When it comes to improving your website’s SEO, most people think about keywords, backlinks, or fresh content. But there’s one powerful strategy that often flies under the radar: internal linking.
Internal links are simply links that connect one page on your website to another. They might seem small, but when used strategically, they can make a big impact on your site’s performance, helping Google understand your content, improving user experience, and ultimately boosting your rankings.
Let’s break down how internal linking (this is an external link) works and how you can use it to strengthen your SEO in Athens, GA (this is an internal link!).
What Is Internal Linking?
An internal link is any hyperlink that points to another page within the same domain. For example, if your homepage links to your services page or your blog links to your contact page, those are internal links.
Unlike external links (which point to other websites), internal links help users and search engines navigate your site and understand how your content fits together.
Think of it like creating a map that leads both Google and your visitors to your most important pages.
Why Internal Linking Matters for SEO
Internal linking plays several key roles in your SEO strategy:
1. Helps Google Understand Your Site Structure
Google uses links to crawl and index your pages. When your internal links are organized logically, it helps Google discover your content faster and understand which pages are most important.
2. Distributes Page Authority
Not all pages on your site are created equal, so some naturally carry more “SEO weight.” Internal linking allows you to share that authority across pages, giving newer or less visible content a boost.
3. Improves User Experience
A well-linked website makes it easier for visitors to find what they need. That keeps them on your site longer and reduces bounce rates, two metrics that indirectly help your rankings.
4. Increases Conversions
Internal links can strategically guide users toward high-value pages (like your contact form, service pages, or blog posts) helping convert visitors into leads. Often this is called a CTA.
How to Use Internal Linking Effectively
Here’s how to make your internal linking strategy work smarter, not harder:
Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. Instead of using “click here,” use keyword-rich phrases that describe the page being linked to.
Example: Instead of “Click here” say “SEO services in Athens, GA.”
Link to High-Priority Pages
Every website has pages that matter most, like your services, contact, or portfolio pages. Make sure your blog posts and landing pages link back to them naturally.
For example, if you mention “website design,” link to your Website Design page.
Add Links in Context
Internal links should feel natural and relevant. Link between related pages or topics that enhance the reader’s experience, not just for SEO purposes.
Audit and Update Regularly
As you add new content, revisit older posts and pages to add new internal links. This helps keep your site interconnected and ensures no valuable content gets buried.
A Smart Example of Internal Linking
Let’s say you’re a local business in Athens, GA offering web design, SEO, and social media services. You might:
- Link your web design blogs to your Website Design page.
- Link posts about social content strategy to your Social Media Management page.
- Link SEO-related articles (like this one!) to your SEO services page.
This approach creates a network of connections between your services and supporting content, improving both visibility and user flow.
Build a Stronger SEO Foundation With MORE
At MORE creative agency, we help businesses in Athens, GA and beyond improve their search performance through strategic SEO, including internal linking strategies that make your content work harder. From optimizing your website structure to crafting content that connects, our team brings clarity and creativity to your SEO approach.
Let’s talk about your SEO strategy and start building a website that both Google and your customers love. Contact us today to talk about our SEO services in Athens, GA.