Google’s ‘Read More’ Link Tips

Google has released updated guidance explaining how websites can improve their chances of appearing with “Read more” deep links in search results. While the feature itself is not new, the added documentation provides clearer direction for developers and SEO professionals looking to improve visibility and user experience.

These deep links appear within a search result snippet and allow users to jump directly to a specific section of a webpage, rather than landing at the top and having to scroll manually. This makes it easier for users to find exactly what they are looking for, especially on longer pages.

Understanding “Read more” deep links

A “Read more” deep link is essentially a shortcut within a search listing that points to a particular part of a page. Instead of directing users to the homepage or a general section, it takes them straight to the most relevant content.

This feature is especially useful for pages with multiple sections, such as guides, FAQs, or long-form articles. It helps improve usability and can also increase engagement by reducing the time it takes for users to find key information.

Although these links have been part of search results for some time, the latest update from Google focuses on explaining how websites can better support their appearance.

Why some pages miss out

Not all pages are eligible to display “Read more” deep links, and certain design or technical choices can reduce the likelihood of them appearing.

One of the main issues highlighted in the new guidance is content visibility. If important information is hidden behind expandable sections, tabs, or accordion-style layouts, it may be harder for search engines to recognise and link to it directly.

This means that even if the content is valuable, it might not be surfaced in the most effective way within search results.

Key best practices to follow

To improve the chances of “Read more” deep links appearing, Google has outlined three key recommendations.

Firstly, content should be immediately visible when the page loads. This ensures that search engines can easily access and understand the structure of the page without needing to interact with hidden elements.

Secondly, websites should avoid using JavaScript that forces the page to scroll to a specific position when it loads. For example, automatically resetting the scroll position to the top can interfere with deep linking behaviour and prevent users from landing on the intended section.

Thirdly, it is important to retain hash fragments in the URL. These fragments act as markers that guide users to a particular section of the page. If they are removed or altered during page load—often through certain JavaScript functions—it can break the deep link entirely.

The role of modern web design

Many modern websites rely heavily on JavaScript and dynamic content, particularly single-page applications. While these technologies can improve performance and user experience, they can also introduce challenges when it comes to search visibility.

The updated guidance highlights the need for developers to carefully consider how these features are implemented. Ensuring that content remains accessible and that URLs function correctly is essential for maintaining strong search performance.

Impact on SEO strategies

For SEO professionals, this update provides clearer insight into how page structure and technical setup can influence search results.

Pages that are easy to navigate, properly structured, and accessible on load are more likely to benefit from enhanced search features such as “Read more” links.

On the other hand, overly complex layouts or unnecessary scripts may limit a page’s ability to appear in this way, even if the content itself is high quality.

Testing and optimisation

Website owners and developers are encouraged to review how their pages behave when they load. Testing scroll behaviour, checking how URLs handle hash fragments, and ensuring that key content is visible can all help improve outcomes.

Small technical adjustments can make a significant difference, particularly for sites that rely on long-form content or detailed information pages.

A clarification, not a new feature

It is important to note that this update does not introduce a new search feature. Instead, it provides more detailed guidance on an existing one.

By outlining what works—and what may prevent deep links from appearing—Google is helping site owners better understand how to optimise their pages for search visibility.

Looking ahead

As search continues to evolve, features like “Read more” deep links are becoming increasingly important for improving user experience. They allow users to access relevant information quickly and efficiently, which is a key goal for modern search engines.

For website owners, the message is clear: focus on accessibility, maintain clean and functional URLs, and avoid unnecessary barriers that could prevent content from being properly indexed.

By following these best practices, websites can improve their chances of standing out in search results and delivering a smoother, more user-friendly experience.