Interlinking (Internal Linking) for SEO: What It Is and Why It Matters

Internal linking is one of the first things I mention when people ask me about SEO. It’s a simple but powerful step that can completely change how your site performs—both for your readers and for search engines.

Here’s how I think about it: internal linking is how we connect the dots between each page on a website. It’s like saying to both Google and your audience, “Hey, this isn’t the first time I’ve talked about this topic. If you’re interested, I’ve got more to share.” It’s a way to show that you know your stuff, keep people on your site longer, and help Google understand exactly what your site’s all about.

What Does Interlinked Mean?

Interlinking refers to how we connect one page of a website to another. It’s communicating to both Google and your readers, “Here’s more information on this topic if you’re interested.” By linking relevant pages, you’re showing that your website has depth and expertise in a particular area (topical authority). This helps with SEO by creating a clear, organized site structure and keeps visitors engaged longer.

My Internal Linking Strategy

Whenever I’m working on a new blog post—whether it’s a mac & cheese recipe or a travel guide—I start by scanning through the site’s existing content. I look for natural connections. If I’m working on a food blog, I might say, “If you’re craving something cheesy, check out this other cheese-filled recipe,” or “Looking for more soul food sides? Here’s a roundup that might interest you.”

For travel content, it’s the same idea. If I’m writing about things to do in San Diego with kids, I might suggest a post about a quick trip to Los Angeles, a family-friendly resort in the Bahamas, or tips for flying with kids. It’s all about thinking like the reader: What else might they want to know while they’re here?

I also make it a habit to search the site for keywords if I need a refresher on available content, and I always keep cornerstone posts in mind. These are the big, comprehensive pieces that I’ll link back to whenever I can.

Where I Place Internal Links

There’s no secret formula for where to put links, but I do have a few rules of thumb:

• After the intro: Give readers alternatives right away in case the post isn’t quite what they were looking for.

• Throughout the post: Drop links naturally into the text with phrases like “This reminds me of…” or “This dish was inspired by…”

• At the end: Suggest more reading or related posts to keep readers exploring.

No matter what, I always include at least one internal link in every post, but I usually keep it to 1–5 links per post, depending on the length and depth of the content. It’s not about stuffing the page with links—it’s about creating a natural flow and pointing readers to content they’ll find helpful.

And here’s a tip most people miss:
When you’re linking to another post, you don’t need to use the same exact title or key phrase as the original post. In fact, it’s a good idea to vary the anchor text. This gives you another opportunity to signal to Google what that page is about—like using a different related keyword or phrase. It’s all about creating a diverse and natural link profile that shows you’re covering a topic comprehensively.

For more tips on writing content that ranks, check out my article on How to Write a Blog Post.

Should Internal Links Be Follow or Nofollow?

For internal links—the ones that connect your own blog posts and pages—you want to use follow links. This tells Google, “Hey, this page is important; crawl it and pass along some link authority.”

The only time I’d use nofollow on an internal link is if I don’t want Google to give it any weight, like maybe on a login page or a temporary page I’m not ready to have indexed. But for regular blog posts and pages? Keep those links follow so Google can understand your site’s structure and rankings.

Should Internal Links Open in a New Tab?

When I’m adding internal links—those pointing to other pages on the same site—I always set them to open in the same tab. It keeps the user experience smooth and encourages readers to keep exploring your content without jumping between tabs.

The “Open in New Tab” option is great for external links, like when you’re sending readers to another website. But for internal linking, it’s better to keep everything in one seamless journey.

When Content is Limited

Sometimes I’m working with a new site that doesn’t have much to link to yet. In those cases, I get creative:

• Link to the homepage, About page, or category pages.

• Make sure to publish at least three to four posts right away to build up some linking opportunities.

• Always go back to older posts and add links to new content once it’s live.

Why Internal Linking Matters

At the end of the day, internal linking isn’t just for Google. It’s for your readers, too. It helps them navigate your site, discover more of your content, and stay engaged longer. And yes, it signals to search engines what your site is about and how it’s structured, which can help your rankings over time.

So whether you’re running a food blog, a travel site, or any other content-driven website, don’t skip this step. Internal linking shows you know your stuff, keeps your site organized, and builds a better experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does internal linking help with SEO?

  Yes, it helps Google understand your site’s structure and topics, which can boost rankings, but only if the links are useful and relevant.

• How do I know what to link to?

  Look for related posts, cornerstone content, or helpful resources that naturally fit the topic you’re writing about. It’s all about adding value for your readers.

• How many internal links should I include in a blog post?

  I usually recommend 1–5 links, depending on the length and depth of the content—enough to guide readers without overwhelming them.

• Can I overdo internal linking?

  Absolutely. Too many links can feel spammy and confuse readers, so keep it relevant and natural.

• Should internal links open in a new tab?

  Nope. For internal links, keep them in the same tab to create a smooth, continuous journey through your site.

Ready to Boost Your SEO?

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with SEO and internal linking, I’m here to help. At Maya Does Media, I work with bloggers, small business owners, and content creators to build smarter strategies that actually work. Sign up for a free SEO consultation to start building a site that gets noticed. (See what I did there? That’s interlinking at work!)