Internal linking remains one of the most powerful yet underrated aspects of SEO. As algorithms evolve in 2025, effective internal linking is not just about passing link equity—it’s about improving user experience, site structure, and topical authority.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most important internal linking best practices to follow in 2025 and beyond.
What is Internal Linking?
Internal links are hyperlinks that point to other pages on the same domain. They help users navigate your site and assist search engines in discovering and ranking your content.
Example: A blog post on “On-Page SEO” linking to a related post about “Technical SEO Checklist.”
Why Internal Linking Matters in 2025
- Helps search engines crawl and index your site better
- Improves page authority distribution (link juice)
- Enhances user engagement and reduces bounce rate
- Builds contextual relevance between pages
- Supports topical clusters and content hubs
Best Practices for Internal Linking in 2025
1. Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Avoid generic phrases like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use keyword-rich, natural anchor text that clearly tells both users and search engines what the linked page is about.
Bad: Click here
Good: Learn more about on-page SEO techniques
2. Link Deep, Not Just to the Homepage
Avoid linking only to top-level pages. Instead, link to deep internal pages like blog posts, product pages, or resources that provide value and context.
3. Follow a Topic Cluster Strategy
Build internal links around content clusters. Use a central pillar page and link out to related blog posts, and vice versa.
Example:
- Pillar Page: SEO in 2025
- Cluster Pages: Keyword Research, On-Page SEO, Core Web Vitals
4. Update Older Content With New Internal Links
As you publish new content, revisit older posts and insert links to newer articles where relevant. This keeps your content fresh and improves link flow.
5. Maintain a Shallow Site Architecture
All important pages should be reachable within 3 clicks from the homepage. This improves crawl efficiency and user experience.
6. Use Breadcrumbs for Better Navigation
Breadcrumbs create a clear trail for users and enhance your internal link structure. They also appear in SERPs, improving your click-through rates.
7. Don’t Overdo It
Too many internal links can dilute link equity and overwhelm readers. A good rule of thumb: aim for 3–8 internal links per 1,000 words, but always prioritize relevance.
8. Use DoFollow Links for Internal Linking
Always keep internal links as dofollow (default). Don’t use nofollow unless you have a technical reason to block link equity.
9. Monitor and Fix Broken Links Regularly
Broken internal links hurt both SEO and user experience. Use tools like:
- Screaming Frog
- Ahrefs
- Google Search Console (Coverage or Page Indexing Report)
10. Use HTML Links (Not JavaScript)
Ensure internal links are easily crawlable. Avoid hiding links behind dropdowns, JavaScript, or dynamically generated menus that bots can’t access.
Tools to Help With Internal Linking
- Link Whisper (for WordPress automation)
- Screaming Frog (to audit link structure)
- Ahrefs/Site Audit (find orphan pages)
- Google Search Console (internal link report)
Bonus Tip: Build Internal Links From High-Authority Pages
Identify which of your pages have the most backlinks and pass that authority to important internal pages through smart internal linking.
Final Thoughts
Internal linking is more than a basic SEO task—it’s a strategic asset in 2025. Done right, it boosts search rankings, enhances usability, and helps you build topical authority in your niche.
Whether you’re managing a blog, a business site, or an e-commerce platform, follow these internal linking best practices to keep your SEO game strong this year and beyond.
Want Help With Internal Linking or SEO Strategy?
Let’s connect at realgajanan.com and level up your website’s performance—without chasing gimmicks.
