Search engine optimisation is the name of the game for those who wish to take their online presence to the next level. Why are internal links important and what benefits can they provide? Let us examine these questions in slightly more detail.
Addressing Google algorithms
The main intention of search engine optimisation is to enable a website to appear higher within the rankings of a search engine results page (SERP). Google employs advanced algorithms in order to better understand the content found within a website. Internal links provide a digital “road map” so that these algorithms are able to accurately clarify different pages. As a result, the portal in question will be displayed with a greater degree of relevance when an individual searches for a specific product or service.
The notion of “link value”
It is also important to address the concept of link value. When Google crawls through a series of web pages, it will rank these pages in accordance with the number of internal links. In other words, newer posts will be provided with a higher value if they are linked to other pages within a website (such as a homepage). It is also important to mention that link value involves how quickly Google is able to find a specific piece of material immediately after a search query has taken place. Pages with a substantial number of internal links will appear similar to digital “flags”, enabling the results to be displayed in a quicker time frame. Once again, this is beneficial in terms of SERP rankings.
Streamlining navigation
Although there is no doubt that internal links are critical in relation to Google, we should likewise point out that websites need to focus upon the experience of the end user. Links which can quickly redirect a visitor to the appropriate page will allow a portal to be much easier to navigate. Thus, the user is more likely to take a specific action such as requesting more information or committing to a purchase.
These are some of the main reasons why internal links should represent an integral portion of your overall SEO strategy. Not only will they provide your website with a greater degree of digital clout, but they can positively impact the experience of the end user. A website with few internal links is akin to a house built upon stilts. Sooner or later, both will falter.
