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Hyperlinking

Links appear everywhere, including webpages, e-blasts, PDFs, file downloads, and buttons. Review the requirements below for using hyperlinks in Office of Head Start (OHS) materials. For webpages published to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC), links to external websites should be used only when an equivalent or similar resource is not already available on the ECLKC.

General Criteria

Internal links to resources on the ECLKC website are preferred for two reasons. They enhance cross-promotion of existing resources and reduce the likelihood of broken links. Internal links are more readily identified and fixed when they break.

Hyperlinks are presented as in-text links on the ECLKC but may appear as a full URL or an in-text link in e-blasts and other materials, as appropriate. For example, in an e-blast, provide a full link to an event registration page but embed a link to a resource in its title. Full URLs should appear at the end of a sentence or phrase.

To create an in-text link, hyperlink a title, key word, or phrase in the content. Do not link words or phrases such as “here” or “go here.” Instead of a supporting resource list at the bottom of a resource, include in-text links where the information is most relevant. 

Do not link to a PDF if an HTML version is available. An HTML page allows readers to see the linked content in context and explore the rest of the site. A PDF is a dead end for the user.

Additional and Supporting Resource Lists

Additional resources listed at the bottom of an HTML page should be limited to three or fewer. Direct site visitors to the most relevant resources and do not overwhelm them with options. Additional resources should not duplicate any that are already linked in the text.

Links supporting a recorded event such as a webinar or podcast are limited to resources featured by the presenters during the event. Links should be limited to three unless the video prominently features more than three. Exception: training videos may provide links to supporting materials.

External Link Criteria

To ensure OHS does not appear to endorse a particular product, links to external webpages that ask users to purchase items or require membership are prohibited. However, the site can link to pages on .edu, .org, or commercial sites as long as there is no fee to use the website, the information offered on a particular page is free to the public, and it does not sell related products on the linked page.

External links must follow these additional criteria:

  • The website is an official government-owned or -supported website. 
    • If not, the website provides information or services in a way that is not available on an official government website.
  • The website complements existing information, products, and services OHS, including on the ECLKC.
  • The website's content is free, accessible, and applicable to a wide audience.
  • The website's content is relevant, useful, and authoritative for citizens, businesses, or government officials.
  • The website's information appears to be accurate and current.
  • The website's approach to the privacy of personal information is consistent with federal privacy and security policies.
  • The website's primary intent is to educate and inform, rather than persuade, convert, or sell. 
    • The site may include advertising but must be free from heavy marketing or promotion of products.

Web Links in PDFs

Because PDFs can’t be easily updated like standard HTML webpages, use of hyperlinks should be minimal. Keep in mind these important considerations:

  • Strongly consider not including any hyperlinks in PDFs, as these will require constant long-term maintenance by your team to fix the broken links that will inevitably occur.
    • Including hyperlinks will require resubmitting corrected 508 compliant PDFs each time any links are fixed.
    • Providing contextual information, like an organization name or resource title, allows users to search on their own
  • If hyperlinks must be used, do not display raw URLs. Instead, hyperlink descriptive text such as the title of a resource. For example, if you are linking to a resource on the CDC website called, Food Safety and Eating Out:
  • Never provide a link that circumvents a website’s paywall or registration requirements.

Link Style

The general style of linked text on the ECLKC does not change. The link color is blue. See Fonts for the specific Hex numbers.

When linking to websites:

  • Ensure all links to websites are current and working.
  • Do not include a website’s logo and do not use the logo as a link.
  • Link directly to the content page, not just to a general website.
  • Do not link to a PDF if an HTML version is available.

E-blasts

E-blast links follow the same style guidelines above, with one exception. To engage readers in an email format, links are bold as well as blue.

Refer to the “Related Resources” section of the E-blast Writing Guide and Templates for information on types and maximum number of links in an e-blast.

Linking in Multiple Languages

Links in multiple languages need to accommodate non-English speakers and English speakers who might need to find information for a non-English speaking parent or teacher. Refer to Commonly Used Paragraphs and Phrases for guidance on formatting and styling links to resources in multiple languages.

Read more:

,  Web Standards