External linking is an integral part of a robust SEO strategy. It not only helps in driving traffic from other websites but also boosts your site’s credibility and search engine ranking when done correctly.
However, it’s not just about linking out; it’s about linking smart. Here’s how you can best practice external linking to reap the maximum benefits for your website.
Understanding the Value of External Links
External links are hyperlinks that point from your website to another domain. While internal links navigate within the same domain, external links serve as a bridge to different domains. These are crucial for several reasons:
- They provide your audience with additional resources for further reading, thereby enhancing user experience.
- They help search engines understand the relevancy and quality of your content.
- They can increase the authority of your website if you link to and receive links from reputable sources.
Best Practices for External Linking
To ensure that you’re getting the most out of your external links, follow these best practices:
1. Relevance is Key
Always link to content that is relevant to the topic of your page. This improves the user experience and is favored by search engines.
2. Quality Over Quantity
Link to authoritative and trustworthy sites. A link to a high-quality site is worth more than several links to mediocre ones.
3. Balance Your Link Profile
While it’s good to have external links, don’t overdo it. A healthy balance between internal and external links is essential.
4. Use Descriptive Anchor Text
The clickable text in a hyperlink (anchor text) should be descriptive and give an idea of what the user can expect to find on the linked page.
5. Open Links in New Tabs
Set external links to open new tabs to keep users on your site while allowing them to explore additional information.
6. Regularly Monitor Your Links
Check your external links periodically to ensure they’re still relevant, working, and not leading to ‘bad neighborhoods.’
7. Nofollow When Necessary
Use the “nofollow” attribute for links that you don’t want to endorse or pass link equity to, such as advertisements or sponsored links.
8. Avoid Link Schemes
Steer clear of any practices that manipulate links to your site, as these can lead to penalties from search engines.
The External Linking Checklist
Before you add an external link to your content, run through this quick checklist:
- Is the link relevant to my content?
- Does the link add value for my readers?
- Is the linked site authoritative and trustworthy?
- Have I used descriptive anchor text for the link?
- Have I set the link to open in a new tab?
- Is the link a “nofollow” if it’s paid or not entirely trustworthy?
- Have I avoided excessive external linking on the page?
A Handy Table for External Linking Dos and Don’ts
| Do’s ‘✅ | Don’ts ❌ |
|---|---|
| Link to relevant content | Link to unrelated sites |
| Use descriptive anchor text | Use vague or generic anchor text |
| Open links in new tabs | Redirect users away from your site |
| Regularly monitor your links | Neglect broken or outdated links |
| Overuse do follow links | Overuse do-follow links |
| Link to high-quality sites | Link to low-quality or spammy sites |
Essential Considerations for External Linking
When you’re linking externally, remember that the goal is to provide value. Every link should serve a purpose for your reader. It’s not just about SEO; it’s about creating a better web experience.
Think of each link as a personal recommendation from your site to another; you wouldn’t want to recommend a source that isn’t credible or useful.
In conclusion, external linking, when done correctly, can significantly enhance your site’s value and authority. Use the checklist and table provided as quick references to keep your linking strategy on track.
Remember, the ultimate goal of external linking is to improve the user experience by providing additional, valuable information that complements your content.
I am Abdullah An Numan, An internet entropunour with 11 years of exprience, For any business inquareis, Just feel free to contact us.
Happy linking!
