Do you know how to use internal linking to boost your SEO results?

Internal linking can help Google understand your site better and improve your rankings with minimal effort.

Internal linking might be the missing piece to your SEO strategy.

This guide will cover absolutely everything you need to know about internal linking.

Let’s get into it.

 

What Is Internal Linking?

Internal linking is the practice of connecting one page of your site to another using hyperlinks.

These links help users navigate your site. They also help Google crawl your site and understand the hierarchy and structure of your content.

Internal linking is different from external linking, which sends readers to sources outside of your website and is a good way to cite your data or information that’s not commonly known. 

Both internal and external linking are important for SEO. But, while internal linking can be used strategically to enhance user experience and keep readers engaged with your site, external links build authority by connecting your content to other relevant, trustworthy sources on the web.

 

Why Internal Linking Matters For Your Blog

When it comes to internal linking, the benefits are HUGE. The core issue lies in improving Google rankings. 

When you use internal links effectively, you help Google understand the structure of your site. This clarity can lead to better indexing and higher rankings.

Conversely, poor internal linking can leave Google confused about which pages to prioritize. This can dilute your site’s authority and lower your rankings, even if your content is top-notch.

Rankings are crucial because they drive traffic and leads. For your SEO efforts to be successful, your pages need to rank high and appear on the first page of Google search results. Here’s why:

Few users go beyond the first page of Google search results. In fact, the click-through rate (CTR) drops significantly after the first page – only .63% of users click on something on the second page.

Compare this to the #1 position on Google, which boasts an impressive CTR of around 28%, translating to millions of potential clicks.

For your SEO strategy to be effective, reaching the first page is essential. And you can achieve this by leveraging the power of internal linking.

Let’s explore how internal linking can boost your SEO results:

 

Better Site Structure

Internal links create a clear pathway through your site for visitors and Google. 

This keeps them engaged, helping visitors find the information they need and reducing bounce rates. This sends positive signals to search engines that readers like your site, so they’ll rank it higher to make it easier to find.

 

Improved User Experience

Using internal links, whether it’s page to page or navigational, guides users to relevant pages easily.

This makes navigating your site enjoyable and informative.

 

Faster Indexing By Search Engines

When search engines understand the structure of your site, they’ll be able to index and rank new content more quickly.

Search engines also need to understand the relationship between your pages to know how to rank your content. This will improve your search visibility and rankings.

 

3 Steps To Effectively Use Internal Linking To Improve Your SEO

Step 1: Conduct A Site Audit With Screaming Frog 

Conducting a site audit is your first step toward mastering internal linking and boosting your SEO.

 

To find out how you’re doing with your internal linking strategy, using tools like Screaming Frog can help you do things like find orphan pages (pages with no internal links) and find gaps in your current internal linking strategy.

 

How to Use Screaming Frog To Analyze Internal Links

You can use Screaming Frog to find orphan pages and analyze your internal linking structure.

Here’s how to perform an internal link audit using Screaming Frog:

 

1. Download and Install: First, download Screaming Frog SEO Spider from their website. The free version allows you to crawl up to 500 URLs, but the paid version removes this limit.

 

2. Start a Crawl: Open Screaming Frog and enter your website URL in the search bar. Click “Start” to begin the crawl. This might take some time, depending on the size of your website.

3. Find Orphan Pages: To identify orphan pages, switch to the “Internal” tab. Click “Response Codes” tab and filter by 200 (OK). Look for pages that have no inlinks. These are your orphan pages.

 

4. View Internal Links: Once the crawl is complete, scroll to the right to the “Inlinks” tab. Here, you’ll see a detailed list of all the internal links on your site.

 

Conducting a site audit is absolutely CRITICAL for understanding your internal linking structure. 

Orphan pages are like lost treasures on your site – they have value, but no one knows they exist. By identifying and linking to these pages, you can improve your site’s SEO performance and ensure that all valuable content gets the attention it deserves.

Regular audits keep your internal linking strategy effective and your site healthy. 

Remember, SEO is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. By routinely using these tools, you can stay on top of your internal linking game and watch your rankings soar. 

 

Step 2: Develop Your Internal Linking Strategy

Internal linking requires strategic thinking and shouldn’t be done haphazardly.

Let’s break down how to develop your strategy:

 

Identify Your Key Pages (Pillar Content)

First, you need to identify your key pages, often referred to as pillar content. 

These are the cornerstone pieces of content on your site that cover broad topics in depth and link out to more detailed subtopics.

Think of your pillar content as the main hubs in your content network. 

These should be comprehensive guides or extensive resources that provide significant value to your visitors. 

For instance, if your website focuses on SEO, a pillar page might be “The Ultimate Guide to SEO,” which then links to more specific articles on keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building.

 

Create a Logical Site Structure

A logical site structure is essential for both user experience and SEO. You want to make it easy for visitors (and search engines) to navigate your site.

How do you do this?

Start by organizing your content into categories and subcategories. Each pillar page should link to related subtopics, and those subtopics should link back to the pillar page. This creates a cohesive network of content that guides users through your site.

If your pillar page is “The Ultimate Guide to SEO,” it should link to articles like “Understanding SEO Algorithms,” “How to Optimize Your Website,” and “Advanced SEO Techniques.” Each of these articles, in turn, should link back to the pillar page and to each other where relevant.

 

Develop a Linking Hierarchy

Having a clear linking hierarchy helps distribute link equity across your site, ensuring that your most important pages get the attention they deserve.

Your linking hierarchy should reflect the importance of each page. 

Your homepage and pillar content should be at the top, receiving the most internal links. 

Subpages should link to these top-level pages and to each other where relevant.

Your homepage should link to your main pillar pages. Each pillar page should then link to relevant subpages. 

 

Regularly Update and Optimize Your Links

Finally, your linking strategy isn’t a one-and-done task. Regularly update and optimize your links to ensure they remain effective.

As you add new content, you need to integrate it into your existing linking structure. This keeps your site dynamic and ensures that all your valuable content gets the internal links it needs to perform well.

Every time you publish a new article, identify related content on your site and add internal links to and from the new post. 

Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to monitor your internal linking structure and identify opportunities for optimization.

 

Step 3: Use User-Friendly Navigational Links

Navigational links are links like your site menu items, sidebar links, or table of contents links.

They help guide your readers through your site and explain your site structure to search engines.

These are some ideas on how to effectively use navigational links:

 

Add Links in Menus

Your site’s main menu is prime real estate for important links. 

This is where you should place links to your key pages, like your homepage, about page, services, and top blog categories.

For example, if you run a digital marketing blog, your main menu might include links to “SEO,” “Content Marketing,” “Social Media,” and “About Us.” 

This makes it easy for visitors to navigate to your most important sections right from the get-go.

 

 

Use Sidebars

Sidebars are another great spot for navigation links, especially on blog pages. 

Use your sidebar to link to popular posts, recent articles, and key categories.

Note: be strategic about which types of pages and posts include the sidebar so you avoid cluttering your page and taking focus away from your main content.

 

Optimize Footers

Footers often get overlooked, but they’re a valuable area for internal links. 

Include links to important pages, like your privacy policy, contact page, and top categories.

This provides users with quick access to essential information, no matter where they are on your site.

 

Common Internal Linking Mistakes To Avoid

If you’re new to internal linking, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all this information. That’s okay! That’s why I’m sharing common internal linking mistakes to avoid to make the process easier:

 

1. Adding Too Many Links

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with internal linking is cramming too many links onto a single page.

Why is this a problem?

When you overload a page with links, it dilutes the value of each link and can confuse both users and search engines. Imagine you’re reading a blog post and every other sentence has a link. Annoying, right? It’s like trying to walk through a dense forest with no clear path.

For instance, if you have a page about “SEO Strategies” and you link to every related article you’ve ever written, it becomes overwhelming. Instead, focus on linking to a few key pieces of content that are highly relevant and add real value.

Remember: Quality over quantity is the mantra here. Each link should be intentional and serve a clear purpose.

 

2. Using Non-Descriptive Anchor Text

Another common mistake is using non-descriptive anchor text.

Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. Using vague phrases like “click here” or “read more” doesn’t tell users or search engines what the linked page is about.

For example, if you’re linking to a guide on “Keyword Research,” the anchor text should be something like “how to conduct keyword research” rather than “click here.” This provides context and helps search engines understand the content of the linked page.

 

3. Linking to Irrelevant Content

Relevance is key in internal linking.

Linking to irrelevant content can confuse your readers and dilute the SEO benefits.

When you link to unrelated pages, it disrupts the flow of information and can lead to a poor user experience.

For instance, if you’re writing a post about SEO and you link to a page about weight lifting, it’s going to throw your readers off.

Stick to linking related content that complements the topic at hand.

This keeps your audience engaged and enhances the overall user experience.

 

4. Ignoring Site Audits and Updates

Internal linking isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. Ignoring regular site audits and updates can lead to broken links and missed opportunities.

Over time, pages get updated, moved, or deleted. 

If you don’t regularly check your links, you’ll end up with broken links that frustrate users and hurt your SEO. 

Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to periodically audit your site and fix any broken links.

Regular maintenance ensures that your internal linking strategy remains effective and your website stays in top shape.

 

Use Internal Linking And Watch Your Blog Traffic Grow

I’ve shown you the key elements of using internal linking to boost your SEO results. Now, it’s time to wrap things up.

First, remember that internal linking is your SEO secret weapon. It helps search engines understand your site structure and keeps users engaged longer.

Make sure your linking strategy is intentional and focused on providing value. 

Regularly review and update your links to keep your strategy effective.

With thoughtful internal linking, you’ll see your site’s performance improve, bringing in higher rankings and more traffic.

So, get started, stay consistent, and watch your SEO efforts pay off.

You need a ton of backlinks to get top spots in search results, right? 

Not with topical authority.

Topical authority can help your blog get indexed faster, rank higher, and make you more money.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how topical authority can benefit your blog and how to build it.

 

What Is Topical Authority?

Do you know the key to dominating your niche with SEO without buying hundreds of backlinks? It’s topical authority.

Topical authority is how search engines like Google measure your expertise in a specific niche based on the content of your website.

Websites with higher topical authority are more likely to rank well because search engines view them as reliable sources of information in their niche.

In other words, if you consistently produce high-quality content on a specific topic, search engines will see you as an expert and reward you with higher rankings.

Topical authority isn’t just about writing quality content; it’s about quantity.

You have to publish a huge library of content about your topic before your site starts seeing SEO gains.

It may sound like a lot of work, but achieving topical authority will not only help your SEO, but make you more money, too.

 

Why Your Blog Can Seriously Benefit From Topical Authority

Google Will Index Your Site Faster

One of the biggest benefits of growing your site’s topical authority is faster indexing from search engines.

“Indexing” just means that search engines recognize your content and it’s now part of their search algorithm and can discovered by people.

There’s no way to guarantee how quickly search engines will start ranking your content, so anything you can do to speed it up is valuable.

However, when your site is seen as a reputable source of information on a specific topic, search engines are more eager to crawl and index your content.

Why does this happen?

Search engines prioritize sites with a proven track record of high-quality, relevant content. They know these sites are more likely to provide valuable answers to users’ queries, so they fast-track their content to the top of search results.

You’ll Be Able To Rank Higher More Quickly

Once search engines see your site as a valuable source of information, they’ll rank your content higher more quickly. 

If Google doesn’t understand what your site is about, it’ll be harder for them to know how valuable your content is and therefore they won’t rank new content as high. 

If they see your site as an authority on a particular topic, you’ll rank higher for posts on that topic.

For instance, a couple of years ago, I helped a post about Instagram on a new site rank within the top 5 search engine results within two months of posting.

Was it the quality of the content itself? Maybe.

But the main way a piece of content on a site that didn’t have a lot of external sites linking to it ranked so high so quickly is that the website had a ton of other content about Instagram already.

Therefore, Google saw the site as a helpful resource on topics related to Instagram, so that helped my post rank high in the results more quickly.

 

It’ll Help You Rank Without Lots of Links

Most SEOs (search engine optimization specialists) will tell you that there’s absolutely no way to rank high without a ton of other sites linking to your site.

This is simply not true.

With topical authority, you can speed up the process it takes for Google to understand what your website is about. When the algorithm sees what your core topics are and that you’re an authority in those topics, it’ll be more likely to rank you higher even without lots of links.

This makes topical authority a valuable way to save money you might’ve spent buying thousands of dollars worth of links.

Does building topical authority take more time? Yes. 

But you’ll save money overall and waste less time on outreach to websites that might not link to you anyway.

 

You’ll Position Yourself As An Expert With Readers

Once you secure a bunch of top spots on Google search engine results pages (SERPs), your readers will start to notice you. 

Showing up in top spots will help readers recognize your brand name.

This brand recognition will go a long way in terms of building trust with readers.

The more your readers see you as an authority in your niche, the more likely they are to buy from you in the future, whether that’s through trusting your affiliate links, buying your recommended products, or buying your own info products or services.

People are much more likely to trust a brand they’ve heard of than buy from a no-name entity they’ve seen in search once or twice.

 

Your Site Will Get More Traffic From Search

There’s not much you can do when it comes to making money without people visiting your site.

Luckily, building your topical authority will have major impacts on the amount of organic traffic you get from search.

Higher search engine rankings will undoubtedly increase your click-through rate.

The higher your page ranks on the SERPs, the better your CTR will be.

With more traffic to your site, you’ll gain more opportunities to convert customers, get them to click affiliate links, and convince them to buy products.

5 Steps To Achieving Topical Authority

1. Build A BIG Library Of Relevant Content

You need to be ready to write a lot of blog posts if you want topical authority to work for you.

I’m not talking 10-15; achieving topical authority requires at least 30 posts on a specific topic to be effective.

The more content you have, the more you’ll dominate search results. 

Don’t skimp here; you need a solid library that covers all angles, answers every question, and provides massive value. 

Dive deep into your topics, address common questions your audience is dying to know, and offer step-by-step guides and super useful tips. 

Covering a topic that’s related to your service in-depth will provide you with ample internal linking opportunities that’ll move readers through your marketing funnel until they reach the decision-making phase and actually click “book now.” 

You’ll not only convince search engines that you’re a topical authority in your niche; you’ll build trust with readers and potential customers who want to have confidence in their purchase.

 

2. Focus on EEAT

EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. 

It’s one of the ways Google is combatting AI content by focusing on people’s personal experiences and knowledge that AI wouldn’t be able to regenerate.

Google loves this stuff, and so do your readers.

People want to hear from people, not robots or faceless corporations.

With video and image content continuing to gain popularity, your written content has to step up to the plate and not be generic stuff that people could find anywhere (i. e. in the generative AI search results).

For each post you write, make sure your authors’ credentials are front and center, back up your claims with solid evidence from credible sources, and include testimonials, case studies, and reviews.

All of these things demonstrate experience, expertise, authority, and show that you’re trustworthy.

 

3. Build Topical Clusters Around Your Services

Your content should be its own web, with pieces that interconnect and support one another. 

You can do this by creating topical clusters, which are groups of related content linked together through strategic internal linking.

If you’re confused about how all your content relates to each other, try starting with a pillar page.

This pillar page will be the main hub for your topic, and link out to more targeted content that moves readers through your marketing funnel.

Connect related posts to your pillar pages to help search engines understand your content structure and boost your SEO. 

Make sure all your content within a cluster revolves around a central theme. 

By creating these clusters, you’re building a robust structure that both search engines and readers will appreciate.

4. Plan & Write Your Content

Even if you have an established blog for your business, you can benefit from taking time to plan a content strategy.

Mapping out your content and planning every post you need to write to fully cover your topic will help keep you publishing consistently and move you closer to achieving topical authority.

If you are starting your blog from scratch, do this before you even take your website live. That way, you’ll have a backlog of posts you can frontload to your site to build your library quickly. 

Planning ahead will keep you on top of your content strategy, enable you to see where gaps are in your content, and ensure you’re not always playing catch up writing your posts.

 

5. Connect Your Content Through Internal Linking

Internal linking is one of the most important aspects of building topical authority.

Links within your blog posts help make your site easier to use for readers, and easier for Google to crawl and understand.

Your internal links tell Google how your content relates to each other, and helps the algorithm understand what your site is about.

Having more posts on specific topics will signal to Google that this is what your site is an authority on.

This will make the process of ranking for those topics faster because search engines already understand you’re a resource on those topics.

Using internal linking strategically will also help improve your other SEO signals, like dwell time and bounce rate.

These positive user signals will also let Google know that actual humans like your content, which in turn will help you rank higher in search. 

This is why it’s so important to become the best resource possible in your niche by having everything your readers might want to know about a topic on your site.

 

How Topical Authority Makes Your Blog Money

Ranking high on Google sounds like a great ego boost, but you might still be wondering whether topical authority can actually make you more money with your blog.

The short answer is yes.

Here’s how achieving topical authority can make your blog more money:

 

Internal Linking Moves Your Readers Down the Marketing Funnel

When you’ve written more about your topic, you’ll be able to move your readers further down your marketing funnel.

Someone who reads an informational post like “What is XYZ” might not be ready to buy a product, but if they’re interested in learning more, then you have to show them that they have a problem that needs solving through your content. 

Then, when they understand they need a solution to the problem you solve, they’ll move from the awareness stage to the consideration stage and finally, the decision, where they’ll decide your product or service best suits their needs.

You can speed this process up by linking to relevant posts further in the funnel, all the while building trust with your reader.

 

Growing Your Traffic Leads to Sponsorships & Ad Opportunities

With higher rankings, more people will click your content from search results, driving more organic traffic to your website.

If you hope to run display ads or land brand sponsorships, you need your traffic numbers to be as high as possible.

Now, having high organic traffic isn’t crucial for every type of business, but if you’re a content-based business, these two opportunities are probably where a lot of your money will come from.

Organic traffic is important for display ads because companies like Mediavine require you to have a certain amount of traffic to be accepted into their program.

Any brand who runs an ad on your site also wants a guarantee that enough people will see it to make a difference to their business.

Organic traffic isn’t the only important SEO metric, but it is essential for a content-based business wanting to make money from a blog.

 

The Key To SEO Success: Topical Authority

Topical authority can benefit blogs at any stage, whether they’re brand new or already have a content library.

It’s a sustainable, more affordable way to build your site’s overall authority outside of buying links for thousands of dollars.

By building a huge library of relevant content, you’ll win with search engines and gain more opportunities to make money from your blog. 

Ready to get started?

Keep the steps outlined above in mind, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help with building a library of blog content.