Home and internal pages. Correct manual linking of articles. Now let’s get down to the actual work of linking and analyze each position

Cross-linking is the linking of pages of one site or different resources with hyperlinks. The word itself comes from the English word link, which can be translated as a link or connecting link. If you properly perform internal linking on your site, you can increase your rankings for promoted queries without extra cash costs.

By using the internal potential of your site, you deprive yourself of any danger associated with building up unnatural link mass.

Why is linking needed?

Internal linking consists of linking pages of one resource with hyperlinks. Moreover, such linking does not mean a single placement of links from page to page, but a system of links, their combination, ensuring the integrity of the entire resource.

Relinking is used:

1. As a tool for increasing the relevance (compliance) of site pages with a request in search engines, each such link “tells” the search robot that this page meets a specific request;
2. In order to increase the static weight of pages (it increases with the number of links to the page), which is important when promoting a resource in search engines;
3. To speed up the indexing of new website pages. Let's say a search robot visits a resource page, finds a new link on it and follows it, indexing the article and adding it to the search engine database;
4. To improve usability, that is, ease of use of the site. It will be easier for the visitor to find similar materials and navigate the internal content of the resource.

Page linking can be used within one site (internal or page linking) or between different sites (external linking).

Types of internal website linking

• Contextual;
• Through;

Contextual linking- this is the most convenient option in terms of SEO effect and benefit for visitors. Links installed on the pages of your site bring an effect comparable to purchased ones. However, in addition to the benefits, such links will help your site improve and. Correct internal linking of site pages helps to retain the user on the site, increasing the number of pages viewed and the time spent on the site.

End-to-end linking- links to the same pages are located on all pages of the promoted site. One of the types of “pumping” of promoted website pages. The essence of cross-links is to increase the weight of promoted pages. The main disadvantage is that, unlike contextual links, end-to-end links do not provide significant benefits to resource visitors. Users will click on such links, but not in large numbers.

Examples of internal page linking

SEO optimizers use special techniques to make internal linking optimal and effective. For example, the most common are:

• Providing links to the text of articles;
• Linking within the page using anchors;
• Compiling lists of links at the end of articles;
• Drawing up a site map;
• Handling pages with 404 error;
• Creation of FAQ.

Adding links to the text of articles- that is, links leading to other pages of the site are individual words or expressions that are part of the overall semantic intent of the articles. This method is most effective from an SEO point of view, and, in addition, works to improve the usability of the site.

Linking within a page using anchors– at the beginning of the page, the content is created and when you click on one of the items, it transfers to the corresponding heading.

Compiling lists of links at the end of articles– a list of similar materials at the end of the article you are currently reading.

Drawing up a site map– in this case, a page is created containing links to all other pages of the resource. Due to the large number of transitions located on it, the site map page cannot have much authority. But its presence among other pages of the resource significantly speeds up its indexing.

Handling 404 error pages– if the robot could not find a page on the site - that is, it followed a link that leads to a non-existent (deleted, changed) page - it is advisable to provide it with a link to a page relevant to the missing one.

Creation of FAQ– These are pages with questions and answers that allow you to further link specific keywords.

Rules for internal site linking

It is best not to use many links on one page (optimally no more than 50), since the weight distribution occurs across all outgoing links. Close unnecessary links from indexing so that they do not interfere with the pages being promoted to the top. This is very important for proper weight transfer. Close the section with tags from indexing so as not to spawn and confuse search engine robots.

By following these simple rules, you can most competently distribute static weight between the pages of your site.

Automatic internal linking

This type of linking does not require a lot of time and effort from the webmaster: it is enough to configure all systems once and periodically check their operation. And although it will not give the same effect in search engine promotion as manual linking, it is indispensable in increasing user activity.

Automatic linking includes several types of work. The most basic:

1. Drawing up a site map. A high-quality website simply must have its own map - it allows users to easily navigate sections and navigate the resource. Examples of implementation: on the Joomla platform - joomla sitemap, on WordPress - sitemap for WordPress.
2. Display similar articles– under each article, links to materials similar in topic or content are displayed. Site visitors click on them, thereby increasing the behavioral factors of the resource, and this has a good effect on the position in search results. For each type of engine (content management system) there are separate extensions that allow you to create automatic output of similar content. However, this method has its drawback - it causes a large load on the server.
3. Automatic contextual links– one of the best methods of website promotion in search engines, which is the placement of internal links with key anchors (text content) directly in the body of the article.
4. The so-called "bread crumbs"– internal links at the top of each resource material that show the user the path to the main page. For example, if a site or blog has many subcategories or articles, a visitor can easily get lost, but using this method, you can see your entire path. Such links are well indexed by search engines and bring their weight to certain pages.

Manual internal linking of the site

Manual linking is quite labor-intensive work, taking a lot of time, but giving the most powerful and long-term effect. The most important thing to remember is that new materials must link to old ones.

There are several types of linking:

• ring;
• carousel

Ring involves creating a vicious circle of links, with the transferred weight increasing as the “rings” increase.

The second, carousel option, represents the distribution of weight from the main page to sections, then to subcategories and materials (what is called “top to bottom”). When choosing linking, it is important to keep in mind the existing structure of the site, as well as the overall promotion strategy. Already using these factors, you can achieve good results in promoting low-frequency queries to high places.

An important nuance - if you need to give many links to one page, it is advisable to dilute the anchor with different words, but so that it looks more natural. For example: “pie recipe”, “meat pie recipe”, “meat pie recipe”, etc.

Correct page linking

Correct linking of website pages differs from incorrect linking, just like the headphones that are in your pocket, and the headphones that you, swearing, finally unwound.

It’s the same with linking on a website; if you don’t think about it, it will be very difficult to unwind. So, correct linking is linking within a rigid scheme with a clear division of the meaning of each page. Not the key query, but the meaning, since key queries determine the meaning of the page.

In order to create a page structure, you need to:

• collect a detailed semantic core;
• create a general structure of website pages;
• create a logical structure of website pages.

And then you will succeed proper page linking based on the logical structure of the page, which relies on the overall structure.

Basic linking schemes

The linking scheme depends on the goals set. In this case, the number of pages on the site can be any.

It is necessary to choose an internal linking scheme in such a way that the internal link weight of the site is used to the maximum. High-frequency queries are usually promoted to the main page, medium-frequency queries are promoted to the second nesting level (section page), and low-frequency queries are promoted to the third nesting level and below (service and product pages).

The main rule that is worth remembering: there is no universal linking, since the choice depends on the queries being promoted and the subject of the site.

Linking for high-frequency queries

The essence of the scheme

The weight from all pages of the site is concentrated on the main page, which is tailored for high-frequency queries. For example, you can put links from the main page to second-level pages (mid-frequency queries). From second-level pages back to the main page and third-level pages (low-frequency queries). From the third level pages you need to direct the weight through links back to the main page.

The main page will be able to compete for high-frequency queries, but the second and third level pages will have little weight and it will be difficult for them to compete even for low-frequency queries.

The essence of the scheme

Most often, this scheme is used for second-level pages. In this case, links should be placed from the main page to second-level pages, and from the second to the third and back.

Suitable only for incorrect queries that involve a product group. If, for example, users are looking for “buy a laptop” without a specific brand, then this scheme is ideal for an online store.

The essence of the scheme

In this case, the maximum weight must be transferred to the lowest level site pages. In this case, external links not to the main page, but to internal pages, bring much more benefit. All materials need to be linked to each other.

Local linking schemes

Ring

The most popular and simplest linking scheme. In it, the pages are connected to each other in a sequential order and are closed in a ring. The weight is distributed to the promoted page, the remaining pages are auxiliary. Each page links to the next one. The trick is that the last page should always link to the first.

The scheme has a significant drawback. If 1 page falls out, the connection is broken and all pages lose weight. Accordingly, the scheme loses all meaning.

In an improved version of the “ring” scheme, pages link not only to the one being promoted and to the neighboring one, but also to each other. Thanks to this, the loss of one chain link does not bode ill; the system will continue to work properly. But the scheme requires the participation of at least four pages.

Star

Classic scheme. In it, all pages are linked to each other.

This scheme is perfect if there is simply no page being promoted or several are being promoted at once. With this linking method, all pages of the site will be 100% independent of each other, and indexing (of high-quality content, of course) will significantly speed up.

Hierarchical scheme

It is this linking scheme that operates on most RuNet resources. On the one hand, it is more complex than those described above, and on the other hand, it is very logical. For example, one resource page links to 2 others, which link to 2 more. As a result, these 4 pages link to the very first page. Thus, the promoted page receives the maximum possible link juice, plus a sufficient number of links with the required anchors.

The hierarchical scheme of internal website linking is a fail-safe method. However, it was not without difficulties. The main annoying problem: if any page falls from the top of the hierarchy, this can significantly reduce the efficiency of the scheme.

But there are still more advantages. For example, this technique allows you to promote any number of pages.

Relinking for sites of a specific type

Corporate low-page resource

On such sites, it is customary to focus link juice on the main page. Pages of the second and third levels must link to the main page, on which, in turn, links to them will be inserted. The second method: the main page of the site + second-level page is promoted. All third-level pages in such a scheme will link to second-level pages and to the main page. The method is relevant for sites selling services and corporate resources.

In the case of online stores, product pages are most often promoted. Typically these are third level pages. All pages of the first and second levels link to pages of the third level. At the same time, all third-level pages are linked to each other in a ring.

Second option: both the pages with the product and the sections in which the product is located are promoted. In this case, the link weight is distributed between the promoted sections and pages with the presented product.

In conclusion, we can only summarize that for competent linking with maximum benefit for promotion, three rules must be followed:

• Well-configured website navigation
• Using a suitable linking scheme
• Precisely selected link anchors

Promote your website correctly and do it comprehensively!

Correct linking on a website is one of the important aspects of internal optimization. It is not needed to distribute weight between pages, as some may believe in the old fashioned way. These are the paths through the site that the user takes. And they should be laid out in such a way that he will definitely come to perform the target action. We'll tell you how to do this in a new post.

What is linking and why is it needed?

Interlinking is the “stitching” of website pages using links.

Linking can be internal and external.

Internal linking- this is the arrangement of links within one site.

Internal linking tasks:

• improvement (the site becomes convenient and understandable);
• pages (search engines better understand the structure of the site - which pages lead where, which of them are more important);
• increasing the relevance of pages (through the use of different key queries, search engines better understand for which queries to rank a page in search).

Due to correct internal linking, it is possible to:

• improve behavioral indicators (increase time spent on the site, browsing depth, reduce failures) and, therefore, “pull up” search positions;
• increase the level of conversion on the site (purchases, applications, subscriptions, etc.).

External linking- this is the placement of links from your own website to other sites (websites, social network pages, catalogs, etc.). Do not confuse external linking with . When they talk about external linking, they mean outgoing links, and by link building they mean increasing the incoming link mass.

External linking tasks:

• providing users with access to useful information posted on external resources;
• indication of the original source of data (for example, when quoting or translations);
• redirecting traffic to partner and affiliate resources.

External links are useful for visitors because they do not need to make additional manipulations to go to third-party resources. Moreover, search engines increase the ranking of sites that link to reputable sites.

How to do internal linking correctly

You can find many different linking schemes on the Internet - “ring”, “star”, “herringbone”, etc. In 2018, linking is based not on conventional figures, but on the benefits for visitors and, ultimately, the owner of the resource (after all user actions should lead to conversion).

Collection of data for linking

If your site has been running for some time and has collected enough statistics, information about link clicks can be obtained using the “ Link Map ” tool in Yandex.Metrica. You'll see which links are clicked on the most and you'll be able to spot patterns.

Fragment of “Link Maps” of Yandex.Metrica

But if the site is new, the “Link Map” will not provide information. In this case, use Yandex and Google search suggestions, which are formed based on user needs.

Let's look at an example. Let's say you have an online hardware store. You want to place quick links to popular models from the “Smartphones” catalog page. To do this, enter the phrase in Yandex "buy a smartphone" and get a list of tips. Users who want to buy a smartphone will most likely be interested in inexpensive smartphones, Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones, popular models and new products.

We write down all the “wishes” and get, in fact, a list of pages that are worth referring to and to which some users will definitely go. Even if they don’t buy the product, you will receive , which means your site’s position will increase.

Collecting clues manually is labor-intensive. To simplify and speed up your work, you can use the “ ” tool in SeoPult. Specify a list of key phrases, select search engines (Yandex and/or Google), region, rules and collection depth (maximum - up to level 3) and click the “Run scan” button.

The finished result can be downloaded in XLSX format.

The final report looks like this:

The report contains enough information to understand the needs of users and make high-quality linking.

In addition to search suggestions, you can use similar queries for linking, which are displayed under the search results.

The same queries are available in the Yandex.Wordstat service (right column):

To collect similar queries, another SeoPult tool is suitable - “Collection of association phrases”. It works similarly to the tool for collecting search tips discussed above.

Why did we dwell in such detail on collecting phrases? The fact is that without understanding the needs of users, working on interlinking makes no sense. If you place links at random, chaotically, or, conversely, “ring”, there will be no targeted transitions on them.

Internal linking methods

You can set up linking on a website in different ways - below are typical examples of arranging links between pages of a website.

Main menu

These are end-to-end links that are contained on all pages of the site. The horizontal menu usually links to the page “About Us”, “Terms of Payment and Delivery”, etc. It is not recommended to link to the main page, since it is usually linked to from the logo and/or header of the site.

The link to the current page should not be active (for example, if you went to the “Contacts” page, then when you click on the “Contacts” menu item, the page should not reload). In addition, do not use more than 7 links in the menu, otherwise the perception of information may deteriorate.

Product menu (catalogue, category menu)

Two types of menu

When placing links in the product menu, pay attention to the following points:

• take into account only the most popular search queries (for example, hallways can be brown, light, orange and whatever, but you have determined that users are most interested in white, black and black and white - these are the colors that should be indicated in the menu. If you specify too there are a lot of links, then the site will be inconvenient to use, which will lead to a deterioration in behavioral factors);
• in the names of sub-items, avoid spam (for example, in the item “Hallways” there is no need to name the sub-items “Modular hallways”, “Small hallways”, etc. To understand the essence, it is enough to indicate only a descriptive characteristic - “Modular”, “Small”. Users and so they will understand that we are talking about hallways);
• add pictures to the section names (this move will help improve the visual perception of the site. Under no circumstances replace text with pictures - the names of items and sub-items should be in the form of text that is understandable for search engines).

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Typically, recommendation blocks are used in . Here you can display similar products (smartphone 1, smartphone 2, ...), related products (headphones, charger, ...) or popular products from different categories. Do not draw conclusions of complementary positions randomly without any logic - this will not give the desired result.

Products can also be offered taking into account browsing history - in this case, the likelihood of clicks on links increases.

Recommendation links can also be placed on the catalog section page to clarify the user's request. For example, those who are in the “Tables” category can be asked to go to the subcategories “Dinning tables”, “Computer tables”, “Chairs”. Again, this technique will allow you to unload the complex and voluminous catalog menu in the left sidebar.

For informational sites, recommendation blocks look different: here it is important to involve users in viewing new pages with content. Therefore, blocks with interesting posts, the latest news, the most popular pages, the most commented articles, etc. are used.

Tagging

Each product can be described by different parameters that cannot be included in the menu. For example, a cabinet can be brown, made of chipboard, 100 cm wide, 50 cm deep. In order to simplify the search for products and navigate the site, tags are used - links to specially created pages on which products of a given category are grouped.

You might argue that all this can be taken into account in filters. Yes, this can and should be done - put all possible search characteristics into filters. However, the filtering results are not indexed by the search robot, so the most popular queries should be separated into separate ones and referred to using tags.

Example of tags on a category page

Tags are also suitable for information sites - they are used to link similar articles. Tag only those queries that are the most popular (see above on how to determine demand). Otherwise, you risk making the page visually heavier. Maintain balance.

Contextual linking

These links are placed in the descriptive part of the page (for example, in an article) and lead to other pages on the site. Such links are rarely used in product cards because they lead users away from them. But on the main page and in categories they are quite appropriate. For example, in the Laptops category, you could direct users to an article with useful information on how to choose a laptop.

Linking a catalog section with info pages

If your store's website has an information section, contextual links included in the text help redirect traffic to commercial pages, for example, product cards, etc.

Contextual linking of the article with catalog sections and product cards

You can also link different articles to each other (we use this technique in the posts of this blog), but it is important that they are related thematically and complement each other.

Breadcrumbs (“breadcrumbs”)

Be sure to use this linking method on all pages so that the visitor understands where he is and can return to the previous stage at any time.

It is better to use detailed chains that show the entire path to the current page, rather than abbreviated ones (when only the first page and the “Back” link are indicated). Read more about creating breadcrumbs in our newsletter.

HTML site map

This is a separate page that contains links to all pages of the site. It helps to understand its structure. This is useful both for users and for improving the indexing of pages by search engines. See instructions for creating a sitemap.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when linking:

• use only dofollow links;
• do not adjust linking to any rules - use the principle of common sense and benefit for visitors;
• It is not recommended to make excessive links from product cards (for example, to pages about delivery and payment), this can lead the user away from the goal; place all the necessary service information immediately on the card in a brief form;
• avoid (when the page links to itself);
• do not put too many links from one page (only the most relevant);
• do not often link from internal pages to the main page;
• pages that are linked from the main page are indexed faster;
• regularly check the site for broken links (which lead to pages with a code other than 200) and remove them.

How to do external linking correctly

Many webmasters are afraid to link to external resources, citing the fact that the “weight” of pages leaks through external links and this negatively affects rankings. Indeed, this was the case before. But it's 2018 - search engines are powered by artificial intelligence, and user satisfaction comes first.

For example, in the current article, when mentioning Yandex.Wordstat, we included an outgoing external link. As a result, you do not need to go to the search engine, enter “Yandex.Wordstat” and click on the link in the search - you go to this service directly from the article. Is this convenient? Yes. If you are interested in an article, you open Wordstat, move between pages, test the methodology described in the article, and read it further. And nothing “leaks” through this link, but behavioral factors, on the contrary, improve.

Despite the obvious benefits of outgoing external links, they need to be placed correctly. Here are the basic rules:

• each external link must be relevant and fit organically into the context (otherwise search engines may consider that the link is posted on a paid basis and apply sanctions);
• if you are not sure about the reliability of the site you are linking to, add it to the link - in this case, search engines will not index it, but users will be able to follow it;
• do not mask links using scripts;
• make links clearly distinguishable from the main text;
• use natural anchors (brand names, website URLs, index anchors - “link”, “here”, “instructions”, “site”, “useful resource”);
• avoid anchors with obvious commercial overtones (with the words “buy”, “order”, “price”);
• Using surrounding text, let users know that after clicking on the link they will go to an external resource;
• Be sure to set up external links to open in a new window - otherwise behavioral indicators will suffer.

If you follow these tips, outgoing links from yours will only work as a plus.

Linking on a website is not an easy task

To solve this problem, you will need to analyze requests, study the behavior of site visitors, and determine which pages and how will be connected to each other. If you find it difficult to do it yourself, you can enlist support

Today I propose to talk about such an important process as internal linking of website pages, what it is and why it is so important.Let me start with the fact that it involves placing links on pages within the site through which users will move from one page to another. Properly thought out and implemented page linking will allow you to evenly distribute the link mass within the site.All this will make the site more authoritative in the eyes of search robots. Thanks to this, the resource will take place in the first positions of search results. Pay attention! The link weight of a page or Pagerank depends on how many links to a specific page are placed on other pages on the site.Achieving good results in website promotion thanks to the correct placement of internal links is relatively simple. The main thing is to know the basic principles of linking, which I will discuss below.

Linking website pages is what I have already briefly described above. But let's take a closer look at why it is needed and what results it will achieve.

• Improving the ease of use of the site - that is, usability. The presence of internal links allows the user to better navigate the resource and see similar articles and materials.

Pay attention! The presence of links motivates the user to click on them. He embarks on a kind of journey through the site. As a result, the visitor “hangs” on it and spends a lot of time. What search engines evaluate positively.

• Linking pages can significantly improve the structure of the site, which will be positively appreciated by search robots. I note that when evaluating a resource, search robots necessarily evaluate the Level of Nesting (NL). That is, how many clicks you need to make to get to a specific page. For the main page, this indicator is equal to 1. If you need to make one click to go to a specific page, the LV is equal to 2. The higher the LV indicator, the longer the robots will index the page. Proper linking will reduce the HC.

• Rational distribution of dynamic and static weight of pages. I think you understand that each page of the site has its own static weight. When there is a link to another page, it transfers some of its static weight. This also allows some of the dynamic weight to be transferred. All this has a direct impact on the final position of the page in search engines.

Pay attention! This way, you can display the specific page that is most important to you in the search TOP.

• Fast indexing. Internal linking of website pages speeds up the work of search robots. Which has a positive effect on the speed at which your resource pages get into the search engine index.
• Reducing promotion costs. Linking is a free and fairly effective way to significantly increase your site’s position in search engines. This will make it possible to significantly reduce promotion costs.

Correct and incorrect linking: examples

When creating internal linking, the main thing is to do everything correctly. Especially in terms of site navigation. In particular, the main page must contain links to all existing sections of the second and third levels. But you should not put links to regular pages.

An example of proper linking

1. Links to all sections of the site are available on the main page.
2. Each individual section has links to other sections.
3. Each page within a section is linked to other pages in the same section.

Examples of illiterate linking

1. There are no links to all created sections on the main page.
2. The correct structure is not provided.
3. There is no connection between sections.
4. A separate section contains links to pages that are not related to it.
5. There is no connection between the materials within the section.
6. Some pages have no links at all.

Points to Mention: Unique Features of Linking

1. Directly from the main page you can put links to regular pages with articles and materials.
2. Within a section, it is allowed to place links to materials that are not included in this section. For example, in one section you have cooking recipes, but you want to put a link in the article to specific utensils that are used in cooking and which are written about in the thematic section.
3. It follows from the second point that linking articles from different sections is allowed.

Pay attention! It should be understood that these nuances are relevant only for certain cases.

Page linking and its types

There are several types of linking. I will describe each type in more detail below - they all have their own characteristics and certain advantages.

However, for successful website promotion, I recommend using not just one specific type, but all of the described methods.

1) Through view

We are talking about a specific block with links installed on all pages of the site. The most striking example is the menu - it can have the following sections:

• Home;
• Articles;
• About Us;
• Contacts, etc.

Also, as an example, we can cite blocks that present:

• related materials;
• most read articles;
• most commented articles.

Making this look is quite simple. You need to install a special extension that will generate blocks.

In addition, the weight transferred to other pages will be quite noticeable. However, if you need to achieve more significant weight for a specific page in order to display it in the TOP, you should use the type of linking presented in the next section.

2) Context view

We are talking about placing links within the article. They must fit well and directly into the text so as not to spoil it with incorrect inflections.

Pay attention! Links should be evenly distributed throughout the text of the article, and not collected in one part of the material. This will significantly increase the transmitted weight. In addition, it will have a positive effect on the behavioral factor.

Naturally, it is not possible to automate this process. All links must be entered manually, which takes a relatively long time.

Of course, there are special plugins that can do this for you, but their quality of linking is low. Incorrect inclusion of links in the text of the article will be immediately visible.

3) Variable see-through view

This method is similar in principle to the first described. The idea is to use a special block, but each page uses unique links. That is, links on pages are not repeated.

4) “Breadcrumbs”

This view can be used as additional navigation. Links are placed:

• above the title of the article;
• above the page title;
• etc.

In fact, by following such “crumbs”, the user can go from the main page of the site to the one on which he ultimately ended up.

This is interesting! The method received its name by analogy with the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm. Remember how Hansel and Gretel came out of the forest, looking for a way along the scattered crumbs?

This method allows you to improve the level of usability and make it easier for users to navigate your resource.

How page linking helps promote specific search queries

Properly using the principles of internal linking, you can ensure effective promotion of search queries, regardless of their level of frequency.

Low frequency queries

Pages with a third nesting level are ideal for them. The features of internal linking in this case will be as follows:

• on the main page of the site there will be links to some of the others;

• there must be a connection between internal pages;
• The main focus when linking is on internal pages.

Mid-frequency requests

• headings;
• categories.

Naturally, the emphasis is on them - links from regular pages will lead to these pages, and external links can also be placed there when posting materials on third-party resources.

Pay attention! There is no need to put links on the main page that will lead to regular ones. Because this will cause atomization. It is better to use the weight of the main page to promote more significant ones.

High frequency queries

To promote queries with a high level of competition, it is recommended to use pages that have the highest EV. The home page of the site is best suited for this.

Effective page linking schemes

Using linking schemes will allow you to get unique links. And link all pages with links.

The work is painstaking, but it is worth it - the usability of your site will increase significantly. What will be appreciated not only by the user, but also by search robots.

Star

It can be called the main method among all existing ones. Using it will allow you to ensure that all pages link to each other.

This method will be appreciated by those who do not promote any specific page of their resource or promote all pages at once (the latter option is relevant for online stores), and therefore there is no need to transfer weight to one specific page.

In addition, Asterisk will allow you to achieve page independence, which will significantly simplify the overall indexing of your resource. Of course, if it contains only high-quality and unique content.

Ring

The main distinguishing feature of this scheme is that it allows you to direct the weight to a specific page.

It turns out that all pages link to each other, which increases the overall weight. In addition, all pages link to the one selected for promotion, which allows it to receive the maximum possible weight. After all, she receives many links with the keywords necessary for promotion.

This scheme also has certain disadvantages:

• when one of the pages drops out of the search engine index (or even the page is simply unavailable for some reason), the entire scheme is immediately broken and it stops working;
• the scheme increases the HC too much, which will negatively affect the weight of pages that are at a low level.

Hierarchy

This scheme is used on the vast majority of sites. Its popularity is well founded.

The essence of the scheme is that one page links to two, each of those pages links to two more, and the last four links to the one used at the beginning of the scheme. This way, you can achieve the highest possible weight for the page you are going to promote.

The Hierarchy scheme has proven itself excellently and works with the greatest possible effect. But, of course, it is not ideal either. Since the loss of one of the pages from the index will entail a noticeable decrease in overall efficiency.

Linking pages in WordPress using plugins

Above, I wrote that using special plugins will automate the creation of links. In particular, such extensions and add-ons generate blocks at the bottom or side of the page, depending on where you place them in the settings.

Smart Linker

One of the best extensions of this type. The plugin works on the principle of the end-to-end variable linking described above. But it is an optimized version.

If most extensions use the name of the material as a link anchor, then in this plugin the user has the opportunity to set the link name he needs. This allows you to significantly increase the effect and achieve better results when promoting your site.

WordPress Related Posts

The extension creates end-to-end linking within the site. The plugin automatically analyzes the material on the page, taking into account factors such as:

• topic of the article;
• the category in which the article is located;
• tags.

As a result of the data received, the plugin selects articles with similar topics and displays them in a block at the bottom of the page.

A site visitor will see articles that correspond to the topic of interest to him, which significantly optimizes behavioral factors - the user spends more time on the site, and the total number of failures is reduced.

Cross-Linker

This plugin is designed to create contextual linking - it does it automatically. If you remember, contextual linking takes a lot of time and effort - the extension can reduce your labor costs.

In the plugin settings you need to enter certain keywords, and the extension will analyze the text of the article when viewing pages. If the specified keywords are found in it, the plugin will provide links to them.

Breadcrumb Navigation XT

Successful website promotion in search engines is unthinkable without proper internal linking of all its web pages. In this article I will tell you what interlinking is, what its types and schemes are, I will touch upon interlinking and, of course, I will provide instructions for setting up correct interlinking.

By tradition, at the end of the article I will share my experience in working with this method of website promotion.

Relinking

Cross-linking is the connection of web pages with links. The term itself comes from the English word Link- link. There are internal and external linking.

External website linking is a promotion method when the promoted page is linked to from another website. Or, more simply put, when one site links to another, external resource. Links can be from any sites, for example from WikiPedia, I wrote a little about this in this article -.

Internal website linking is the linking of web pages of one website using various links, which creates at least 3 positive effects:

1. Improving website usability. That is, a linking site is more convenient for visitors. Search engines think so and it is true;
2. Promoting a web page for low-frequency queries. Proper linking can increase the optimized page in search results for low-frequency queries;
3. Increasing page weight. All pages of the site have a weight, which may vary and is determined by the number of links from other web pages. New pages have zero weight.

Internal linking as a method of promotion or why to link a site

Let's take a look at internal linking (IL) as SEOs. If we talk about black and white methods of promotion, then VP certainly refers to white methods that cannot harm the search engine promotion of the site, but with the wrong approach, there may be no effect from linking at all.

If we talk about paid and free, then internal linking is a completely free method. Therefore, I especially recommend this method of promotion to beginners in SEO. Mastering the basics of competent linking is not difficult.

Why is linking needed? Apart from the above 3 positive effects, in principle, there is nothing special to add. In addition, all these three factors can play a key role in the promotion of any site, be it a new site or a site with a lot of content. Well, with the help of linking you can create complex conversion funnels. That is, with the help of feature articles, collect interested visitors on a special selling page and turn them into targeted visitors, ready to purchase goods and services, subscribe, etc.

Types and schemes of internal linking

Based on the types of links and how they are placed, I will highlight 4 types of internal linking:

Linking schemes. I'll talk about three main linking methods. The essence of all linking methods or schemes is to prevent pages from linking to each other.

Figure 3. Sprocket

Star method. One of the main methods of internal linking. The essence of this method is simple and lies in the fact that all pages of the site link to each other.

This can be primarily useful if there is no specifically promoted page (or all pages are promoted, for example in an online store or directory) and there is no need to increase the weight of something specific.

In addition, with this method, you can be sure that all pages will be independent of each other (even despite the direct dependence, but I will explain this a little later) and indexing the site will be very easy (provided there is high-quality content).

Figure 4. Ring

Ring method. Another classic method of internal linking. Unlike the previous one, here there is a targeted direction of weight to any promoted page (red circle).

The bottom line is that the pages link to each other, which allows for a mutual increase in weight, and at the same time, each page links to the promoted one, which gives it the greatest weight and it also receives a number of links with the necessary keys.

The disadvantages of this method are the following: 1. If one of the pages of the ring is inaccessible or the index simply “falls out”, then the entire “ring” will be broken and the pages to which links should have gone will not be indexed, that is, the structure will no longer be act. 2. In this case, there will be a very large level of nesting, and since there is still an opinion that the level of nesting still affects the dynamic weight of pages and links from them, the value of links from the lowest level will not be so noticeable.

Figure 5. Hierarchy

Hierarchy method. This method is used quite often; most sites are linked using it. The essence of the method is that a certain structure is built that resembles a progression. That is, one page links to two, those two link to the other two (four in total), and these four link to the first, which allows you to get maximum weight for the promoted page, as well as the maximum number of links in the necessary anchors.

This method of internal linking works almost flawlessly and has proven itself in the field. However, it is still difficult to call it absolute. The fact is that the problem of “dropping out” of any page at the top of the hierarchy can lead to a noticeable disadvantage for the entire scheme.

Linking in WordPress

Linking in WordPress is a separate case, since this popular engine has a lot of solutions for proper internal linking.

Let's touch on the star method. To create it on WP, any plugin that can display similar entries at the end of the article is suitable, for example, Related Posts Thumbnails. Using such plugins is quite an effective method; its big advantage is that posts are linked by tags or categories, that is, linking occurs automatically.

Instructions for linking the site

The question always arises for SEOs: “How to kill two, even three birds with one stone: increase the relevance of the site, correctly distribute the weight and multiply it?” Here is the logic I follow when optimizing a website:

1. When optimizing a site, it is necessary to “clean” it of old linking. It is necessary to remove all the “garbage” so that when laying out a new link, it doesn’t turn out to be a mess on the site and for the robot during indexing. It is also important to check that all internal links on the site are formatted correctly.
2. Determine which pages need to be increased in weight and for which keywords.
3. Optimize promoted pages for selected keywords: meta tags, page text, pictures.
4. After implementing the first three points, you can already perform linking.

In conclusion, I will share my experience. The first thing I want to say is to try to install contextual links in articles correctly, without piling them on top of each other.

That's all, thanks for your attention! Do you have experience in internal linking, you can write about it in the comments.

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The word comes from the English link. This is one of the mandatory processes of search engine optimization of a website. influences the position in search results and gives authority. Thoughtful and correctly implemented linking significantly increases the chances of an Internet resource to be ranked higher.

There are external and internal manual linking.

What is external linking and why is it needed?

Search engines take into account the site's link profile and its authority. And if a site with high parameters links to a resource with lower ones, then it transfers part of its weight to it.

If they make sites with equal characteristics, or a young one links to a respected Internet resource, both will receive authority to one degree or another, although not as high as in the first option.

The main thing is a properly organized process of linking the site.

Previously, the following method was popular. A whole group of sites was created on which links to the promoted resource were published. It should not contain backlinks to sites in the grid. However, now search engines monitor such systems and impose sanctions.

Internal linking

What does internal linking affect?

1. Improved usability.
   Consider transitions between articles and sections of the site. Make the user's stay on the portal pleasant and convenient.
2. Page promotion.
   The more links a page has, the larger it has. But all links must be organic - thoughtless placement of them will worsen the site’s position.
3. Increasing the link weight of pages.
   Any connection to the page implies that it will add weight. Place links wisely so that the necessary pages are promoted.
4. Reduced indexing time.
   Links help the PS, among other things, to quickly find new pages and add them to the index.

To understand more precisely what we are talking about, we will give several examples of internal linking.

• Navigation: breadcrumbs, links in header and footer.
• Sitemap or sitemap. The page on which links to all pages of the website are generated. For a long time it was considered a mandatory step in setting up a website. Today, more and more optimizers consider it an optional element. If we consider it from the position of weight, taking into account the number of links on it, its weight was minimal.
• Page processing (404 error). It is mandatory to set up an error page. This is necessary so that when the search engine is unable to index a page that has been deleted, the robot is offered an alternative using a redirection. This way he will see that everything is in order, all processes have been completed, there are no broken links, etc.
• Questions and answers pages. Additionally, they allow you to make links for specific key queries.
• Links in the text of materials, formatted in the form of words or phrases. From a promotion point of view, this is one of the best ways that both PS and users will appreciate.
• Adding a list of links at the end of the texts.
• Making menu elements, blocks of related products, etc. clickable.

Internal linking schemes

There are three classical methods of placing links within a resource:

• A circular scheme involves a sequential connection of pages one after another, while they all link to one, which is promoted, as a rule, by a high-frequency request.
• With an asterisk. In this option, all pages link to each other.
• Hierarchy. The classic version is from the main section sequentially, from them to subsections-content. They provide links to the title page.

But in fact, such schemes, as practice shows, have not produced any noticeable effect for a long time. For each site, the scheme must be developed individually.

Popular services for automatic internal linking

Such services help the optimizer assess the state of affairs on the site. They do not completely automate the linking process, but they provide the necessary reports. This allows you to build a competent strategy for building your link profile.

The Google Search Console webmaster service will generate a report on the link mass of your resource. From it it will become clear which sections are well connected with each other and which are not.

There is also data from the analysis of search queries, based on which you can determine which keywords to make clickable.

Using Keycollector, Yandex Metrica and Yandex Webmaster, Serpstat, you can evaluate the semantic core and find high-frequency queries.

On the Internet you can find plugins and scripts that automate the linking process. But you shouldn't rely on them. Search engines pay close attention to how your link profile grows. And if they suspect the use of black methods, they pessimize the resource.

Simple but important internal linking rules that will help improve rankings

• Do not place more than one link from a page to the same page. Use the ring principle.
• If we are promoting a specific one, add several links from different pages and give it more weight. And vice versa, remove external hyperlinks from those sections that we promote.
• Use anchors = key queries, write them in normal language without spammy constructions, using word order for people.
• Check links, clean broken ones.
• It is optimal to write links where visitors will definitely see them.