A Beginner's Guide to Internal Linking for SEO
Internal linking is an important practice for improving search engine optimization (SEO) of a website. It helps search engine bots to navigate a website and understand its content better. Moreover, it helps website visitors to find more information on a website easily. In this beginner’s guide, we will explain internal linking, its importance, and how to do it effectively.
What is Internal Linking?
Internal linking is the process of linking one page of a website to another page on the same website. It helps to navigate the website structure easily and guide users to relevant information. Internal links are clickable hyperlinks that direct the user to a different page of the same website.
Why is Internal Linking Important for SEO?
Internal linking improves the user experience, increases time spent on the website, and lowers the bounce rate. Moreover, it helps to distribute link equity across the website and establish a hierarchy of importance. As a result, it helps search engine bots to understand the website structure better and improve the ranking of the website.
Best Practices for Internal Linking
Internal linking can be done using different anchor texts, but to be effective, it should follow some best practices. The following best practices should be followed while creating internal links:
1. Use Relevant Anchor Text
The anchor text of the internal link should describe the content of the linked page. It helps search engines to understand the content of the linked page and rank it better.
2. Create a Logical Hierarchy of Pages
Pages on the website should be organized in a logical hierarchy. It helps to distribute link equity effectively and establish a hierarchy of importance. It also helps search engines to understand the website structure better.
3. Link to Relevant Pages Only
Internal linking should be done to relevant pages only. It helps users to find relevant information easily and search engines to understand the website better.
4. Use Nofollow Links When Required
Sometimes, it may be required to use nofollow links to avoid diluting the link equity of a page. For example, if a page has too many links, it may dilute the link equity of the page. In that case, some of the links can be nofollowed.
5. Keep the Link Distribution Natural
Internal link distribution should look natural. It should be done in a way that the user finds it easy to navigate the website and search engines can understand the website better.
Conclusion
Internal linking is an essential practice for improving the SEO of a website. It helps to establish a hierarchy of importance, distribute link equity effectively, and improve the user experience. Following the best practices of internal linking improve the effectiveness of internal linking and help to achieve better SEO results.