An empty link is a hyperlink element <a> in HTML that does not contain any descriptive text or content. For example,
<a href="https://sidearmsports.com/sports/2022/12/7/accessibility"></a> <a></a>
This link technically exists in the code, but it provides no information to users—especially those using assistive technologies like screen readers.
? Why Empty Links Are a Problem for Accessibility
Screen Reader Confusion:
Screen readers rely on link text to describe where a link goes.
An empty link is announced as just “link,” which is meaningless and confusing.
Keyboard Navigation Issues:
Users navigating with a keyboard may tab to an empty link and not know what it does or where it leads.
Fails Accessibility Standards:
Violates WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) success criteria, particularly:
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
Removing the empty links
For the most part, empty links aren’t visible on the fan-facing page or in the CMS entry. Unfortunately this means you’ll need to access the entry’s source code to find the link that needs removed.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article