Because internal linking is an important part of SEO, we put together a comprehensive guide on how to do it effectively. In this article, you’ll find all the basics and a few tips. So, if you want to learn about internal linking, keep reading!

What Is Internal Linking

Internal linking is the process of linking one page on a website to another page on the same website. This can be done in a number of ways, but most commonly it is done by adding links within the body content of a page. Internal linking is important for two main reasons:

  1. It helps search engines understand the structure of your website and index your pages accordingly. When you add a link from one page to another, you are essentially creating a path for search engine crawlers to follow. This helps them find and index your pages, which can improve your site’s SEO.
  2. It helps users navigate your website more easily, especially if you have a large website with many pages. Internal linking makes it way easier for visitors to navigate your site. By linking to other pages on your site, you can help visitors find the information they are looking for. This can improve the user experience of your site and make it more likely that visitors will stay on your site and convert into customers.

Breadcrumb Navigation

Breadcrumb navigation is a type of internal linking that uses a series of links to show the user where they are on the website, and how they got there. This can be helpful for users who are trying to find their way around a website, and it can also be helpful for search engines when they are indexing your pages.

Internal Linking vs External Linking

Internal links are those that link to other pages on the same website, while external links are those that link to pages on other websites. Internal links are usually used to navigate between pages on the same website, while external links are used to link to related information on other websites. Internal links can be helpful in increasing the flow of traffic between pages on a website, while external links can be useful in providing context and additional information for readers.

How to Do Internal Linking

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are adding internal links to your website.

Use Keyword-Rich Anchor Text

Anchor text is the text that appears on a web page that can be clicked on by a user. When adding internal links to your website, be sure to use descriptive anchor text that includes the keywords you want to target. For example, if you are linking to a page about dog grooming, you would want to use the anchor text “dog grooming” rather than just “click here.” This will help ensure that your link is relevant to the page you are linking to, and it will also help improve your website’s search engine ranking.

Add Links That Are Relevant to the Searcher’s Query

When a user conducts a search, they are typically looking for specific information. As such, it is important to add links to pages that are relevant to users’ search queries. For example, if people often search for “dog grooming tips,” you would want to put a link to a page that covers that topic in some of your other articles about dogs. This will help improve your website’s search engine ranking and ensure that your visitors find the information they are looking for.

Make Sure the Link Is Visible

Internal links should be easy for users to find. This means that they should be placed in prominent locations on your website, such a navigation bars, headers, or within articles. Additionally, each link should be clearly labeled so that users know what they are clicking on. 

Use Tracking Tools

There are a number of tracking tools available that can help you monitor your internal linking strategy. Google Analytics is a free tool that can be used to track the number of clicks on each link. Additionally, there are paid tools available that can provide more detailed information, such as the anchor text used for each link.

Avoid Over-Linking

While internal linking is an important part of SEO, it is important to avoid over-linking. This can be detrimental to your website’s search engine ranking and can also annoy users. When adding links to your website, be sure to add them sparingly and only link to pages that are relevant to the user’s search query.

Other Linking Tips

Now that you know the basics of internal linking, let’s take a look at some more advanced strategies.

Link Building

Link building is the process of adding links from other websites to your own. This can be done by adding your website to directories, or by reaching out to other websites and asking them to link to your site.

Remember About Link Value

Link value is the amount of authority or trust that a link passes from one website to another. In general, links from high-quality websites are worth more than links from low-quality websites. When adding links to your website, be sure to link to pages that are high quality and relevant to the topic at hand. This will help improve your website’s link value, and ultimately its search engine ranking.

Use Social Media

Social media can be a great way to promote your website and add links to your content. You can share your articles on social media, or even add links to your website in your profile.

Add Links to Your Email Signature

Adding a link to your website in your email signature is a great way to promote your site. Every time you send an email, you are promoting your website to whoever receives it.

And that’s everything you need to know about internal linking! By following the tips in this article, you can help improve your website’s SEO and usability. So, what are you waiting for? Start linking!