Link plays an important role in SEO. It not only connects pages, but also helps users understand a topic in depth and boosts search engine optimization. While internal links direct users to pages within the same domain, they strengthen the website from the inside. External links direct users to another domain, which helps build trust and establish connections with the broader web, thereby boosting SEO. Thus, if you own a website, it is essential to understand both the links in detail and the difference between internal linking and external linking, and utilise them strategically to enhance online visibility and improve the user experience. So, connect with the end of this blog post to use links meaningfully.
What Is an Internal Link?
Internal links are hyperlinks that connect pages within the same website or domain. Internal links help search engines understand the website’s hierarchy, thereby improving search engine optimization and leading to higher page rankings. Furthermore, users also benefit from this by gaining a deeper understanding of the content. In brief, internal links enhance user navigation, which in turn improves engagement and reduces the bounce rate on a specific website.
What Are the Different Types of Internal Links?
There are different types of internal links that can be found on a website. Explore all these categories in detail.
Header Links
Header links are placed at the top of the website, directing users to the main sections, such as the “About Us,” “Home,” and “Services” pages.
Footer Links
Footer links, as the name suggests, are found at the bottom of the page and these direct to pages such as “Terms of Service”, “Contact Us,” and “Privacy Policy.”
Sidebar Links
Sidebar links are found at the side panel of any page, and they direct to the “Categories”, “Filters”, and “Popular Pages.”
In Content Links
In content links, they are typically found within the body of the content, such as a blog post or article. These direct users to related pages of the website, such as another blog post or a product page.
Related Posts/ Products
Related posts or product links are typically located at the end of a piece of content, directing users to a product or a related post that may be of particular interest to them.
Call to Action Links
Call-to-action links prompt a specific action from the user, such as “Learn More,” “Sign Up,” or “Request a Demo.”
Image Links
Image links are clickable elements that direct users to any page within the website. These links also make the content more visually appealing.
Also Read: Keyword Density Still Matter
Now that you have sufficient information on what an internal link is and its various types, it is time to learn how to optimise a website with the right internal links.
How to Boost a Website With the Right Internal Links?
Now, as you know about internal links and their different types, it is time to determine how to use them effectively for a website boost.
Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Instead of using phrases such as “click here” or “know more”, use descriptive anchor text that blends in easily and looks natural, instead of forceful.
Consider Important Pages
Internal link, to important pages of a website that have the potential to attract more traffic. It passes link equity and increases the scope of a critical page to appear high in the search engine results page.
Link Effectively
Link effectively and deeply. It means rather than directing the user to only the vital page, link it with relatable pages. It enhances the user experience and helps search engines better understand the website’s structure and content hierarchy.
It is how you can boost your website with the right internal link. However, wait, there are other types of links that you have not uncovered yet. Explore them in detail in the next section.
What Is an External Link?
An external link is a hyperlink that directs a user from one website to another. Such links are important from a user and SEO perspective as they contribute to both. From a search engine optimization perspective, it builds authority and trustworthiness. From a user’s perspective, these provide additional information, thereby enriching their experience.
What Are the Different Types of External Links?
There are many types of external links, but the following are the most important from an SEO perspective.
Dofollow Links
A dofollow link is the default type of link. When you use such a link on your website, you basically tell the search engine that you endorse the linked content that passes the link juice to such a page.
Nofollow Links
NoFollow links instruct the search engines not to pass authority to the other page. These are used, for example, for user-generated content or a paid link. These are used to prevent passing link juice to the other page.
Also Read : search google or type a url
Sponsored Links
Sponsored links are a special type of link that informs a search engine and user about links that are either advertised or affiliate links. These ensure transparency in the process.
Do you have clarity regarding what an external link is and its type? If so, now discover how the right external links can help boost a website.
How to Boost a Website With the Right External Links?
Wondering how to boost your website with the right external links? If yes, following the tips stated below can really help.
Link Only to Credible Sources
External linking does not merely mean connecting with any other random website. It means finding relatable and highly credible sources for search engines to better understand the context.
Create Valuable Content
Create valuable and informative content so that it is easy to earn external links from credible sources.
Check the Blog: What are LSI keywords
Audit Regularly
With external links, especially, it becomes essential to audit regularly to fix any broken or irrelevant links. Ensure that the external links point to the right and correct pages.
What Is the Difference Between Internal and External Link?
The difference between internal link and external link is vast. Therefore, explore such differences in detail with the table below.
| Feature | Internal Link | External Link |
| Meaning | An internal link is a hyperlink that connects to a page within the same website or domain. | An external link is a hyperlink that connects to a website or domain located outside of the current one. |
| SEO Impact | An internal link enhances crawlability and helps search engines comprehend the website’s structure and content hierarchy. | It boosts credibility when links are established on reputable sites and can also attract additional backlinks in return. |
| Control | An internal link improves control over placement and destination of anchor text. | For an external link, there is less control, as the link can break, which can make the content appear outdated. |
| Maintenance | Internal links are easy to manage, as their placement, destination, and link are within your control. | External links require regular monitoring, as they are susceptible to broken links. |
| Benefits to Users | Internal links improve engagement on a specific website. | External links enhance user engagement and provide additional value. |
Wrapping Up
This blog explains in detail about internal links, external links, and the difference between internal and external links. We hope that you are now clear on this part and will take the initiative in the right direction with both such parameters. If you have queries and are still uncertain about how to use them effectively for better search results and a better user experience, do not wait any longer to connect with Affrise Media. We are a 360-degree marketing agency that helps you with every aspect of digital marketing, including what is on-page SEO. Thus, connect with us today and see your website perform at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: An internal link is a hyperlink that connects different web pages within the same domain. Its use is to enhance the user’s understanding of the content, facilitate website navigation, and distribute SEO value across the pages.
A: An external link is a hyperlink that redirects to a website on a different domain. Such links are important from an SEO perspective as they build credibility.
A: Internal linking improves crawling, indexing, and establishes a site hierarchy. In brief, internal linking enhances user experience and improves search engine rankings.
A: External links enhance website authority, as linking to an authoritative website indicates that your content is well-researched and provides value to the user, ultimately leading to a better user experience.
A: To balance internal and external links effectively, focus on building a logical structure while linking to credible external sources that support your content. Prioritise internal links to 70% and external links to 30%.