You’ve probably seen them before — those clickable phrases within a blog post that lead you to another article on the same website.
That’s internal linking, and while it may seem simple, it’s actually one of the most powerful tools in your blogging and SEO toolbox.
In this post, you’ll learn what internal links are, how they benefit your blog, and how to use them effectively to boost both your search rankings and reader engagement.
What Is Internal Linking?
Internal links are hyperlinks that point from one page on your website to another page on the same domain.
Example:
“Want to improve your blog writing? Check out [this guide on how to write a blog post step by step].”
You’re guiding your readers — and search engines — from one piece of content to another.
Why Internal Linking Matters for SEO
Search engines like Google use links to crawl and index your site. Internal linking helps search engines:
- Discover new content
- Understand site structure
- Distribute link equity (ranking power) across your pages
The more connected your content is, the better your blog performs.
Benefits include:
- Improved crawling and indexing
- Better keyword relevance
- Higher chances of ranking multiple pages
- Lower bounce rate and longer session duration
Why Internal Linking Matters for User Experience
SEO aside, internal links are fantastic for your readers.
They help:
- Guide users to related content
- Keep readers on your site longer
- Build trust by offering more value
- Lead users toward conversions (newsletter sign-ups, products, etc.)
Think of them as personalized suggestions for your audience to explore deeper.
Types of Internal Links You Can Use
1. Contextual Links
These are links within the body of your content that naturally connect to related topics.
Example:
“To boost your blog’s visibility, start with the basics of [on-page SEO].”
2. Navigation Menus
Your main site menu is full of internal links that structure your website and user journey.
3. Footer Links
Commonly used for links to About, Contact, Privacy Policy, and key blog categories.
4. Sidebar Widgets
Use sidebars to highlight popular posts, recent content, or related resources.
5. CTA Links (Calls to Action)
Lead your readers to landing pages, downloads, or product pages with targeted internal CTAs.
Best Practices for Internal Linking
To make the most of your internal links, follow these tried-and-true strategies:
✅ Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Avoid generic phrases like “click here” or “this link.”
Better:
“Check out our full guide on [how to format blog posts for better engagement].”
Descriptive anchor text tells both users and search engines what to expect.
✅ Link to Relevant Content
Every internal link should add value.
Only link to pages that:
- Deepen the reader’s understanding
- Provide related or supporting information
- Help the reader solve a problem or take action
✅ Keep the Reader in Mind
Don’t overload your posts with links. Use them naturally, where they make sense.
Tip: Place links where readers are most likely to click — early in the post, or at moments when more context or next steps are helpful.
✅ Use a Logical Site Structure
Organize your blog into categories and pillar content.
Example:
- Pillar post: “Complete Guide to SEO”
- Supporting posts: “On-Page SEO Tips,” “How to Do Keyword Research,” “Internal Linking for SEO”
Link from supporting posts back to the main guide — and vice versa.
✅ Update Old Posts with New Links
Whenever you publish new content:
- Go back to older posts
- Add links where relevant to the new article
This keeps your site fresh, connected, and useful — and it spreads authority to newer content.
✅ Limit Broken Links
Broken links hurt SEO and frustrate readers.
Use tools like:
- Broken Link Checker
- Ahrefs
- Google Search Console
Regularly audit your links to keep your site healthy.
How Many Internal Links Should You Add?
There’s no exact number, but a good rule of thumb is:
- 2–5 internal links per blog post (for short to medium posts)
- More if the post is long and detailed
As long as the links are relevant and helpful, there’s no hard limit — just don’t sacrifice readability.
Bonus Tip: Internal Linking Improves Dwell Time
“Dwell time” is how long a visitor stays on your site. Search engines love when users stick around — it’s a sign your content is valuable.
Internal links:
- Encourage exploration
- Reduce bounce rate
- Increase time on site
All of these are positive signals for SEO.
Final Thoughts: Link Like a Pro
Internal linking is one of the easiest — and most effective — ways to improve both your blog’s visibility and the experience you offer to readers.
With every blog post you publish, ask yourself:
- What related content can I reference?
- How can I guide the reader to learn more?
- What’s the next step after this article?
The more thoughtful your links, the stronger your blog becomes — for humans and for algorithms.
So go ahead — connect your content.
Your readers (and Google) will thank you.