Linking is an important aspect of web development as it helps with website navigation, search engine optimization, and user experience in general. Therefore, it is paramount to appreciate the differences between internal and external linking for effective and organized website creation.
What Are Links in HTML?
The anchor tag given by the HTML code is the < a > tag used in linking HTML with other texts; in simple terms, it helps transmit hyperlinks in images, texts, or any other element present. In general terms, however, links can be classified into two fundamental types;
• Internal Links
• External Links
Internal Linking
In simple English, internal linking is when hyperlinks are created to interact with computer users. When a certain word, picture, or shape is clicked, it redirects the person to another page on the same domain. These links are especially useful for users and search engines regarding the contents of your website.
Characteristics of Internal Links
- Same Domain: Internal links created within the blog are to the rest of the site’s pages, but this time, they will use content in example.com/about-us links to example.com/services and more while using the same domain, example.com.
- Used for Website Structure: Internal links define how deep a page is in terms of the hierarchy of the other pages and how they are related (or not).
- Improve User Experience: Allow users to engage with and follow up on multiple pieces of content on the same website.
- Boost SEO: Internal links distribute pillars of link equity, which is SEO value, throughout a given website, assisting search engines in comprehending the architecture more intuitively.
Illustration of Internal Links in HTML
html
Copy code
<a href=”/about-us”>Learn More About Us</a>
Here, /about-us is the relative URL of another page on the same website.
In this case, /about-us is a subdirectory of another page that belongs to the same site.
Strengths of Internal Links
- Better Navigation: Helps the user find the relevant content.
- SEO Advantages: Assists search engine bots in effectively crawling and indexing the website.
- Higher Number of Page Views: Makes the user feel interested in the other pages.
- Better Link Usage: Connects related pages.
Internal Linking Guidelines
- Use the keyphrase in the anchor text (e.g., “Explore Our Services” rather than “Click Here.”).
- Make the most needed links from the homepage or significant buttons.
- Do not place too many hyperlinks on one page.
- No broken internal links should be present.
External Linking
As the name suggests, external linking occurs when a user clicks on a hyperlink and is directed to a web page with a different domain or website. Hyperlinks are mostly used to redirect to further information or citations.
Features of External Links
- Different websites: They direct users to pages unrelated to this website (for example, example.com links other links to another website).
- For Citing Purpose: This is used chiefly when linking external sources or additional resources.
- Makes a Difference in SEO: External links can give authority to the page linked; however, caution must be exercised when utilizing such techniques.
Example of external linking in HTML
html
Copy code
<a href=”https://www.wikipedia.org” target=”_blank”>Visit Wikipedia</a>
Here:
- https://www.wikipedia.org is the external URL.
- target=”_blank” ensures the link opens in a new tab.
Benefits of an External Link
- Credibility & Authority – links to reputable resources may increase the resources attached to your website.
- User Value – gives the users more helpful information that is related.
- Networking makes connecting or interacting with other websites or creators possible.
Guidelines for external linking
- Link to those websites that are credible and free from suspicion.
- Do not give links to the websites of your competitors unnecessarily.
- Give your rel=”nofollow” if you do not want the search engines to pass the authority to any linked site.
Copy code
<a href=”https://www.example.com” rel=”nofollow”>External Link</a>
Ensure that the external links you employ are within the context of the content.
Key Differences Between Internal and External Linking
| Aspect | Internal Links | External Links |
| Destination | Links to pages within the same domain | Links to pages on a different domain |
| Purpose | Navigation, user engagement, SEO improvement | Reference, citation, user education |
| SEO Impact | Spreads link equity within the site | Passes link equity to external websites |
| Control | Fully controlled by the website owner | Limited control over the linked page content |
| Usage Frequency | It should be abundant and strategic | It should be limited and intentional |
| Example | <a href=”/contact”>Contact Us</a> | <a href=”https://www.google.com”>Google</a> |
When to Use Internal and External Links
Use Internal Links When:
- You need to assist users in discovering relevant content on your site.
- You intend to convey the organization of a website.
- You wish to optimize your website ranking.
Use External Links When:
- You’re backing up arguments requiring outside facts, stats or studies.
- Giving users additional website resources or tools.
- Fostering links or work with others.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For Internal Links:
- Linking to pages that don’t connect with your content’s core.
- Numerous internal links originate from one page.
- Links that need to be fixed and point to never-existing pages.
For External Links:
- Links leading to unreliable or poorly valued sites.
- Too many external links that send potential users out of the site.
- Forgetting to use target=”_blank” when creating a link to an external source to open it in a new tab.
Conclusion
Learning how to utilize internal and external links differently is crucial since they have implications for both website users and SEO. Internal links are useful for a person and a search engine to navigate the website’s areas; however, external links make it more credible and provide more content information.
The strategic use of both external and internal linking will enhance the website’s overall connection and accessibility while improving search rankings and retaining users.
Wildnet Technologies is a leading digital marketing company in India that has had the pleasure of nurturing 4,100+ clients and generating more than USD 150 million in revenue over its 17-year journey.
Read More
- What are Backlinks, and Why are They Important for SEO?
- Strengthening Authority: How a Start-up Increased its Backlinks by 60%?
- Decoding AEO & Redefining the Future of SEO!
- The Future of SEO is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)!
- How to do Google Ads Competitor Analysis?
- Best Digital Marketing Service for Electricians: How to Generate More Leads
Faq
What is an internal link in HTML?
Internal links connect the pages on the site using URLs or the same domain.
What is an external link in HTML?
External links point users to other sites or domains, and they generally use absolute URLs.
How does internal linking help the site’s SEO?
With internal links, site navigation is enhanced, link equity is dispersed, and the user experience is improved, which in turn helps the site’s SEO rank.
Are external links useful or necessary for websites?
Definitely, yes. External links are useful as they enhance credibility. These links work with authentic sources and, if used properly, enhance the domain authority.
Can internal links and external links be used together?
Certainly! Using both will enhance the website’s organization, offering more value and establishing authority.
