Links on your website can play a major role in your SEO. But what types of links are there, and which ones are best? Below we’ve got a rundown of two major types of links you’ll want to make use of: Internal and external.Â
What is an internal link?
An internal link is a link that connects one page within a domain to another page within that same domain. Essentially, it takes people from one page of your website to a different page of your website. These links can be in the form of buttons or dropdown menus, or hyperlinks in your written content.Â
What is an external link?
On the other hand, an external link is one that directs people from a page on your website to a page on a completely different website. You might use external links if you’re citing a source, want to provide your customers with additional information, or have an affiliate program you’re directing people to.Â
What are the similarities between internal and external links?
These two types of links sound opposite, and in many ways they are. But there are similarities between them as well. Both internal and external links can take the same forms on your website: They can be embedded in buttons, a dropdown menu, or hyperlinked in written text on a page on your website.Â
Additionally, both internal and external links are important for SEO and increasing your site’s traffic. We’ll talk more about that below.
Why do internal and external links matter?
In short: Bringing more people to your website. Although the specifics vary between internal and external links, both are keys to optimizing your website and ensuring it is seen by as many people as possible. Â
Internal links help improve your SEO and user experience on your site. They allow for quick and easy navigation between different pages on your site. Effective use of internal links will keep users on your website for longer, and keep them more engaged. Internal links also make it easier for your site to be navigated by bots, to ensure your pages are properly indexed. In turn, this will improve your visibility in search engine rankings.Â
External links increase the credibility and authority of your website. By linking to relevant and credible sources, you will in turn make your own site seem more credible in the eyes of Google. This will help your SEO, as Google ranks more credible pages higher. Â
Which is better?
There’s no short answer to this. Internal links and external links each have their own purposes. In reality, you need both strong internal links and external links to help boost your site’s SEO and visibility.
How to improve your links
SEO can be challenging, and the best way to ensure your website is optimized is by hiring a digital marketing agency. The best marketing agencies will be able to quickly identify areas of your site that can be improved to increase your traffic, visibility, and ultimately conversions.Â
BYK Digital is a marketing Swiss army knife: Not only can we help with your SEO, but can manage all other aspects of your digital marketing presence as well. Reach out today for a free audit or to learn more about our digital marketing services.Â
