If you want more people to find your blog through Google, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is essential. While many new bloggers focus on keywords and backlinks, one powerful strategy often gets overlooked: internal linking.
Internal links can boost your blog’s SEO, keep readers engaged, and make your website easier to navigate. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about internal linking, including actionable strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and tools to simplify the process.
What Are Internal Links?
An internal link is a hyperlink that connects one page on your website to another page on the same site.
Example:
If you have a post titled:
“How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google – Even as a Beginner”
Linking to this post from another relevant article on your blog is an internal link.
Internal links are not only useful for your readers, they also help search engines crawl and index your website efficiently.
Why Internal Linking Matters for SEO
Internal linking is more than just navigation, it’s a core SEO strategy. Here’s why:
1. Boosts Search Engine Crawling
Google’s bots follow links to discover and index more pages on your blog. Without internal links, some of your posts might remain hidden from search engines.
2. Improves User Experience
Readers can easily find related posts and spend more time exploring your content. For instance, linking your SEO post to a guide about blog monetization keeps readers engaged.
3. Passes SEO Value (Link Juice)
Internal links transfer authority from high-performing pages to other posts, helping them rank better in search results.
4. Helps Rank Older Posts
Linking to older posts gives them a fresh chance to get noticed, especially if they’re updated with new information.
5. Reduces Bounce Rate
Visitors who click multiple pages stay longer on your site, sending a positive signal to search engines.
Internal Linking vs External Linking
It’s important to distinguish between internal and external links:
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Internal linking = linking to your own blog posts or pages
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External linking = linking to other websites like Google, Wikipedia, or partner blogs
Both types are beneficial, but internal linking is the foundation of on-page SEO.
For more on this, check out: How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google.
Best Internal Linking Strategies for Bloggers
Here are practical, beginner-friendly strategies to implement internal links on your blog.
1. Use Anchor Text Smartly
Anchor text is the clickable text of a link. Avoid generic phrases like "click here." Instead, use descriptive text that tells readers and search engines what the linked page is about.
Example:
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Bad: Click here to learn more.
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Good: Learn how to monetize your blog without Google AdSense even if you’re just starting out.
Tip: Use variations of keywords to avoid repetitive anchor text.
2. Link to Related Posts Naturally
Add internal links where readers may want additional information. Links should add value rather than feel forced.
Example:
If your post is about SEO tools, you might say:
"You’ll also want to check out our list of the best AI tools for creating faceless content in 2025 to save time and scale faster."
3. Update Old Blog Posts with New Links
Going back to older posts and adding links to your new content helps increase visibility for fresh articles.
Example:
If you publish a post on eBook monetization, update older blogging posts like:
"Learn how to turn your blog posts into profitable eBooks and earn passive income from content you already have."
4. Create Pillar Content and Link Out from It
Pillar content is a comprehensive post covering a broad topic. It can link out to supporting posts on subtopics.
Example Structure:
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Main Post: Complete Beginner’s Guide to Blogging in 2025
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Supporting Posts:
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SEO Checklist
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Blog Monetization Methods
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How to Write Content That Ranks
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This builds authority and helps Google understand your blog’s structure.
5. Use a “Related Posts” Section
Add a “You May Also Like” or “Related Posts” section at the end of each blog post. Include 2–4 internal links.
Example:
You May Also Like:
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How to Use Pinterest to Drive Blog Traffic
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Top SEO Mistakes New Bloggers Make
This encourages visitors to keep reading, improving bounce rates and SEO.
6. Link Deep, Not Just to the Homepage
Deep linking means connecting readers to specific, helpful articles buried inside your blog, rather than just the homepage or top pages.
The more pages Google can crawl and rank, the more traffic you can attract.
7. Use Internal Links in Navigation Menus
Add top categories or pages in your site’s menu or sidebar. This creates site-wide internal links, helping both readers and search engines explore your content.
Example Menu:
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Blogging Tips
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Monetization
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SEO Tools
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eBook Creation
Common Internal Linking Mistakes to Avoid
While internal linking boosts SEO, poor practices can hurt your rankings.
Mistakes to Avoid:
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Linking too many times in one paragraph
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Using the exact same anchor text repeatedly
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Linking to unrelated or low-quality content
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Forgetting to update broken or old links
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Only linking to new posts; older ones matter too
Tools to Simplify Internal Linking
Several tools can help streamline internal linking:
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Google Search Console: Check indexed pages and find opportunities to link
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Yoast SEO (WordPress): Suggests internal links as you write
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Link Whisper (Paid): Automatically recommends internal links
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Manual Method: Use your blog’s search bar to find related content
For Blogspot users, links must be added manually, but it’s worth the effort.
Step-By-Step Internal Linking Checklist for Beginners
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Identify 5–10 of your most visited posts
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Add 2–3 internal links in each post pointing to newer content
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Update older posts monthly with links to fresh content
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Use descriptive anchor text for every link
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Add “Related Posts” sections at the end of your articles
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Use sidebar or menu links for categories and top content
Following this process ensures that internal linking compounds over time, improving SEO and user engagement.
Conclusion
Internal linking is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to improve your blog’s SEO and engagement. Best of all, it doesn’t cost anything!
Key Takeaways:
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Use keyword-rich anchor text
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Link to related posts naturally
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Update old posts with new links
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Build pillar content and link to supporting articles
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Add links in menus, sidebars, and related post sections
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Avoid overdoing or spamming links
Start today: Go back to 5 of your most visited posts and add 2–3 internal links to newer content. Over time, your blog will rank better and your readers will spend more time on your site.
For more tips, read: How to Get Blog Traffic Without Paying for Ads
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