According to feedback from 15 SEO experts, a good website structure relies on strategic internal linking that balances user experience with SEO optimization. They stated that creating a robust linking framework enhances user experience and supports SEO efforts.
Create a Clear Website Hierarchy
A strong internal linking strategy needs a clear site structure and content grouping. Group related data by theme, link pages with relevant anchor text, and maintain multiple internal links per page. Use high-authority pages to promote fresher content, and do regular checks to improve the link structure for users and SEO.
Study User Session Recordings
Internal linking should reflect authentic user exploration patterns, as demonstrated by session recordings. By aligning link placement with actual user behavior instead of solely focusing on SEO, we established natural content pathways that increased session duration by 32% and lowered bounce rates by 18%. This user-centric approach transforms casual visitors into engaged readers by anticipating their next steps.
Analyze User Behavior Patterns
We noticed that viewing blog posts as product features and mapping internal links to actual user journeys, rather than assuming content relationships, greatly improved engagement. This data-driven approach increased our conversion rate and expanded session depth from two to four pages by allowing for natural user exploration patterns.
Leverage External Links
When building an internal link structure, use tools like Ahrefs to find pages with strong external backlinks, and then add strategic internal links from these high-authority pages to essential service and product pages to spread link equity and improve search rankings.
Embed Natural Internal Links
Natural internal linking involves including relevant links within content that offer value to readers. By strategically connecting similar topics (for example, including bunk bed safety tips within a children’s bed guide), this technique enhanced session duration by 30% and product page traffic while maintaining an appropriate link density of 2-3 links per 500 words.
Plan Content Maps
A strategic “Content Map” technique involves planning website topic clusters and their interconnections before content development. For example, on a fashion website, articles like “Men’s Spring Colours 2025” automatically link to relevant topics in clusters such as women’s trends, color psychology, and accessories. This preplanned structure allows constant internal linkage while remaining flexible for future content changes.
Conduct Regular Link Audits
Internal link audits are performed regularly to help optimize website structure by identifying opportunities to add relevant links and replace broken ones. Using descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text while being consistent improves SEO and directs users to valuable information on your website.
Avoid Over-Linking
Avoid over-linking in internal linking structures, as too many links can reduce value and confuse search engines. Instead, focus on smart links to highlight important pages. Use a “priority map” to identify top pages and naturally connect to them in new content, resulting in a more efficient and successful linking strategy.
Use Pyramid Structure
A strong internal linking structure benefits both SEO and user experience. To establish hierarchy, use a pyramid structure with links from significant pages to detailed ones. Prioritise linking to relevant content and use descriptive anchor text rather than generic words. Regularly check links to ensure they are still relevant and functional. This strategy boosts SEO and improves navigation.
Treat Content Archive Like Inventory
We improved internal linking by analyzing content quarterly, identifying pages that were losing traffic, and linking them to high-performing ones. For example, adding links from high-quality site speed pages revived decreasing SEO tips. Instead of simply linking by topic, we prioritize traffic trends, ensuring that older content remains relevant and gets continuous exposure.
Focus on Relevance and Hierarchy
My internal linking strategy emphasizes relevancy, hierarchy, content distribution, and pillar pages. I naturally link to relevant information to keep users and search engines engaged. Key pages, such as cornerstone content, are frequently linked to improve SEO. To keep customers coming in, older content is linked to recent entries. Pillar pages serve as hubs, connecting broad issues to specific subtopics, and improving organization and engagement.
Mix Detailed Pages with Local Content
Our strategy combines detailed service pages with neighborhood-specific content to form a natural ecosystem. Each cleaning package offers useful advice and client success stories that connect back to the main service pages. This has increased bookings by making information easier to locate.
We also create custom pages for each New York neighborhood, addressing local cleaning issues and referring to appropriate providers. This localized approach improves the user experience and builds trust. We’ve improved traffic and reservations by combining local expertise with service details, establishing our position as the go-to cleaning service in each location.
Use Automation for Internal Links
Our internal linking strategy combines automation and strategic content placement. We use Link Whisper to suggest suitable links while drafting resulting in effective interlinking. When an article receives traffic, we improve it with product snippets or bootcamp links to increase engagement and conversions. This method enhances both the user experience and SEO.
Create a Glossary for Internal Linking
We developed an automated glossary for internal linking, ensuring that essential industry terms are linked throughout our website. When a blog article is published or updated, the system identifies relevant keywords and incorporates links. This reinforces key concepts, saves time, and maintains cohesiveness in the text.
Introduce Visual Links
Using visual links, such as maps or photos, rather than text links can increase engagement. When I replaced a text link with a small connected image at the top of a page, traffic to the map page jumped by 300%. Users are more engaged when switching between graphics and text.
Source- DMNews