Mailto links can open a visitor's email application, and tel links can offer a dial action on supported devices. They are links, not automatic ways to send a message. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.
What You Need to Know
Use international phone number formats where possible. Keep another contact option available because some devices have no email or phone application configured.
Links are the pathways through a website. The words on a link should help someone choose where to go before clicking it.
Example: See It in Action
This example keeps the idea small. Copy it carefully, then follow the explanation instead of guessing what the browser will do.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<address>
<a href="mailto:[email protected]">Email the club</a>
<a href="tel:+12025550123">Call the club</a>
</address>Let’s Understand the Example
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Address contains contact details for the nearest relevant page or article author.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
The first example link points to mailto:[email protected]. Check whether that destination exists relative to the document. A link changes where readers go; it does not perform an action such as saving a form.
What Should You See?
You should see a link named “Email the club”. Selecting it leads to mailto:[email protected] when that destination exists. Try it with the mouse and the keyboard.
Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.
Try It Yourself
- Add an email link and a phone link to a contact section.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Expecting clicking mailto to send an email without the visitor approving it.
- Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.
Key Takeaways
- Mailto links can open a visitor's email application, and tel links can offer a dial action on supported devices.
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Use international phone number formats where possible. Keep another contact option available because some devices have no email or phone application configured.