This simple change could change the way we use the web, how we search, and more.
It could even be enough to wrest users away from Safari and Firefox unless they follow along.
This copies a URL just for that particular text snippet on that particular web page.
Benjamin Dada / Unsplash
Its a smart functionality that allows you to be more precise with your linking.
This is useful for all kinds of reasons.
But this is just the beginning.
But if that changes, then this fundamentally changes the way the web works.
Now, we can contact people directly via their cellphone.
Highlight links are like cellphone numbers for the web.
In fact, Google already has laid the conceptual groundwork for this.
Text block linking is another aspect of that strategy."
An otherwise poorly ranked website might be lifted thanks to an especially good or relevant snippet of information.
“It will likely just change the way that SEOs approach improving their rankings,” says Birch.
“You could use it to rank your site higher for specific question-based queries.”
Whats Next?
Will Apple and Mozilla follow along?
“I dont see why not,” says Birch.
“Its a smart functionality that allows you to be more precise with your linking.”
There is a new crop of apps that usethis kind of deep-linking.
Imagine this combined with Googles new highlight links.
Or you could have an app that automatically collects those snippets.
The possibilities are huge.
Lets just hope this doesnt just end up as yet another SEO tool that ruins the web even more.
