Want to learn about internal linking through an internal linking case study? Then, this is the web page where you get information in simple words through examples. But before start knowing let’s take it as example in our day to day life.
People have seen in the books that when you go through with the pages, you find some hard words or unknown words. But you were curious to know about those words.
Let’s connect it with the digital world –
If you read any online article or blog. You have seen that admin linked important keywords with relevant landing pages to educate their audience accurately.
Visitors do like websites containing relevant links. Let’s understand it by a simple example –
Imagine you want to know about how turmeric soap can help your skin fight scars and dullness. You find two websites, one with simple information and the second with proper interlinking with information.
There is a higher chance that you will stay on a webpage with proper interlinking. The reason is that you know about the benefits of Turmeric soap with other similar words. It is like reading multiple related topics at the same time. And you can educate yourself with many topics at a time.
That seamless experience probably wasn’t a coincidence, but it is a real use of internal linking.
This is the real power of internal linking and why you should do it.
Table of contents
What is Internal Linking, and Why Does It Matter?
Internal linking is the process of linking (or connecting) one web page to another web page through the hyperlink within the same website. This is mainly used in the context of search engine optimization.
Let’s understand it using a real-world example when we attend any seminar or class with a quality teacher. They lecture about any specific topic but keep explaining other related topics to deliver their best.
It is the same when we land on any webpage for information. Chances are high if you do not know any specific topics.
So, as a responsible website owner. It is your responsibility to explain everything to your readers. It makes things easier for visitors and profitable for website owners. It means a win-win situation for all.
In technical terms, when we interlink relevant different pages of our website through clickable texts. These links not only instruct users but also tell search engines about their site’s structure.
Here’s why internal linking matters:
- It improves the organic performance of the website. There are so many search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo that use internal links to crawl and index your site. And it also helps search engines to understand web pages in a better way.
- It makes things easier for users and, in short, enhances user experience. Remember, better user experience is directly proportional to organic traffic.
- We all know about “SEO juice or Link Juice.” It Distributes Link Equity to other pages and helps them boost their organic rank.
- According to Google, you must do at least one internal linking. That help users to understand your web page.
The Case Study:
To get a better understanding of Internal Linking. We will use an e-commerce website as an example, struggling with poor organic ranking, high bounce rate, and less performing product pages.
Everything is exhausting for website owners, but you need solutions to stay in the fight.
How will you do that and overcome these hurdles? How can you boost the organic traffic on your website?
Let’s read everything related to your website and the benefits of Internal linking.
Step 1: Audit the Website
Well, how will you know about any product or website without auditing? Auditing a website should be your first priority. It shows errors on your website, or what are you missing?
It is like someone telling you what you should fix in your personality to become a better human being.
The first step was a comprehensive website audit. They found:
- Make sure there are no orphan pages; orphan pages mean those pages have no internal links pointing to them.
- There should not be hiding main product pages under layers of navigation.
- Blogs on the website should be connected with product pages to ensure the full flow of the website.
Step 2: Map out Content Hubs
Do not post content randomly. You must plan everything in line to keep blogs linked to each other. If you write content on different topics, it is hard to link them. So, write content belonging to the same category.
Below, we have mentioned common points to take care of during content writing –
- You should stick with the guides and keep topics relevant to beginners.
- Your content must be compressive and detailed. If your content is not in detail, it is half-hearted.
- Explain everything to your reader step by step to get specific answers and make it easy for your readers.
For example, a blog post on “Best Face Washes for Oily Skin” linked to related guides like “How to Build a Skincare Routine” and individual product pages. This web of internal links created a seamless user journey.
Techniques That Made the Difference
Your Content must include Anchor Text & Optimize it properly
When we use descriptive anchor text in our content. It generates value for our content, but it must be friendly, not stuffing. For example, if you are using any phrase, click here to learn more. It will be great if you use exact target keywords in SEO like Best essential oil for oily skin.
It is beneficial in all terms. Relevant for readers and helps to improve websites ranking in SERPs.
It Gives Value to Your Priority Pages
When we do keyword research, we know how important that content is for your website. If you can analyze the value of your pages earlier. You are aware of doing internal linking, increasing visibility and making content friendly for readers.
Identify Placement of Links Smartly
There are multiple places you can put your link. Have a look –
- In Blog Posts: We can use relevant links in the body content of blogs to get better readability and deeper engagement.
- In Navigation Menus: Links to top pages to navigate menus for easy selections.
- In Footer Links: We can use important but less visiting websites in the footer of our website.
Results Achieved: A Game Changer
When you implement everything, including internal linking, as an e-commerce website, you will observe that,
Reasonable growth in Organic Traffic:
It will give positive growth in organic traffic because of better site navigation and optimized every link to make your content more discoverable.
Better Higher Conversion Rate
When we link our website blogs to relevant product pages, it ensures a smooth part to purchase. It means the chances of conversion are higher. So, you will see a dramatic improvement in website organic conversion.
Fall in Bounce Rate
When visitors start staying at your website, the bounce rate of websites will decrease. They will go to relevant pages in to dig some information and check products. So, it allows us to stay longer.
What are the Best Practices for Internal Linking?
We have talked about how it helps; now, you should know how to do it. Below, we have mentioned step-wise points for internal linking. Have a look –
You should check before linking –
Do not interlink irrelevant pages. It can be negative to your website. So, go to your page and read the paragraph to find an exact point to interlink. You must be sure that they are contextually relevant.
Do not over linking –
It is a fine difference between interlining and over-linking. You must be aware that do not over-link. It can dilute the value of your page, and users do not like too much interlink.
Use Breadcrumbs for easy navigation –
Do you know breadcrumbs? If yes, then good; otherwise, read what breadcrumbs are. It is basically a small navigational link showing at the top of every page. It is helpful for search engines and readers.
Keep auditing. Audit Your Links Regularly –
You should check broken links or outdated content on your website regularly to know everything is under control. If you find any issues kindly fix them.
Why Internal Linking is a Must for Every Website
When we drive a car, we want a signboard and the name of the place to keep ourselves confident. Driving a car without them is like driving aimlessly.
Wait a second! The sign is exactly the same for links.
When you see clear signs (links), you know where to go. It means where the link will land. It is the same for search engines or a user.
Many people think Internal linking is for SEO. That’s not true, and it is all about creating a better experience for your readers. If you have done it correctly, it is like a teacher and knows everything about students during class.
Final Thoughts: Start Linking Smarter
Your website can be a maze without interlinks. Think of yourself visiting a website without interlinks. It is like reading a book with additional help.
Interlining is the compass for your ship; it shows the right direction to your readers. Check your content, mark key pages and paragraphs, and interlink them to get fruitful results. Another important thing is that interlink must be a valid reason. Keep it simple and have fun. After all, nobody likes getting lost online!