Internal Linking Best Practices: How to Do It Right
As a business owner, you’ve likely heard of internal linking strategies. Today, we’re here to share some internal linking best practices with you to help you get started today. So, what is internal linking? Internal linking means adding links from one page of a website to another page on the same site. These links help visitors move around easily and find useful content without needing to leave their current page. They also help search engines understand the site’s structure in order to direct potential customers.
Internal links are important for SEO because they spread ranking power across different pages on your website. This helps search engines index the site better and improves search engine rankings. For users, good internal links make a website easy to explore, keeping visitors engaged for longer. They also guide your visitors to important pages, making their experience better.
A strong internal linking strategy can boost a website’s traffic and authority. In this article, we will explain how internal linking works, why it is important, and how to do it the right way. We will also share common mistakes to avoid to help you get started. Whether you are improving an old site or building a new one, smart internal linking can help. Let’s begin!
What Is Internal Linking vs External Linking?
Internal linking happens when you add links from one page of a website to another page on the same site. These links help users find related content and make navigation easier for the customer. They also help search engines understand the website’s structure.
Internal links are different from external links. Internal links connect pages within the same website, while external links point to other websites. Both types are important, but internal links keep visitors on the site longer and improve SEO.
For example, on a travel website, a blog about “Best Beaches in Thailand” may link to another page about “Top Hotels in Phuket.” On an online store, a product page for running shoes may link to a guide on choosing the right shoe size.
A good internal linking structure helps websites stay organized. It guides users smoothly from one page to another without making it confusing. In addition, it helps search engines index content properly so that your website can be properly ranked.
Best Practices for Internal Linking
Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Anchor text is the clickable text in a link. It should be clear and describe the page it links to so users know what they will be taken to. Good anchor text helps users and search engines understand the content before they click on it.
Avoid using generic terms like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use meaningful phrases. For example, instead of saying, Click here to learn about travel tips, write Check out our best travel tips.
Good anchor text improves SEO and user experience. It makes links more useful and helps search engines rank pages better. Always choose words that match the linked page’s topic.
Maintain a Logical Site Structure
A well-structured website makes it easy for users and search engines to navigate. Internal links should follow a clear hierarchy. Important pages should link to smaller, related pages.
For example, a homepage can link to category pages, which then link to individual articles. High-authority pages should pass value to lower-ranking ones.
Using categories and topic clusters improves organization. A travel website, for example, might have a main Thailand Travel Guide linking to pages about Best Beaches in Thailand and Top Things to Do in Bangkok. This structure keeps content connected.
Avoid Overloading Pages with Links
Make sure to pay attention to how many links are on each page. If you have too many internal links on a page it can confuse users and reduce the SEO value. Furthermore, search engines may struggle to determine which links are most important to show to visitors.
A good rule is to keep internal links relevant and natural. Pages should only link to content that adds value. For example, a blog about Best NYC Jazz Bars should not link to an unrelated topic like SEO Tips.
Overloading a page with links can also make content hard to read. Keep navigation smooth by using only essential links. Quality is better than quantity, especially when it comes to following internal linking best practices.
Link to High-Value and Relevant Pages
Internal links should guide users to valuable content that adds to their experience. Pages that drive traffic, conversions, or engagement should be prioritized over informational pages.
For example, an e-commerce website should link to best-selling products or category pages. A blog post about Healthy Eating Tips can link to Best Meal Plans for Weight Loss.
Always choose links that fit naturally into the content. Avoid forcing links just for SEO as this likely does not provide any benefit to your customers. The goal is to help users find what they need while improving the site’s overall structure.
Use Internal Links for Content Clusters
Content clusters group related pages around a main topic. This helps search engines and users find information easily.
For example, a main Paris Travel Guide can link to supporting pages like Best Cafés in Paris or Top Attractions in Paris. This method strengthens topic authority and improves website navigation.
Common Internal Linking Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Many Internal Links – Too many links on a page can confuse users and make content hard to read. It also weakens SEO value by spreading ranking power too thin.
- Linking Irrelevant Pages – Internal links should connect related topics. Linking to unrelated pages disrupts user experience and does not help SEO.
- Not Updating or Maintaining Internal Links – Over time, pages may be deleted or moved. Broken links harm user experience and SEO. Regular updates keep links useful.
- Orphan Pages (Pages Without Internal Links) – Pages with no internal links are hard for search engines and users to find. Every important page should have at least one internal link from another page.
Avoiding these mistakes improves site navigation, keeps content connected, and helps search engines rank pages better. If you have already made some of these mistakes, it is never too late to adapt your strategy.
How to Audit and Improve Internal Links
- Use SEO Tools – Google Search Console and Screaming Frog help find broken or missing links. These tools show which pages need fixes.
- Fix Broken Links – Broken links hurt SEO and frustrate users. Replace them with working links or remove them if no longer needed.
- Update Old Content with New Links – Older pages should link to newer, relevant content. This keeps information fresh and boosts SEO.
- Improve Site Structure – Ensure important pages have links from high-traffic pages. This helps search engines and users find key content easily.
Regular audits keep internal linking strong, improving both user experience and search rankings. Make sure to keep track of your links on a weekly or biweekly basis so that any issues can be caught quickly.
Internal linking is a simple but powerful SEO strategy, so make sure to do it correctly to see the biggest impacts. By following internal linking best practices you can expect to see users who can navigate your site, improved search rankings, and connected content. Using clear anchor text, linking relevant pages, and maintaining a logical structure are key to succeeding in your internal linking journey. Avoid common mistakes like broken links, orphan pages, and excessive linking by regularly auditing and updating your internal links to keep your site strong.
Start optimizing your website today! Review your website’s internal links, fix any issues, and create a better experience for visitors. A well-linked site boosts SEO and keeps users engaged.