Check a Webpage's Links Before Sharing It
Open the important links on a resource page and confirm they lead where the text says they do.
Choose the links that matter
A page can look current while its most useful links point to old forms, unrelated services, or pages that have moved. Before sharing it, identify links that affect a reader’s next step: eligibility rules, application forms, provider contact details, schedules, and emergency guidance. You do not need to inspect every decorative link to check whether a resource is usable.
For a food-support page, prioritize the provider list, hours, location, and instructions for confirming availability. A broken link to a general news story may be less important than a broken link to the application or appointment process.
Open each link and verify its destination
Click the link and read the page title, organization name, and first instructions. Check that the destination matches the link label and that it concerns the same service and area. A link called “apply” should not lead to a generic homepage unless the page explains how to reach the application from there.
Watch for redirects to a different organization or a file that no longer opens. If a page redirects, see whether the new destination is an official successor. When the destination looks unexpected, return to the resource page and locate the provider independently through its official site or a verified directory.
Check documents and details
When a link opens a PDF or form, inspect its title, date, version, and instructions. Confirm the file corresponds to the program named on the webpage. A form with an old deadline or different service area may still be accessible even though it is no longer appropriate. Check for a newer copy on the agency’s main program page.
For a location link, verify that the address and contact method appear on the provider’s own page. If a schedule is important, check the date or service period and whether appointments are required. If the page provides no clear date, contact the provider before telling someone to travel there.
Share with useful context
When you send the page to someone, tell them what you checked and when. If one link is broken but a verified contact is available, explain that plainly and share the contact route. Do not silently substitute an unofficial copy of a form or ask someone to enter private information into an uncertain site.
A quick link check can save a household a wasted trip or a missed deadline. It also helps the original page owner by making it clear which link needs repair. Keep a short note of the page title, the links you verified, and any unresolved detail so another person can pick up the task without repeating it.
Sources & further reading
Spotted something we should look at? Suggest a correction.