Internal linking is an important but often overlooked part of a robust SEO Strategy. This is the practice of creating links that lead from one page on a domain to another page on the same domain. These differ from external links that point to pages from other domains.
When done correctly, internal linking can significantly improve your site’s SEO by providing clear paths for spiders, longer sessions for users, and a dense network of pages and posts.
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Why Internal Linking is important
Essentially, internal linking serves two main purposes:
- Assisting with website navigation.
- Defining the architecture and hierarchy of a website.
But the benefits go far beyond these basics:
- Improves user experience:
Internal links guide visitors through your website, directing them to relevant content and keeping them engaged longer. This not only improves the user experience but also increases the chances of conversion. - Spreads Link Equity:
In the SEO world, “link equity” refers to the value passed from one site to another. Internal links spread this equity throughout your website, which can increase the ranking potential of each page. - Increases page views:
A well-placed internal link can entice readers to consume more content, thereby increasing page views and reducing bounce rates. - Improves page authority:
When you frequently link to a specific page, you signal to search engines that the page is important. Over time this can increase the authority of the page. - Makes it easier to index content:
Search engines like Google use bots to crawl websites. Internal links help these bots find new pages and index them faster.
Internal linking best practices
To reap the full benefits of internal linking, you need to follow a few best practices:
- Use descriptive anchor text:
The clickable text in a link should clearly state what the linked page is about. This helps search engines understand the context and relevance of the linked page. - Link deep:
Instead of just linking to your homepage or contact page, link to pages deeper in your website structure. This helps distribute link equity more evenly. - Use links that are natural to the reader:
Your internal links should fit seamlessly into the content. They should feel natural to the reader and not be forced or overused. - Create lots of content:
The more content you have, the more opportunities you have to include internal links. A solid content strategy is a boon for internal linking. - Use a reasonable number of internal links:
There is no perfect number, but don’t overload your pages with internal links. Only include them if they provide value to the user.
Internal linking: A practical example
Let’s say you have a blog post about “Best SEO Practices for Small Businesses“. In this post, you mention the importance of keyword research.
If you have another article specifically about “Conducting keyword research,” that’s the perfect opportunity for an internal link.
Not only does this result in a more cohesive experience for the reader, but it also helps search engines understand the relationship between your site’s content.
Conclusion
Internal linking is a simple yet powerful tool in your SEO arsenal. It’s about creating connections – not just between pages, but also between your content and your audience.
When implemented carefully, internal linking can improve your website’s structure, user experience and search engine rankings. So take the time to weave your web of internal links. It’s a strategic move that will pay off in the long run.
Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Internal linking is just one part of a comprehensive SEO strategy, but it can result in significant profits over time.
Start implementing these practices today and watch your website structure strengthen and help you climb the search engine ladder.
