Website Usability Guidelines

Follow these usability recommendations:

Link Labels - To avoid confusion, use link labels that clearly differentiate one link from another. User should be able to look at the link and get a feel for the destination subject matter. Using the click here link does not tell anything about the destination page.
Related Links - E-commerce websites should provide links that are related to the primary product when additional information is required. For example: warranty, unique features, new promotions, etc.
Match Link - Page with Destination Page - Make the link text consistent with the title or heading on the destination page. Remember, users want to know where they are on the website.
Avoid Misleading Links - User have been trained that an active link is underlined and usually blue. To avoid confusing do not use an underline for any other purpose except for an active link.
Test Links Vs. Graphic Links - In general, text links are preferred by most users, they download faster, and are easy to recognize. A company logo usually has a link to the homepage and is understood by most users.

Use Point and Click - Pointing-and-Clicking is preferred rather than mouse over when selecting menu items from a cascading menu structure. The Point and Click method takes 18% less time, reduces errors, and is preferred by all users.
Link Text Length - Make text long enough to be understood, but not so long the that the text wraps around. Wrapping makes the text link difficult to read.
Indicate External Links - Indicate to the user if the link will move to another page on a different website. When this action is not used the user will become confused and will exit the website.
Help Links - Use links to provide definition and descriptions to clarify technical concepts and unique product features.
Link Colors - Most users expect active links to be blue and purple as a visited link.
Embedded Links - When using embedded links, the link text should accurately describe the link's destination. Users tend to avoid the text around an embedded link.