Linking to internal content is a great way to optimize the content you've already created and keep readers active and engaged on your site. That all sounds fine and dandy, but how do you actually make it happen? Let's take a closer look at internal linking and how to use it effectively on your site. ?
- What is an internal link?
- How do I add effective internal links?
- How to keep track of internal links
What is an internal link?
An internal link is just a link on your site that points to another post or page on your site. The important part is that it is all on your site, aka domain. Too easy.
Is there a right way to set up an internal link?
I'm so glad you asked! The days of ‘click here' or ‘read more' are over. We need those links to be descriptive and if possible, include a keyword.
For example, if I want you to check out my new recipe for lemon lavender muffins, it would look something like this:
Check out my new favorite muffin recipe: Lemon Lavendar Muffins
That bit in the pink is the link and includes helpful keywords for screen readers and site crawlers!
How do I add effective internal links?
In the examples below, we're going to cover two great ways to add internal links that truly add value for your readers: roundup posts and helper articles.
This is not a complete list by any means. There are lots of really great ways to add internal links. If you have other methods you like to use, let us know in the comments!
Roundup Posts
Roundups or collections are a great way to optimize content that you've already produced on your site. We're going to use recipes in this example, but you could do a roundup for any topic or genre.
Let's start with this post for the 16 Sauces that Make Everything Better from Pinch of Yum. The page includes an introduction at the top and then a title, description, and internal link for each individual recipe.
Ingredients are also included with each recipe, as a great way for readers to quickly narrow down what recipe might be the best fit. Bonus points for providing relevant and valuable information to the reader! ? ?
From this roundup post, readers can click-through to their favorites, building a tidy little web of content for the reader and the robots that crawl your site. Better yet, within each individual recipe, you can link back to the collection. Making a strong web of effective and helpful internal links.
Here's an example of the graphic included towards the bottom of the individual sauce recipes on Pinch of Yum that links back to the collection. Makes me think I need all those sauce recipes! ?️
If you haven't done a roundup before, set aside some time to review your new and existing content for opportunities. Take these opportunities to boost older content that might need a little dusting off or may not be getting the traffic it deserves. ✨
Helper Recipes and Articles
Another easy way to add internal links is with helper recipes and articles. Have a basic, versatile recipe or process that you share with readers over and over again? That's your helper! Using internal links within those helpers is a great way to keep your recipe or process simple and easy-to-follow.
Let's take a quick look at another example from Pinch of Yum. Lindsay has a Spicy Falafel and Roasted Veggie Naan Sandwich that links out to two helper recipes: easy falafel and magic green sauce. Two helper recipes that can be used again and again. YUM! ?
Helper recipes are a great way to keep things simple and easy for readers. They also provide another opportunity to grow your internal web. Within each helper recipe, you can provide links out to ALL the different things you can make from that one single, basic, versatile recipe!
How to keep track of your internal links
With a spreadsheet
The Pinch of Yum team uses a spreadsheet, similar to this one here:
It's great for tracking content and making sure that each new post you publish is optimizing those internal links! Sign up below to get the spreadsheet, straight to your inbox:
Using Tasty Links
You can also use Tasty Links to optimize internal links. Just set up a new Tasty Link for your page or post. Now anywhere you use that keyword on your site, it will automagically add a link to your article. Too easy!
A combination of both
For most of us, the best strategy for optimizing our internal links is a combination of both a spreadsheet and Tasty Links. The spreadsheet allows you track more than just links to make sure your content is in tip-top shape!
You've done the work to publish great content. Now back it up with a strong web of internal links to keep readers engaged and those bot crawlers crawling. ?️