Links

One of the most useful features of a Web site is its ability to link content with other sources of related information. Links can transport users to specific areas of Web pages, other pages within a site, or external Web sites.

EERE disclaims responsibility for content on non-federal sites on the Web Site Policies page, linked from the footer on most EERE Web pages.

Requirements

All Web sites must follow these requirements.

Tell Visitors When you Link Offsite

When sending a visitor to a site outside of EERE, E-government standards require that you notify visitors that they are leaving EERE. The preferred method for notifying visitors on EERE is to identify the destination Web site in the link text or in the surrounding description (e.g., See ENERGY STAR's information on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency).

Best Practices

Following these best practices leads to higher quality content.

Write Clear, Descriptive Links

Because links are navigational tools, they should be written in a way that makes them easy to understand, and makes their purpose clear and obvious. All links should:

Be short and precise
Be as descriptive as possible about what you are linking to (wrong: "next" right: "next chapter")
Emphasize only the distinctive words in a list of links:
- Wrong: "renewable energy info for homeowners, renewable energy info for small businesses"
- Right:
  Renewable energy info for:
  - Homeowners
  - Small businesses

Do not Refer to Web Functions

When writing a link, you should never refer to a Web function such as "click here." Instead, use active words such as "Scan our list of researchers" or "See the DOE press release."

Link to Related Content throughout EERE

You should include links to other relevant sites or sections of your site in your text. Try to have at least one hyperlink for every screen of content.

Responding to Requests to Link From or To EERE

EERE receives many requests to link to external sites and for permission from external sites to link to EERE. If you are a Webmaster, you need to know how to handle requests to link to and from the EERE Web site. Below are guidelines for handling these requests.

Requests for EERE to Link to External Sites

Links to external Web sites can provide additional information that may be useful for visitors to your site. These links should be carefully selected to ensure that the information is useful, accurate, and timely. EERE disclaims responsibility for content on non-federal sites on the Web Site Policies page, linked from the footer on most EERE Web pages.

EERE follows DOE's linking policy for external links. DOE's criteria should be considered when evaluating requests to add external links and may be cited when denying submissions. You may use the following template when responding to a submission that is not appropriate for EERE:

Thank you for your request to link your site from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Web site. Unfortunately, we will not be able to link to your site for the following reasons:

- [List linking criteria here]

We appreciate your interest in the EERE Web site.

Sincerely,
EERE [Site Name] Webmaster

Requests for External Sites to Link to EERE

External sites often request permission to link to EERE sites. Links to EERE are always welcome, but use of the DOE or EERE logo or header is not allowed. You may want to use the following template when responding to requests to link to EERE and use the logo:

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in linking to the EERE Web site. You are welcome to link to the EERE Web site, but unfortunately we cannot grant permission for you to use the DOE or EERE logos.

Also, please note that links or other materials may not be used to state or imply the endorsement of EERE or any EERE employee of a commercial product, service, or activity or be used in any other manner that might mislead the public. Our full Web Site Policies, which include linking, can be found here: http://www.eere.energy.gov/webpolicies/.

Thanks again for your interest.

Sincerely,
EERE [Site Name] Webmaster

Related Information

Linking to PDFs