1. Why Anchor Text Strategy Matters

A writer who ignores anchor text creates weak, vague, low‑value links.

A writer who understands anchor text creates powerful, context‑rich signals that help Google understand:

• What the linked page is about
• How pages relate to each other
• Which pages deserve to rank
• What topics your site is authoritative in

Anchor text influences:

• Rankings
• Crawlability
• Topical authority
• User navigation
• Internal linking strength
• Relevance signals

Every Total Apex contributor must master anchor text strategy because it is the core of internal linking and topical authority.

2. What Anchor Text Is

Anchor text is the clickable text inside a hyperlink.

Example

In the sentence:

Check out our Elden Ring builds guide for more options.  

The anchor text is Elden Ring builds guide.

Anchor text tells Google:

• What the linked page is about
• How relevant it is
• How it fits into your site’s topic cluster

Anchor text is a ranking signal — and one writers control directly.

3. The Anatomy of Strong Anchor Text

Strong anchor text is:

• Descriptive
• Keyword‑rich (naturally)
• Relevant to the linked page
• Short and scannable
• Placed in context

Correct

• our PS5 overheating fix guide
• the best Elden Ring builds
• today’s NBA standings
• the Episode 7 recap

Incorrect

• click here
• this article
• read more
• learn more

Vague anchors waste SEO potential.

4. Types of Anchor Text (and When to Use Them)

A. Exact‑Match Anchor Text

Uses the exact primary keyword of the target page.

Example

• best Elden Ring builds

Use When

• Linking to pillar pages
• Linking to high‑value guides
• Linking once per article

B. Partial‑Match Anchor Text

Includes part of the keyword + natural language.

Example

• builds for Elden Ring beginners
• NBA playoff standings today

Use When

• Linking multiple times
• Keeping language natural

C. Branded Anchor Text

Uses the site or brand name.

Example

• Total Apex’s Elden Ring guide

Use When

• Establishing authority
• Linking from high‑trust pages

D. Generic Anchor Text (Use Sparingly)

• learn more
• read the full guide

Use When

• UX requires it
• Buttons or CTAs

Generic anchors have low SEO value.

E. Long‑Tail Anchor Text

Uses a full phrase or question.

Example

• how to fix PS5 overheating fast

Use When

• Matching search intent
• Linking to how‑to guides

Long‑tails are powerful for ranking specific queries.

5. Anchor Text Placement Rules

A. Place Anchor Text Early

Google weighs early content more heavily.

B. Link Within Context

Anchor text should appear inside a relevant sentence, not isolated.

C. Link Naturally

If it feels forced, rewrite the sentence.

D. Spread Links Throughout the Article

Don’t cluster them in one section.

E. Use 1–2 Exact‑Match Anchors Max

Avoid over‑optimization.

6. How Anchor Text Supports Topic Clusters

Anchor text is how Google understands your site structure.

Example: Gaming Cluster

Pillar Page:

• Elden Ring Builds Guide

Supporting Pages:

• Strength builds
• Dexterity builds
• Faith builds
• Early‑game weapons

Anchor Text Strategy

• Supporting pages link to the pillar using exact‑match
• Pillar links back using partial‑match
• Supporting pages link to each other using contextual anchors

This creates a web of relevance Google rewards.

7. Anchor Text Across Total Apex Verticals

News

• full timeline of events
• official statement from the mayor
• our breaking news coverage

Sports

• today’s NBA standings
• full Browns vs. Steelers recap
• player stats and analysis

Gaming

• best Elden Ring builds
• Fortnite patch notes
• PS5 overheating fix

Entertainment

• Episode 7 ending explained
• cast and character guide
• full season recap

Lifestyle

• morning routine tips
• best productivity apps
• how to build better habits

Each vertical has predictable anchor text patterns — writers must learn them.

8. Common Anchor Text Mistakes (and Fixes)

A. Using vague anchors

❌ click here  

✔️ our PS5 overheating guide

B. Over‑optimizing

❌ Using exact‑match 5+ times

✔️ Use exact‑match once, partial‑match after

C. Linking irrelevant pages

❌ Linking to random content

✔️ Linking only to related topics

D. Stuffing keywords

❌ best Elden Ring builds best Elden Ring builds  

✔️ Natural phrasing

E. Linking too little

❌ 0–2 internal links

✔️ 5–10 per article

F. Linking only at the end

❌ Dumping links in a “related reading” block

✔️ Distributing links throughout the article

Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Anchor text is one of the strongest SEO signals you control — and it shapes how Google understands your entire site.

Total Apex Anchor Text Essentials

• Use descriptive, keyword‑rich anchors
• Use exact‑match sparingly
• Use partial‑match naturally
• Link early and throughout the article
• Support topic clusters
• Avoid vague anchors
• Avoid over‑optimization
• Keep anchor text relevant to the linked page

Mastering anchor text strategy ensures every Total Apex article — across news, gaming, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle — strengthens site authority, improves rankings, and enhances user navigation.