Why Link Behaviour Matters for Accessibility

Link behaviour refers to how a link responds when a user interacts with it. For example, whether it opens in the same tab, a new tab, or triggers a download. Links that unexpectedly open in new tabs or windows can disorient users and interrupt their workflow.

The Link Behaviour feature in the Accessibility Toolkit plugin helps address this problem by controlling how links open and providing clear cues when they do. It ensures users always know what to expect before clicking a link, creating a smoother and more predictable browsing experience.

Who is Affected

This issue particularly affects

• users of screen readers who may lose context when a new tab or window opens without warning
• users who rely on keyboard navigation and find it difficult to track unexpected focus changes
• users with cognitive challenges who benefit from consistent and predictable navigation behaviour

Unexpected Link Behaviour

When a link opens in a new tab using target=”_blank”, it can confuse assistive technology users:

<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Visit our page</a>

While many developers use this to keep users on the same site, it can lead to accessibility issues. Screen reader users may not know they’ve switched tabs, and keyboard users may lose track of where they are.

From an accessibility point of view, this behaviour connects to several important WCAG principles. According to 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context), people should always be able to understand what a link will do before they activate it. If a link opens in a new tab without any clear indication, its purpose is not fully understood.

It also relates to 3.2.5 Change on Request, which focuses on preventing unexpected changes of context. Opening a new window or tab without warning is a major shift that can interrupt the user’s experience, especially for those using assistive technology.

In addition, 1.3.1 Info and Relationships becomes relevant when visual indicators such as an icon or label are used to show that a link opens in a new tab. This information must also be made available programmatically so that screen readers can communicate it properly.

By clearly informing users when a link opens in a new tab, either through text such as “opens in a new tab” or through accessible icons, developers can make navigation more predictable and user-friendly for everyone.

Best practice recommends either:

• Avoiding target=”_blank entirely, or
• Providing a clear indication that a link will open in a new tab or window helps users understand what to expect. This can be done by adding visible text such as “opens in a new tab”, using an appropriate ARIA label, or including an icon that also has descriptive text for screen readers.

Checking Your Site’s Link Behaviour

You can quickly identify links that open in new tabs by:

1. Inspecting your webpage’s source code.
2. Searching for target=”_blank” in the HTML.
3. Noting whether there’s accompanying text or an icon indicating that it opens in a new tab.

If not, these links may be confusing to assistive technology users.

Managing Link Behaviour with Accessibility Toolkit

The Link Behaviour feature gives you two tools to make links more accessible:

To enable these options:

1. Go to the Accessibility options in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Under the Link Behaviour section, select the desired checkboxes:
   • Remove target=”_blank” by default
   • Add label/icons to links
3. Click Save settings at the bottom.

Remove target=”_blank” by default:

This prevents links from opening in new tabs unless necessary. Users maintain control over their navigation experience.

Before enabling the feature

After enabling the feature

Add labels or icons to new-tab links:

When a link does open in a new tab, the plugin adds visual or textual cues (like “Opens in a new tab”) so that users are informed in advance.

Before enabling the feature
(No visible icons)

After enabling the feature
(Visible icons)

Why It’s Important for Accessibility and SEO

Consistent and predictable link behaviour helps users:

• Maintain orientation when navigating between pages.
• Avoid confusion caused by unexpected new tabs.
• Understand where each link leads, improving overall usability and trust.

For SEO, properly handled links also contribute to improved crawlability and clearer site structure.

Best Practices

• Avoid using target=”_blank” unless necessary.
• Always provide visible cues or ARIA labels when a link opens in a new tab.
• Test with keyboard and screen reader navigation to confirm predictable behaviour.
• Use consistent link behaviour across your website.

By ensuring transparent and consistent link interactions, your website becomes more intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly for everyone. The Link Behaviour feature in the Accessibility Toolkit plugin helps you maintain that balance effortlessly.