Linking Within Your Web Site is a Good Thing

When it comes to search engine optimization, a lot has been written about the importance of solid, relevant links coming into your Web site. But what about linking pages within your site? Is it just a waste of time? Or is it a valuable tool? Let's take a look.

Some search engine optimizers say no. A link within the page simply serves as a self-reference. Why would a search engine count your self-promotion?

But other search engine optimizers say yes. Pandia Search Engine News writes, “Admittedly, such links will not boost the ‘prestige’ of the whole site vis-a-vis the search engines, as they cannot be counted as a vote of confidence from other sites in the Web community. But we believe that they may help the page you are linking to when it comes to particular search phrases.”

Apparently, search engines look at the anchor text of inbound links when they are determining a page's subject. That could be a nice little boost for the search engine ranking of that page, especially for more obscure niche terms. Just be sure the word or phrase appears in both the anchor text and on the linked page.

And let's not forget about site users. Yes, search engine rankings are important. But you want the site user to stay within your site as long as possible. Linking from page to page keeps them there longer. And, those links can make navigating a Web site so much easier.

So I'd say yes! In-site linking is useful not only for the search engines, but your Web site users. That's gotta make it worth the time and effort.

Copyright 2007 IdeaStar Inc.
All Rights Reserved.