In search engine optimization, this term refers to a link without keywords in the text. Instead of a specific anchor, for example, “buy a laptop,” neutral words (“here,” “read”) or a plain URL are used. This makes the site’s link profile more natural and less spammy.
What does a non-anchor link mean? It is a link that is formed without an exact keyword in order to ensure naturalness and reduce the risk of search engine filter penalties.
Examples of non-anchor links:
➤ https://example.com – a classic link without anchor text, where the user is offered to navigate directly to the address. This option is often found in comments, forums, or technical documentation.
➤ Visit the site – a universal phrase that does not contain keywords and is perceived by search engines as a natural user action.
➤ SEOMarket brand – a branded address where the focus is on the company name rather than a keyword. Such mentions build trust and authority for the domain.
Thus, non-anchor links help make the link pool more diverse and avoid suspicion from search engines.
How non-anchor links differ from anchor links
To better understand what a non-anchor link is, let’s compare it with classic anchor links. Non-anchor links work more subtly – they strengthen trust and demonstrate the naturalness of the link profile. Anchor links contain keywords and directly affect the relevance of the page. This comparison clearly shows the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches.
| Parameter | Anchors | Links |
| Composition | Keywords in the text | URL, brand, "here," "read more" |
| Spam risk | Higher | Minimal |
| Impact on relevance | Emphasize a specific keyword | Increase the naturalness of the profile |
| Impact on trust | May appear artificial | Increase trust in the domain |
Such differences help properly distribute links in promotion and avoid mistakes.
Why non-anchor links are important for SEO
Many website owners ask why non-anchors should be used at all. In fact, their role in optimization is extremely significant.
Google perceives non-anchor links as a signal of the site’s natural growth in popularity. They help to:
➤ Maintain the naturalness of the link profile.
➤ Avoid penalties for over-optimization.
➤ Increase brand trust.
➤ Establish proper page authority between different sections of the website.
➤ Promote faster indexing and improved ranking.
Thus, their use makes link building more stable and safe.
Types of non-anchor links
There are several types of non-anchors. They should be applied comprehensively to ensure that the link profile is diverse and natural.
The main types are:
➤ URL links – indicate the full page address. Example: https://seomarket.ua
➤ Branded links – contain the company name. Example: «seomarket»
➤ Combined links – brand + additional word. Example: «seomarket official website»
By using different types, you can create a harmonious list of non-anchor links that ensures the naturalness of the link profile.
How to properly use non-anchors
To get the maximum benefit, it is important to maintain balance and diversity of links. Practical recommendations:
➤ Add branded mentions – this strengthens trust in the website and distributes page authority.
➤ Use phrases for non-anchor links (“more details,” “read,” “go to”) so they appear natural.
➤ Place links in blogs, articles, forums, and social media – this expands audience reach and increases relevance.
➤ Balance external and internal linking – proper link distribution helps improve indexing and ranking.
➤ Maintain naturalness and avoid uniformity – repetitive links may trigger search engine filters.
➤ Monitor the quality of platforms – only reliable sources increase trust.
➤ Control the placement context – the link should fit organically into the text and match the page’s topic.
By following these recommendations, you can create a safe and effective link profile that supports traffic growth and improves your site’s positions in search results.
Risks of excessive use of non-anchor links
Although non-anchor links are considered safer than anchor links, their excess can also be harmful. The main risks include:
➤ reduced relevance for key queries;
➤ decreased impact on specific pages;
➤ creation of an artificial profile.
That is why it is important to maintain balance and not overload the site with links. To avoid mistakes, remember that diversity and quality are key.
How to properly distribute anchor and non-anchor links
Balancing a link profile is an extremely important task for SEO specialists. The optimal distribution is considered to be:
➤ 60–70% – non-anchor links;
➤ 30–40% – anchor links.
This approach preserves link diversity and helps avoid search engine filters. It makes the linking strategy stable and as natural as possible.
Tools for analyzing a link profile
To monitor the effectiveness of a strategy and avoid mistakes, specialists use services to check link mass. These tools allow you to see the dynamics, quality, and structure of links, as well as to adjust your strategy in a timely manner.
Ahrefs
One of the most powerful tools for link analysis. It shows the full site profile, distribution of anchor and non-anchor links, trust, and the number of external and internal links. Useful for evaluating competitors and finding new platforms.
Serpstat
A Ukrainian tool that helps analyze and track the rise or fall of positions, as well as check a site's link mass. Suitable for comprehensive SEO analysis.
SEMrush
An international platform that, in addition to link analysis, provides data on traffic, keywords, and site visibility. Convenient for building strategies and monitoring the quality of the link profile.
Google Search Console
A free tool from Google. Allows tracking which backlinks you have received, as well as your site’s anchor profile. Ideal for basic monitoring.
Using these services helps maintain the naturalness of a link profile, detect spam promptly, and avoid search engine filters.
Examples when non-anchor links help reach the TOP
In practice, non-anchor links often become a key factor in SEO promotion. Examples of non-anchor links:
➤ Brand mentions in the media – online stores receive natural mentions from reviews and forums.
➤ Links on social media to the company blog – blogs attract external addresses through citations.
➤ Forum discussions with clean URLs – local services build trust through branded mentions.
This approach demonstrates that even without exact keywords, it is possible to increase traffic and confidently promote a site in search results.
SEO specialists’ recommendations
Experienced specialists note that links work most effectively when several rules are followed:
➤ Use only high-quality non-anchor links from authoritative resources; they increase trust and credibility with search engines. This is an important part of a link-building strategy that strengthens the domain.
➤ Place them on trusted platforms – they ensure profile relevance and naturalness.
➤ Maintain balance in the link pool – the correct ratio helps avoid filters and supports optimization.
➤ Consider the placement context – the link should fit organically into the text and match the page’s topic.
➤ Avoid spam and check indexing – low-quality or spammy sources reduce the quality of your link profile and can lead to penalties.
By following these recommendations, you can effectively develop your link profile and strengthen your site’s positions. Non-anchor links are an important SEO element that helps maintain balance, increase trust, accelerate indexing, and bring a site to the TOP. The key is to keep search engine algorithms in mind, maintain naturalness, and avoid extremes. With the help of experienced SEO promotion specialists, your site achieves maximum efficiency and stable growth in rankings.
