---
title: Identical Links Same Purpose | Accessibility Rule
description: Links with the same name must have a similar purpose
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/identical-links-same-purpose
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/identical-links-same-purpose/index.md
---
# Ensure that links with the same accessible name serve a similar purpose

Rule ID: identical-links-same-purposeUser Impact: minorGuidelines: Best Practices

The `identical-links-same-purpose` rule ensures that links with the same accessible name (label) serve the same purpose and destination, preventing confusion for users, especially those using screen readers.

## What is being tested?

This rule checks that:

- Links with the same text (or accessible name) point to the same destination or serve the same purpose.
- Links with different purposes or destinations have distinct, descriptive names or labels.

## Why it matters

Screen readers often provide users with a list of all links on a page. If links have identical labels but lead to different destinations, users cannot reliably determine where each link goes, making navigation confusing and inefficient.

## How to fix the problem

- Ensure links with the same label serve the same purpose or point to the same URL.
- Use `aria-label` or descriptive link text to clarify the purpose when needed.
- For image links, use clear `alt` text that describes the link’s destination or function.

## Good examples

    <a href="routes.html">Current routes at Boulders Climbing Gym</a>
    
    <a href="routes.html">
      <img src="topo.gif" alt="Current routes at Boulders Climbing Gym">
    </a>
    
    <a href="taxhike.html" aria-label="Read more about Seminole tax hike">[Read more...]</a>
    <a href="babymayor.html" aria-label="Read more about Seminoles new baby mayor">[Read more...]</a>

## Incorrect examples

    <a href="taxhike.html">Read more</a>
    <a href="babymayor.html">Read more</a>
    <!-- Both links say "Read more" but lead to different articles without clarification -->

## Best practices

- Use clear, descriptive link text that makes sense out of context.
- If repeating visual link text (like "Read more"), add an `aria-label` or hidden text to clarify each link’s purpose.
- For graphical links, ensure `alt` or `aria-label` provides meaningful context.

## Other Rules

Interested in other web accessibility rules? Please see these other rules:

- [meta-refresh-no-exceptions](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/meta-refresh-no-exceptions)
- [css-orientation-lock](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/css-orientation-lock)
- [focus-order-semantics](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/focus-order-semantics)
- [hidden-content](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/hidden-content)
- [label-content-name-mismatch](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/label-content-name-mismatch)