Links

Link Requirements

Visible Text Requirement

A link must always have visible text. This ensures that users, including those with assistive technologies, can perceive and interact with the link. In the State of Nevada CMS remove any elements that are not used as they will create links with no visible text. This is pointless because if a user cannot see the link they cannot click on it.

Avoid "Link to..." Redundancy - Best Practice

The link text should not redundantly state its "link to..." nature. Screen readers already announce the role before reading the link text, and redundant information can be confusing.

Links Visually Distinguishable from Non-Links

Link text must be distinguished using a minimum of two methods and must be visually distinguishable from surrounding non-link text. On State of Nevada CMS websites, we use underlining and color to distinguish links. Non-link text should not be the same color nor should they be underlined.

Clear and Understandable Purpose

The purpose of each link must be readily understandable and distinguishable from other links on the same page. Ideally, this distinction should be evident from the link text alone, or at least from the immediate surrounding context.

Do not use "Click here..." or any ambiguous form of this language as link text must be readily understandable and distinguishable from other links on the page.

Consistent Link Text

Links leading to the same destination must be consistently identified with the same, or very similar, link text across all pages of the site. This consistency aids users in understanding the purpose of the link consistently throughout the website.

By adhering to these principles, we ensure that the website is not only accessible but also provides a cohesive and understandable experience for all users.

Creating Links in Ektron

There are multiple ways to include links in Ektron. In all smart forms the Paragraph Copy or Description (Optional) fields can be used for text and links. If the smart form contains the link field, use it to avoid spacing and font issues experienced in the Paragraph Copy or Description (Optional) field.

To create links in these fields, review the appropriate Ektron tutorial.

Some smart forms have special fields for links

Responsive Body Smart Form

Use the link field to avoid spacing and font issues experienced in the Description (Optional) field.

Any version of the Page-Program smart form

Contains the link/list field that can be used to create links. Use the link/list field to avoid spacing and font issues experienced in the Paragraph Copy field.