Most people think SEO is all about keywords, content, and backlinks. But one thing that people miss is internal linking.
Internal links do more than help people get around your website. They’re a key part of on-page SEO. They help search engines figure out your site’s layout, improve your rankings, and keep people interested.
What Is Internal Linking?
Internal linking means linking one page of your website to another page on the same website.
Examples:
- Linking a blog post to a service page
- Linking a product page to a related category
- Adding “related articles” links
These links make it easier for both people and search engines to explore your site.
Why Internal Linking Is Important for SEO
Internal links do three main things:
- They assist search engines in exploring and listing your pages.
- They spread ranking ability across your site.
- They make things better for users, keeping them interested.
Google makes use of internal links to figure out:
- Which pages matter most?
- How pages connect to one another.
- Which pages should be seen more?
How Internal Linking Improves On-Page SEO
1. Improves Page Indexing
Search engine programs find pages through links. If a page lacks internal links, Google might have a hard time finding it, even with good content.
Proper internal linking ensures:
- Faster indexing
- Better crawlability
- No orphan pages
2. Passes Link Equity (Ranking Power)
Every page on your site has SEO value. Internal links pass on that value to other pages. When your high-ranking pages link to newer or weaker pages, they give authority, which can help those pages rank faster.
3. Improves Keyword Relevance
The anchor text (the words you click on) in your internal links tells Google what the linked page is about, which improves keyword understanding and ranking.
Example:
- “SEO services in Rajkot” → service page
- “best PPC agency” → PPC service page
4. Increases User Engagement
Internal links guide users to related content, keeping them on your site longer.
This improves:
- Time on site
- Page views
- Conversion chances
Search engines see this as a sign that your website is useful.
Types of Internal Links
| Type | Example |
| Navigation Links | Menu, footer, sidebar |
| Contextual Links | Links inside blog content |
| Breadcrumb Links | Home > Blog > SEO Tips |
| Related Content Links | “You may also like” |
Some ways to use internal links:
1. Use words that describe the page you are linking to
Instead of saying “click here,” use words related to the topic of the page.
2. Link to the pages that are important
Link to your main service pages more than others.
3. Keep Links Natural
Don’t add too many links. Only add them if they are helpful.
4. Fix pages with no links
Make sure every page has at least a few links pointing to it.
5. Refresh old content
Add links from older, popular posts to your newer stuff.
For example, if you have a blog about Local SEO, you can link to:
- Your Google Business Profile service page
- Your page about citation building
- Your review management service
This helps show you’re an expert and can help increase sales.
Common Internal Linking Mistakes
- Using simple words for links
- Adding too many links to a page
- Having broken links
- Only linking from the menu
- Not linking from older content
Tools to Manage Internal Links
| Tool | Use |
| Google Search Console | Find orphan pages |
| Screaming Frog | Internal link audit |
| Ahrefs | Link distribution |
| RankMath / Yoast | Suggestions |
Internal linking helps your business growth. Besides boosting your search engine ranking, they guide people to what you offer and can turn visitors into customers. Think of them as quiet salespeople working in the background.
Final Thoughts
Internal linking stands out as a simple yet effective technique for SEO. It improves crawlability, strengthens rankings, boosts engagement, and increases conversions, all without spending money.
If your website wants:
- Higher rankings
- Better visibility
- Stronger user experience
- More leads
Then internal linking should be part of your SEO strategy.
