Internal link

Internal linking involves creating links between subpages within the same website. It is an essential aspect from both users’ and search engines’ perspectives.

Why is internal linking used on a website?

The goal is to make navigation easier for users, to show them additional related content, and to improve the website’s structure. Internal links also help search engines, such as Google, understand the hierarchy and relationships between individual pages, which is crucial for indexing and positioning the website in search results.

How can internal links be created?

Internal linking can be done in several ways:

1. Links in content: The most common are links woven directly into the text of articles, blog posts, or other content. For example, when writing an article about internal linking, you can refer to other articles on the site that expand on specific aspects of the topic.
2. Navigation menu: The main menu, side menu, and other navigation elements are places where you can place links to key sections of the site. This gives users easy access to the most important pages.
3. Product carousels: An excellent way to create additional internal links, e.g., on the home page, is to display a carousel of best-selling products.
4. Footer links: Page footers are also a good place to put links to essential subpages, such as the most important categories or the latest blog posts.
5. Breadcrumbs: A special type of internal link that shows the navigation path to the currently viewed page. This makes it easier for users to return to previous pages and better understand the website’s structure.
6. Tables of contents: In blog articles, they create additional internal links that help users and Google’s crawlers navigate the text and find key information more easily.

How does internal linking affect SEO?

Internal linking is crucial in SEO for several reasons:

1. Page indexing: Internal links help search engine robots index pages. These robots follow links, allowing them to discover new pages and content on the site.
2. Passing authority (link juice): Through internal linking, you can pass authority (also known as “link juice”) from one page to another. Pages that receive more internal links are often ranked higher by search engines.
3. Increased time spent on the site: Good internal linking encourages users to explore more content, thereby increasing time spent and reducing bounce rate. High engagement rates can positively impact the site’s ranking.
4. Improving user experience: Intuitive navigation and easy access to related content improve the user experience, which can translate into better SEO results. Satisfied users are more likely to return to the site and share its content, which also supports SEO.

In summary, internal linking is not only a tool that facilitates navigation and improves website structure, but also a key element of an SEO strategy. When implemented correctly, it can significantly improve a website’s visibility in search results, attract more users, and increase their engagement.