In the latest edition of its “SEO Made Easy” video series, Google shares three straightforward tips for using internal linking to boost your SEO.
Hosted by Google’s Martin Splitt, the video offers key strategies for enhancing site structure and user experience.
Effective internal linking not only brings attention to your most important content but also helps both users and search engines find it more easily.
Moreover, internal links can assist search engines in grasping the connections between pages, which may result in improved rankings.
3 Tips For Internal Linking
Splitt highlighted three key aspects of using internal links effectively:
- User Navigation: Internal links help users navigate a website by connecting them to related content and clarifying the site’s structure.
- Search Engine Crawling: Googlebot relies on internal links to find new pages and understand the connections between different pages on a site.
- HTML Best Practices: Using HTML elements correctly, especially the
<a>tag with anhrefattribute, is crucial for creating functional links.
The Importance of Meaningful Anchor Text
A significant recommendation from Google is to use descriptive and meaningful anchor text for links.
Splitt illustrated how clear anchor text enhances user experience by making it easier for visitors to scan a page and understand where each link leads.
He remarked:
“Both users and bots favor meaningful anchor text. On the left, you can see how each link with descriptive words clearly indicates its destination.”
Refer to the examples provided in the image below:
Splitt further explained:
“Conversely, the page on the right uses vague anchor text, which hampers user experience, especially when quickly scanning for the right link.”
Balancing Link Quantity
Although internal linking is essential, Splitt warned against excessive use.
He recommends exercising careful judgment when adding links, ensuring that they create meaningful connections between related content without overwhelming the user or detracting from the page’s main focus.
Technical Considerations For Links
The video also addressed the technical details of link implementation.
Splitt advised against using non-standard elements such as spans, divs, or buttons for links. He emphasized that if an element functions as a link, it should be properly coded with the correct HTML structure.
In Summary
Here are the main takeaways from Google’s video on internal linking:
- Internal linking is crucial for both SEO and enhancing user experience.
- Ensure that anchor text is meaningful and descriptive.
- Use internal links strategically to help users and search engines navigate your site.
- Maintain a balance in the number of links to prevent overwhelming users or detracting from the page’s focus.
- Follow proper HTML standards when creating links.
Original news from SearchEngineJournal