Introduction
In 2025, internal linking is no longer just an SEO trick it’s a foundational strategy for improving user experience, Google crawlability, and AdSense approval readiness. While backlinks get the spotlight, internal links are your hidden SEO power tool.
Whether you’re a new blogger or scaling your site, this guide breaks down the best internal linking strategies that can improve rankings, increase page views, and enhance your site’s overall authority without spending a dime on backlinks.
Chapter 1: What Is Internal Linking?
✅ Definition:
Internal linking is the practice of linking one page of your website to another page on the same site.
✅ Example:
Linking your SEO guide post to your article about keyword tools.
Chapter 2: Why Internal Linking Matters in 2025
1. Helps Google Crawl Your Site
Google bots follow links to discover and index pages faster.
2. Distributes Page Authority
Links pass “link juice” to related content, helping them rank better.
3. Reduces Bounce Rate
Well-placed links keep readers engaged by guiding them to related content.
4. Improves User Experience
Visitors stay longer when they can navigate easily through valuable content.
5. Boosts AdSense Earnings
More pageviews = more ad impressions = higher earnings.
Chapter 3: Best Practices for Internal Linking in 2025
✅ 1. Use Descriptive Anchor Text
- Avoid “click here” or “read more”
- Instead, use keyword-rich phrases like: check out this SEO checklist
✅ 2. Link Relevant Content Only
- Don’t just link for the sake of it—ensure relevance
- Group content into themes or clusters
✅ 3. Create Topic Clusters
- Choose a pillar page (e.g., “Complete SEO Guide”)
- Link to and from supporting articles (e.g., “meta titles”, “on-page SEO”)
✅ 4. Use a Reasonable Number of Links
- 3–5 internal links for every 1000 words is a good target
✅ 5. Prioritize Older Posts
- Update new articles to link back to older posts
- Helps revive underperforming content
✅ 6. Add Links Early in the Content
- Place important links in the first 200 words to capture attention and help bots index faster
✅ 7. Link to High-Converting Pages
- Send users to pages with CTAs, lead magnets, or affiliate offers
✅ 8. Use a Table of Contents (TOC)
- TOCs act as internal links within a single article and improve navigation
✅ 9. Use Breadcrumbs
- Breadcrumbs improve UX and help users track their location on your site
- Most SEO plugins like Rank Math support breadcrumbs
✅ 10. Avoid Orphaned Pages
- Every published post should be linked from at least one other post
Chapter 4: Tools to Improve Internal Linking
- Rank Math (suggests internal links during post editing)
- Link Whisper (automates link suggestions inside WordPress)
- Ahrefs Site Audit (find orphaned pages and link opportunities)
- Google Search Console (check internal links under “Links” report)
Chapter 5: Common Internal Linking Mistakes
- ❌ Overusing exact-match anchor text
- ❌ Linking irrelevant pages just to increase links
- ❌ Creating loops (links going in circles)
- ❌ Ignoring new posts when updating old content
- ❌ Forgetting to check for broken links
Chapter 6: Bonus Tips for AdSense Optimization
- Use internal linking to guide users to high-earning posts
- Avoid links that break due to changes in permalinks
- Ensure links don’t lead to thin or under-construction content
Conclusion
Internal linking is a powerful, underused SEO strategy that doesn’t require backlinks, outreach, or coding skills. In 2025, it plays a critical role in boosting your site’s visibility, engagement, and monetization.
By following these internal linking best practices, you’ll create a more SEO-friendly blog that earns higher rankings and more revenue while offering a smoother, more enjoyable experience for your readers.