
These provide little contextual value to search engines.
Link Building Context
While not powerful for keyword relevance, they add diversity to your backlink profile. A natural link graph includes generic anchors.
6. Naked URL Anchor Text
Definition:
The raw URL itself is used as anchor text.
Example:
“Source: https://example.com/email-verifier”
Common use cases
- References
- Forums
- Resource pages
SEO Impact
Naked URLs are neutral but natural.
Link Building Context
Common in citations, directories, forums, and PR mentions. They help diversify your anchor text profile and reduce optimization risk.
7. Image Anchor Text
When an image is clickable, the image’s alt text becomes the anchor text.
Example (alt text):
alt=”email verification dashboard for SaaS”
Best practices
- Always write descriptive alt text
- Avoid keyword stuffing
- Make alt text user-focused
SEO Impact
Alt text helps search engines understand the linked page contextually.
Link Building Context
Important for SaaS landing pages with feature screenshots or product demos linking internally.
8. Long-Tail Anchor Text
Descriptive, sentence-style anchors.
Example:
“Learn how SaaS companies reduce bounce rates using email verification.”
Why it works
- Highly natural
- Strong contextual relevance
- Supports semantic SEO
SEO Impact
Highly natural and context-rich. Supports semantic SEO.
Link Building Context
Ideal for editorial backlinks and thought leadership content.
Anchor Text Distribution: What Looks Natural?
There’s no perfect ratio, but a healthy link profile often looks like:
- 40–50% branded anchors
- 20–30% partial match / semantic
- 10–15% naked URLs
- 5–10% generic
- <10% exact match
The key is variation. Repeating the same anchor text is a red flag.
Internal Anchor Text vs Backlink Anchor Text
Although both use anchor text, internal anchors and backlink anchors serve different SEO purposes and require different strategies.
Understanding this difference is crucial for safe and scalable growth in SEO
What Is Internal Anchor Text?
Internal anchor text is the clickable text used when linking from one page of your website to another page on the same domain.
Example:
“Improve inbox placement using our email warm-up feature.“
This link points to another page within your SaaS website.
Why Internal Anchor Text Matters
Internal anchor text helps search engines:
- Understand your site structure
- Discover new pages faster
- Identify keyword relevance
- Distribute link equity across pages
For SaaS companies with feature pages, integrations, pricing pages, blog content, and use-case pages, internal linking builds topical clusters.
If 10 blog posts internally link to your “Email Verification Software” page using descriptive anchors, Google gains strong contextual signals about that page.
Internal Anchor Text Strategy for SaaS
Unlike backlinks, internal anchors are fully under your control. That means you can:
- Use more keyword-rich anchors safely
- Optimize for search intent
- Update anchors anytime
However, you should still avoid repetition. Instead of always linking with “email verifier,” vary it:
- email verification tool
- SaaS email verification platform
- clean your email list
- reduce email bounce rates
This builds semantic depth without over-optimization.
What Is Backlink Anchor Text?
Backlink anchor text refers to anchor text used on external websites that link back to your website.
Example:
On another blog:
“According to YourBrand, list hygiene improves deliverability.”
That anchor text exists on a different domain and points to yours.
Why Backlink Anchor Text Is More Sensitive
Backlink anchors carry more weight in Google’s ranking algorithm because they come from external sources.
But they also carry more risk.
If too many backlinks use the same keyword-rich anchor, Google may interpret it as manipulation. This is exactly what the Penguin algorithm targeted.
Unlike internal links, you don’t have full control over backlink anchors and forcing keyword anchors in guest posts can look unnatural.
- Let anchors appear naturally
- Prioritize branded and partial match
- Avoid forcing exact match anchors
How Internal and Backlink Anchors Work Together
Here’s the strategic part most SaaS companies miss:
Backlinks build authority.
Internal anchors distribute that authority.
For example:
- You build backlinks to a blog post.
- That blog post internally links to your feature page using descriptive anchor text.
- Authority flows internally, boosting product page rankings.
This combination creates a powerful SEO ecosystem.
How Anchor Text Affects Link Building Strategy
When building backlinks for SaaS SEO, anchor text planning is critical.
Smart Backlink Strategy:
Instead of chasing exact-match anchors like:
“best email verification software”
Use safer alternatives:
- Branded anchors (YourBrand)
- Brand + keyword (YourBrand email verification)
- Partial match anchors
- Contextual long-tail anchors
Backlinks pass authority, but anchor text defines the context of that authority. That’s why strategic variation matters
How Anchor Text Benefits SEO in Link Building
Anchor text plays three key roles in backlink SEO:
1. Reinforces Keyword Relevance
When authoritative websites link using contextually relevant anchor text, search engines strengthen topical association.
2. Builds Topical Authority
Consistent semantic anchors around related keywords help position your SaaS brand as an authority in that niche.
3. Improves Ranking Stability
Natural anchor distribution protects against penalties, ensuring long-term ranking growth rather than short-term spikes.
In short, backlinks give you authority but anchor text tells Google what that authority is about.
Common Anchor Text Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing exact match anchors
- Repeating the same anchor text site-wide
- Ignoring branded anchors
- Using irrelevant anchors
- Keyword stuffing in alt text
Anchor Text Best Practices (Quick Checklist)
- Write for humans first
- Match anchor text to search intent
- Use multiple anchor types
- Keep it contextual
- Think long-term, not shortcuts
Conclusion
Anchor text is far more than just clickable words, it is a foundational element of modern SEO and strategic link building. Throughout this guide, we explored the different types of anchor text, including exact match, partial match, branded, generic, naked URLs, semantic, long-tail, and image anchors. Each type serves a distinct purpose and carries different levels of SEO impact and risk.
For SaaS companies, the real power of anchor text lies in balance and intent. Internal anchor text helps structure your website, strengthen topical relevance, and guide users toward product pages. Because you control it, internal linking becomes your safest and most effective keyword reinforcement tool. On the other hand, backlink anchor text influences how external authority flows into your domain. This is where caution is critical with natural variation, branded anchors, and contextual placement protect your site from over-optimization penalties while still improving rankings.
Successful SEO is not about aggressively inserting keywords into links. It’s about creating a natural link ecosystem where authority, relevance, and user experience align. Backlinks build credibility. Anchor text defines context. Internal links distribute strength.
When brands approach anchor text strategically rather than mechanically they build sustainable rankings, stronger topical authority, and long-term organic growth.
Master the balance, and anchor text becomes one of your most powerful SEO assets.
FAQ- Type of Anchor Text
What is anchor text in SEO?
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. It helps users and search engines understand what the linked page is about and plays an important role in SEO.
What are the different types of anchor text?
Common types of anchor text include exact match, partial match, branded, brand plus keyword, generic, naked URL, image anchor text, long-tail, and semantic anchor text.
Which anchor text is best for SaaS SEO?
For SaaS websites, branded and partial match anchor text are the safest and most effective. They look natural and help build topical authority without risking penalties.
Is exact match anchor text bad for SEO?
Exact match anchor text is not bad when used sparingly. However, overusing it especially in backlinks can lead to over-optimization and potential Google penalties.
How many anchor text types should I use?
There is no fixed number, but a natural mix of branded, partial match, semantic, generic, and occasional exact match anchor text is recommended.
