If you’ve been learning about SEO, you’ve probably heard that internal linking is kind of a big deal. And it is! Internal links help search engines understand your website structure, pass authority between pages, and guide users to more of your content.
While internal links can boost your SEO, just adding links to your website isn’t enough. Some internal linking mistakes can actually hurt your SEO more than help it. Luckily, these mistakes are all fixable and avoidable—even if you’re not an SEO expert (yet). Let’s break down the most common internal linking mistakes and how to fix them.
Vague anchor text—like “click here,” “this article,” or “read more”—is one of the most common internal linking mistakes, and it can quietly undermine your SEO efforts. These generic phrases might seem harmless, but they don’t give search engines enough information about what the linked page is actually about.
Google relies on anchor text to understand context and relevance, so when the text is too vague, it’s a missed opportunity to reinforce your content’s keywords. Plus, it’s not very helpful for users either.
Use clear, descriptive anchor text for your links. Instead of “read more,” try something like, “Learn how to optimize your blog posts for SEO.” Clear, descriptive anchor text not only boosts SEO but also sets better expectations for what readers will find when they click the internal link.
Only link to content that’s truly relevant to the page topic. If you’re writing about SEO basics, linking to a page about social media ads might not make sense. Linking to a post on keyword research, however, would be ideal.
It is possible to have too much of a good thing. If you cram a page full of internal links, it can get overwhelming for both users and search engines. Too many links can dilute link value and make it harder for search engines to figure out which links are most important. It also negatively affects user experience.
Be strategic when adding links to your page. Focus on linking to the most relevant, helpful pages. If a link doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it’s best to leave it. Don’t try to make the link fit into content that isn’t relevant.
Use an SEO tool—like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or even Google Search Console—to find orphan pages. Then, add links to them from relevant blog posts, category pages, or even your homepage if they’re important enough.
Broken links are not only frustrating for users, but they’re also bad for SEO. They create a poor user experience and waste crawl budget, which means Google may stop crawling your site as efficiently.
Run regular link audits using tools like Sitebulb, Semrush, or Broken Link Checker. If you find broken internal links, update them with the correct URL or set up a proper 301 or 302 redirect if the page has moved.
If it takes five or six clicks to reach a page from your homepage, that’s a problem. Search engines prioritize pages that are closer to the homepage. The deeper a page is buried, the less likely it is to be crawled and ranked.
Aim for optimal page depth by keeping important content within three clicks of your homepage. Use a flat site structure and link to high-value pages from your main navigation, sidebar, or frequently visited pages.
Here’s a quick recap of the most common internal linking mistakes to watch for:
It might not be as flashy as keywords or backlinks, but internal linking is a powerful part of your SEO toolbox. By avoiding these common mistakes—and applying a few simple fixes—you’ll make your site easier to navigate, easier to crawl, and more helpful for your visitors. Start with one or two of these fixes today, and you’ll be ahead of most websites out there.
It’s crucial to make sure your website’s internal links aren’t hindering your SEO efforts. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we work with private practice owners to strengthen their online presence through thoughtful, strategic SEO. That includes refining often-overlooked details like internal linking, which is essential for helping search engines and visitors navigate your site more effectively. Start working with us by following these simple steps:
Our expert SEO specialists offer a variety of services designed to help private practice owners improve their online visibility. Whether you’re looking for a completely hands-off experience or prefer to take the reins yourself, we have options to suit your style.
With our Done-For-You SEO services, we handle everything—from developing a keyword strategy to optimizing your site’s content. If you prefer to be more involved, our DIY SEO Online Courses can guide you through the process of boosting your site’s rankings with confidence.
For a more personalized approach, our SEO Strategy Package provides a custom roadmap tailored to your practice’s unique goals. We also offer an SEO Consulting Package that provides detailed feedback and targeted solutions for specific SEO hurdles.
Additionally, we offer Technical SEO support to improve your website’s performance, Local SEO services to help you get found in your area, and Stand-Alone Copywriting to make sure your content connects with both search engines and prospective clients.
Be sure to visit our SEO blog for more insight! It’s full of actionable advice and strategies to help private practice websites grow and succeed online.
Looking for extra support? Schedule a consultation with our team to see who can help you and how.
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