Internal linking is one of the most underused yet highly effective SEO strategies. An internal link is any link that connects one page of your website to another page on the same site. While these links make it easier for visitors to navigate your site, they also play a crucial role in helping search engines crawl, index, and understand your content. Here’s how to build an internal linking strategy that actually improves your search engine rankings.
Understand the Role of Internal Links in SEO
Internal links are hyperlinks that connect one page of your website to another. They help users navigate your site and allow search engines to discover new content. More importantly, they distribute link equity (ranking power) across your site, helping lower-traffic pages gain more visibility. For example, if your homepage has a high domain authority, linking from it to a blog post can pass on some of that authority and improve that blog post’s chances of ranking, and in turn, this can help improve rankings.
Use a Strategic Linking Structure
A practical way to implement a strong internal linking strategy is by organizing your site with clear navigation bars, drop-down menus, and footer links that feature the majority of your pages. This approach ensures that important content is easily accessible with just a few clicks, helping both users and search engines navigate your site more efficiently. By structuring your site this way, you create a logical flow that enhances user experience and makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index your content.
Anchor Text Matters
Don’t overlook the anchor text, the clickable text in your links. Instead of generic phrases like “click here,” use keyword-rich anchor text that reflects the content of the destination page. This gives Google clearer context and can improve the rankings of the linked page.
Link to High-Value and Conversion Pages
Strategically linking to pages that drive conversions like service pages, pricing pages, or contact forms helps pass traffic where it matters most. Look at which pages have high authority and see where you can add links to these important money pages without forcing it.
Keep Your Links Updated
Broken or outdated internal links hurt both user experience and SEO. Regularly audit your site with tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to find and fix broken links, orphaned pages (with no internal links), or outdated URLs.
Get in Touch with Boston Web Marketing
Have questions about internal linking, SEO best practices, or how to drive more organic traffic to your website? Our team at Boston Web Marketing is here to help. Our SEO experts work with businesses across a wide range of industries to improve search visibility and deliver real results. Call us today at (857) 349-5062 to discuss how we can support your digital growth.