If you’re publishing quality content but still not seeing results or clicks, maybe your internal linking strategy is weak.
Yes, even with all the latest Google updates, internal links still matter more than ever, not just because of SEO, but also for UX, crawlability, and engagement.
Your internal links are the roadmap for your site.
They help both users and search engines navigate your content and understand which pages are the most important.
A strong internal linking structure improves your site’s architecture, increases time on site, and even helps with ranking distribution (PageRank flow) across pages.
But let’s be honest- most people just randomly drop links wherever they feel like.
That’s not a strategy.
That’s guesswork.
So, if you want to level up your SEO, it’s time to go beyond basic linking.
This Advanced Internal Linking Optimization Checklist infographic will help you a lot in
How to choose the right anchor texts (hint- not always an exact match)
The optimal number of internal links per page
Tools to audit and improve your internal linking structure
How to pass link equity smartly between new and old pages
Pro tips for e-commerce, blogs, and service-based websites
Whether you’re an SEO pro or just learning the ropes, this checklist will help you organize, optimize, and scale your internal linking strategy like a boss.
Advanced Internal Linking Optimization ChecklistÂ
1. Prioritize User Experience
Focus on navigation- Make it easy for users to find content.
Link within context- Ensure links add value and make sense to users.
Create a Strong Site Architecture
Use a clear structure- Organize content into categories and tags.
Use breadcrumbs- Help users and search engines understand the site structure.
Optimize Anchor Text for Relevance
Avoid keyword stuffing- Use natural, descriptive anchor text.
Use a variety of anchors- Mix up anchor text with synonyms and related terms.
Focus on Deep Linking
Link to deeper pages- Link to blog posts and service pages, not just the homepage.
Target long-tail keywords- Help rank for specific, long-tail searches.
Ensure Internal Link Diversity
Balance link distribution- Link both old and new content.
Link from authoritative pages- Use strong pages to link to weaker ones.
Fix Broken Links
Audit your site regularly- Find and fix broken links with tools like Screaming Frog.
Redirect broken links- Ensure broken links are redirected properly.
Use NoFollow Tags Wisely
Use NoFollow for unnecessary links- Apply to irrelevant or less important pages.
Avoid overuse- Don’t use NoFollow too much, as it can hurt crawling.
Link to High-Value Pages
Prioritize high-conversion pages by Linking to those that drive sales or leads.
Promote cornerstone content- Link to important content like guides or pillars.
Maintain Optimal Link Count
Limit link number per page- Aim for 40-100 internal links.
Focus on quality- Prioritize relevant and valuable links over quantity.
Use Tools for Tracking & Automation
Linking plugins- Use tools like Yoast SEO to automate suggestions.
Track link performance- Use Google Analytics to track and adjust links.
Regularly Update Links
Update links with new content- Link older posts to newer content.
Repurpose content- Link older articles to fresh content to boost SEO.
Link to High-Authority External Sites (Carefully)
Strategic external linking- Link to reputable external sources when relevant.
Internal links first- Keep internal links as the priority, with external links as a supplement.
Consider a Silo Structure
For complex websites, organize into thematic groups (silos) linked together by a central pillar page.
