INTERNAL LINKS strategy on our website

[Eric_S]

Hi Moz-ers,

Currently doing an audit of our website. I have two questions on links. How can I see the current state of my internal links?

Also, how can I improve our internal links on the website?

• what is a good framework to follow
• what should I avoid

Thanks, looking forward to learning more on Moz! 
Eric

[Justen_H]

Hi Eric,

What do you mean by seeing the current state? You could execute an audit using the OSE, or Screaming Frog to check if there's any weird redirect chains or 404's. As for structure i would recommend SILO structure. You could use this info for reference: http://webris.org/how-to-create-website-silos-for-seo/

I hope this is of any use to you.

Justen

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Hi Eric,

There isn't a framework as such for internal linking but a silo structure would make the most sense as Justen has already said.

It is important to know what you want to do first of all though - don't just have a site with lots of blogs and randomly add links through to other internal pages. Understand what you want to do - use something like MindMup to help you visualise what you are trying to achieve.

You can check out your Search Console account to have a look at how your site is currently linked - Under Search Traffic, choose Internal Links.

-Andy

[Eric_S]

Thanks Justen, this is my first time hearing about the SILO structure so that is really helpful!

[Eric_S]

Hi Andy,

I think I understand what you mean. It is important to think about the website in the perspective of consumers. How they experience the site and what links are useful to them on what pages. This will include getting rid of broken links.

Search console account is something new for me. Will try and understand that too

[DickensLawGroup]

I should probably be doing the same thing as Eric with my site. What is silo and why is it a good strategy? Also wondering if it's better to have anchor text links or to use "Learn More" buttons? Not sure if that matters for SEO or if it's more just about what works well for the consumer?  Thanks!

[Eric_S]

The "learn more" bit is a good point. I see it on a lot of successful blog sites. I think it makes the user experience better as it allows you to present your site in a structured way. Better experience then means better conversion rates for whatever you're trying to achieve!