Internal linking for SEO is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your website’s performance. It involves connecting pages within your website by embedding hyperlinks in your content. Doing this can enhance your site’s navigation, improve user experience, and boost your SEO. Let’s dive into the best practices, especially for those using WordPress.
The current article is "2.17. SEO Internal Linking" of our Complete SEO Guide Box.
Previous Article: 2.16. Adding Links to a Website. Next Article: 2.18. External Links in SEO
Contents
Prerequisite to Internal Linking for SEO
Before understanding the main topic, read our Adding Links to a Website Guide, which explains link types and the anchor text.
Link to Relevant Content
Your internal links should be relevant to the context of the page. Connecting unrelated content can confuse readers and hurt your SEO efforts. Ensure that your internal SEO linking follows a logical pattern that adds value to your users’ experience.
Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Anchor text is the visible text used for a hyperlink. Ensure it’s descriptive and provides an idea of what the linked page is about. Avoid using vague phrases like “click here.” Opt for anchor text that gives readers a clear sense of the content they’re about to see.
Link to High-Quality Pages
Direct your internal links to your best content – the articles and pages that offer significant value to readers. This practice helps distribute the authority of your pages. It encourages users to explore your site further, strengthening your internal linking for SEO efforts.
Avoid Overlinking
Although internal linking is beneficial, you should not overdo it. Too many links on a page can make your content look spammy and distract readers from your main message.
Use Follow Links
All internal links should be “follow” by default, allowing search engines to crawl them. Refrain from using “nofollow” for internal links unless you have a specific reason to block search engines from a particular page. Remember, internal linking for SEO is about ensuring search engines can crawl your site effectively.
Create a Content Hierarchy
Structure your content into categories and subcategories, linking from broader topics to more specific ones. This helps create a logical flow, allowing search engines to crawl your site easily.
Regularly Update Internal Links
As you add new content to your site, revisit older posts to incorporate links to your latest articles. This keeps your content interconnected and up-to-date, strengthening your internal linking for SEO.
Internal Linking for SEO: Using Tools
Use WordPress Plugins
Yoast SEO Premium can help automate your internal linking process by suggesting relevant links or automatically linking specific keywords to designated pages.
Monitor Performance
Keep track of how your internal links are performing. Our Complete SEO Guide Box uses Plausible Analytics to measure page views, bounce rate, and time spent on linked pages.
Google Tips
Follow Google Tips on Internal Linking in Google Docs.
Conclusion
By following these best practices for internal linking for SEO, you’ll create a well-structured and interconnected website that offers a better experience for your visitors. In WordPress, you can easily add or edit internal links within your posts and pages, helping you create a cohesive content network that supports your overall SEO strategy.
The current article is "2.17. SEO Internal Linking" of our Complete SEO Guide Box.
Previous Article: 2.16. Adding Links to a Website. Next Article: 2.18. External Links in SEO
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