When it comes to SEO (search engine optimization), many people focus on external backlinks – links from other websites that point to their own. While external backlinks are important for SEO, internal backlinks are often overlooked. Internal backlinks, or links from one page on a website to another, play a crucial role in helping search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of a website, as well as distributing page authority and ranking power.

What are Internal backlinks?

Internal backlinks are hyperlinks that connect one page on a domain to another page on the same domain. These links are used to help users navigate a website and also to establish a hierarchy and relationship between different pages. For example, if a blog post references a previous blog post, it can include an internal backlink to that post.

The Power of Internal backlinks

Internal backlinks are a powerful tool for SEO for several reasons. First, they help search engines crawl and index a website more effectively. When search engine bots follow internal links, they can discover more pages on a website and understand the relationship between those pages. This can lead to improved indexation and better visibility in search results.

Second, internal backlinks help spread ranking power and authority throughout a website. When one page links to another, it passes on some of its own authority to the linked page, which can help the linked page rank higher in search results. This can be particularly useful for important pages that are not easily accessible through the main navigation of a website.

Best Practices for Internal Linking

When it comes to internal linking, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. First, it’s important to be strategic about the anchor text used in internal links. Instead of using generic anchor text like “click here,” it’s better to use descriptive anchor text that includes keywords related to the linked page.

Second, it’s important to create a logical and intuitive internal linking structure. This means organizing pages into categories and subcategories and creating relevant internal links between related pages. This not only helps search engines understand the hierarchy of a website, but it also helps users navigate the site more easily.

Conclusion

Internal backlinks are a secret weapon of SEO experts that can have a big impact on a website’s search engine visibility. By strategically incorporating internal links into a website’s structure, site owners can help search engines better understand and index their content, as well as pass on authority and ranking power to important pages. When used effectively, internal backlinks can be a powerful tool for improving a website’s SEO performance.

FAQs

What is the difference between internal and external backlinks?

Internal backlinks are links from one page on a domain to another page on the same domain, while external backlinks are links from other websites that point to a website’s pages. Internal backlinks help search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of a website, while external backlinks help establish a website’s authority and credibility.

How many internal links should a page have?

There is no specific number of internal links that a page should have, as it depends on the size and complexity of a website. However, it’s important to include internal links where they are relevant and helpful for users. It’s better to focus on the quality and relevance of internal links rather than the quantity.

Is it important to include keywords in internal anchor text?

Yes, including keywords in internal anchor text is important for SEO. Descriptive anchor text that includes relevant keywords can help search engines understand the context and relevance of the linked page, which can contribute to improved search engine visibility.