Modules can be placed anywhere in the page structure. Thoughtful placement of internal links, their appropriate quantity and contextual matching to the content are essential for implemented internal linking, which supports both UX and SEO.
Internal linking in modules on a website
Internal linking in modules on the example of the website
How to Check Internal Linking
In the case of websites with a small number of subpages, internal linking can be checked manually by clicking through the menu, footer links or verifying the content on subpages. Chrome browser extensions such as LinkMiner, Check My Links or Link Redirect Trace can be helpful in manual internal link checking , as they make it easier to detect links on a given page.
To check internal linking on a more complex website, it is worth using SEO tools such as Google Search Console or specialized SEO audit applications (e.g. Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, SEMrush ). These tools allow you to analyze the structure of internal links, identify links leading to non-existent pages (broken links), detect orphan pages , and assess the distribution of SEO value between individual subpages. This allows you to understand how internal links contribute to user navigation and how they affect the indexing and positioning of the site in search results.
Regular internal link audits using tools such as Google Search Console allow you to check internal linking and optimize the number of links pointing to the most important pages, which directly affects the website's better visibility in search results.
Benefits of Internal Linking
Internal linking brings a number of benefits that together improve the visibility of a site in search results and the quality of user experience. Correctly implemented internal links:
improve the usability of the site,
improve PageRank distribution,
enhance the value of individual subpages,
improve the website indexing process .
Internal linking makes it easier for search engines to understand your site’s structure and information hierarchy, which translates into better indexing and higher rankings in Google. With the right placement of internal links, high-value pages can effectively pass link juice to less visible pages, increasing their chances of ranking higher in search results. Additionally, internal linking improves the navigation of a website, making it easier for users to access the content they’re looking for and more likely to stay on the page longer. This, in turn, can lower bounce rates and increase conversions. By using contextual linking, pages can also strengthen their positioning for specific keywords, which is key to a content marketing strategy. As a result, effective use of internal linking becomes the foundation for building a strong, coordinated strategy that supports both SEO goals and overall site user satisfaction.
Internal Linking Strategies
Proper internal linking, through skillful placement of internal links on the home page, in blog articles or on subpages of the site, is crucial for ease of navigation for users and for search engine robots, which can better understand the structure of the site. Properly implemented internal linking also helps increase the number of links leading to the most important pages, which directly affects their position in Google search results.
Tools such as Google Search Console allow you to conduct an internal link audit, which is essential for monitoring and optimizing your internal linking structure and for identifying and fixing non-existent subpages or linking errors. A planned internal linking structure, taking into account both the number and quality of internal links, is therefore the foundation of an effective SEO strategy, enabling your site to achieve better positions in search results and provide users with a high-quality experience when using your website.
Here are the most important elements to consider when creating an effective internal linking strategy:
Anchor text optimization – Using relevant keywords as anchor text helps search engines understand what the page you’re linking to is about. It should be natural and accurately describe the content of the target page.
Creating a coherent link structure - A well-designed page structure makes it easy for both users and search engine robots to find content. The basis is a hierarchical organization of content, where main homeowner database categories lead to more detailed subpages.
Deep linking - Linking only to the home page or main categories limits your SEO potential. It is important to link to "deep pages" to spread link value evenly across the page and improve indexing by search engine robots.
Avoid over-optimization – over-optimizing internal links, such as using the same anchor texts in excess, can be considered spam by search engines. Naturalness and variety of linking are key.
Proper Link Context – Internal links should be placed in the appropriate context. Placing links in content that is thematically related to the content of the target page improves usability and SEO.
Sitemap - Creating and updating a sitemap helps both users and search engine robots find all of your pages more easily.
Regularly update content and links – Websites change over time, so it’s important to regularly check and update internal links. Removing or fixing broken links is essential to maintaining the health of your site.
Using Breadcrumbs - Breadcrumbs are navigational paths that help users keep track of where they are in the structure of a page. They are also useful for search engine robots, helping them understand the hierarchy and structure of a page.
How many links in one article?
In the context of SEO optimization and creating valuable content for users, a question often arises: how many links should be in one article?
Both too few and too many internal links can negatively impact the readability of your content and its SEO effectiveness. The placement of internal links in your article content should be considered and balanced. Clickable links in your article content encourage users to explore your site further and increase the time spent on the page. Sitelinks are a good idea to use to create a logical and consistent navigation structure that makes it easier for users to navigate your site.
There is no one universal number of links that is appropriate for every article. The number depends on the length and content of the article and its purpose. However, there are some general guidelines for the optimal number of internal links within a single article:
For short articles (up to 1000 words) - it is recommended to place up to 5 links. This will ensure that the content is not too saturated with links, and users will be able to easily follow the proposed navigation paths.
For longer articles (over 1000 words) - you can allow for a larger number of links, even up to about 10. It is important, however, that the links are well placed and make sense in the context of the content.
Internal Linking Best Practices
Internal linking is a key element of SEO strategy that helps improve the visibility of a site in search engines and makes it easier for users to navigate. A well-planned internal linking structure can help improve the understanding of content by crawlers and increase user engagement. Below are the best practices for internal linking that you should implement on your website.
Link structure planning
The internal linking structure should resemble a pyramid, with the home page at the top and the most important categories and subpages below. This structure makes navigation easier and improves indexing.
Creating valuable content
Creating quality content regularly is key to effective internal linking. Good quality content attracts users and encourages them to explore your site further.
Use of different types of anchors
Using different types of anchors, such as Exact Match, Partial Match, Brand Anchor, and Zero Match, helps with natural and effective internal linking. Anchor diversity supports both navigation and SEO.
Avoiding excessive linking to the home page and contact page
Over-linking to the home and contact pages can be less effective. It is better to focus on linking to more detailed and valuable pages that offer users specific information and solutions.
Focus on user needs
Internal linking should be designed with users in mind. Links should be placed in places that are natural and useful, helping users find what they are looking for.
Creating thematically related links
Internal links should be thematically related to the content they are placed in. This helps build a coherent site structure and improves the user experience.
Adding links to the newest or most popular content
Linking to the newest or most popular content helps promote it and increases user engagement. This can help that content rank better in Google.
Avoiding nofollow links in internal linking
Internal links should not be marked with the nofollow attribute, as this restricts the flow of SEO power between pages. All internal links should support indexing and visibility of the site.
Regularly conduct internal link audits
Regular internal link audits are essential to maintaining an effective SEO strategy. Tools like Google Search Console and Screaming Frog can help identify and repair broken or ineffective links.
Summary
Optimizing subpages through proper internal linking can significantly improve SEO and site navigation. Linking from the home page to key subpages strengthens the entire structure of the site, which has a positive impact on user experience and indexing by search engine robots. I hope that thanks to this guide you will understand how to properly use internal links to increase the visibility of your site in search results. Remember that any well-thought-out link structure contributes to better SEO and more intuitive navigation, which ultimately leads to greater user satisfaction and better business results.
