Too many links per page? Double navigation on every page...

[brm2017]

I have a client with navigation across the top of each page plus the same nav links in a sidebar on every page. Can that duplication (or the sheer number of links) on each page have a negative ranking factor?

[RobCairns]

Hello,

It probably won't hurt you too much since e-comm pages have a lot of similar links tracking from different pages and they are still capable of generating some powerful rankings. You probably won't be harmed by the number of links or their duplication, but it isn't doing your link juice any favors.

Limiting the number of links on a page helps to focus the link juice from your Home or main Category pages to improve page rankings. Having a ton of links will minimize the benefit you get from them. Therefore, not necessarily "harming" your site, but it will impact your rankings to some degree.

The main consideration here is whether or not the links on the side nav bar help or hinder user experience on your client's site. If someone finds it handy, you may as well keep it there. If it's just extra fluff, I'd remove it.

Hope this helps and good luck moving forward!

Rob

[brm2017]

Thanks!