Internal Link
Quick Definition
An internal link is a hyperlink that points from one page on a website to another page on the same website. Internal linking distributes link equity, helps search engines discover pages, and guides users through content.
Why It Matters
Internal linking is one of the few ranking factors you have complete control over. It helps Google discover new pages, understand your site structure, and distribute ranking power across your site. A well-linked site outperforms a poorly-linked site every time, even with identical content quality.
Real-World Example
Wikipedia is the best example of internal linking in action. Every article links to related articles using descriptive anchor text. This is why Wikipedia ranks for almost everything -- its internal linking helps Google understand relationships between millions of topics.
Signal Connection
Relevance -- Internal links with descriptive anchor text tell Google what the linked page is about. When your "SEO guide" page links to your "keyword research" page using the anchor text "keyword research," you are creating a clear relevance connection between the two topics.
Pro Tip
Every time you publish a new page, go back and add 3-5 internal links from your existing high-traffic pages to the new page. This gives the new page an immediate boost by passing link equity from pages that already have authority.
Common Mistake
Beginners either ignore internal linking entirely or use generic anchor text like "click here" or "read more." Both are missed opportunities. Use descriptive anchor text that tells both users and Google what the linked page is about.
Test Your Knowledge
Which anchor text is best for an internal link to a page about "keyword research tools"?
Show Answer
Answer: C. Best keyword research tools for beginners
Descriptive anchor text like "best keyword research tools for beginners" tells both Google and users what the linked page is about. Generic text like "click here" wastes the opportunity to provide context and relevance signals.