Links - Email Links Formatted Correctly

Email Links

• Visitors to websites assume all links go to webpages.
• For links that do not go to webpages, we need to tell users explicitly where they will go so they can make an informed choice about whether or not to select the link.
• This is especially true for email links because they automatically open a new application when selected.
  • Without any warning, that can be confusing - especially for screen reader users and those with cognitive disabilities. 
• Reminder - The proper formatting when typing email links:

  mailto:bigjay@ku.edu

Email Links in Paragraph Text

Email links in paragraph text should use the exposed email address (e.g., bigjay@ku.edu) - not the person or department's name.

• Correct Email Link Title:
  • "Contact Big Jay at bigjay@ku.edu."
• Incorrect Email Link Titles:
  • "Contact Big Jay"
  • "Contact our Program Director"
  • "Email our Program Director"

Email Links in Buttons and Button-Style Links Only

Email links in buttons and KU Sunflower sections, must either:

1. Use the exposed email address if appropriate (e.g., webservices@ku.edu)
2. State explicitly that the link is an email to tell users they are about to open a separate application

Examples of correct link titles in buttons and KU Sunflower sections:

• webservices@ku.edu
• Email Us
• Email [dept/org name] – Example: Email Web Services
• Email [individual's title] – Example: Email Program Director
• Email [individual's name, title] – Example: Email Big Jay, Program Director

We do not recommend "Email [individual's name only]" (e.g., Email Big Jay) or "[individual's email address only]" (e.g., bigjay@ku.edu) - because the user may not know the person by name only.