Internal Links Optimization for Improved Search Engine Ranking

We know about the importance of web content optimization in search engine rankings. Most people are aware about it therefore spend quality time in optimizing content, titles, meta tags and inbound links.

Internal Links Optimization is a very crucial factor in web content optimization which is often overlooked by most of us.

Importance of Internal Link Structure

Although the internal links do not get as much weight as the external links but these (internal links) are an important signal in search engine ranking algorithm.

How to Optimize Internal Linking Structure

1. Main Navigation Optimization

These are the global links available across your website therefore the best way of optimization is to start from main navigation.

• Make sure to include your keywords in the navigation links.
• Avoid Flash and javascript menu. Use standard HTML and CSS to design your website navigation.

2. Breadcrumb Optimization
Breadcrumb navigation can be utilized to link the sub-pages with the main navigation. Breadcrumbs help the users to locate their exact position on the website.

Use descriptive and keyword rich words in your breadcrumb navigation.
Like
Shoe shop > Sports shoes > Buy Cricket shoes > Adidas deals

3. Ensure that the first link on the page is the right link

Google seems to consider only the text of first link on the web page. For example if page X links with page Y using anchor text "More Information" on the top and with anchor text "Low Price Shoes" at the bottom of the page, thene there are chances that Google is likely going to consider your first anchor text and will ignore the second one (your targeted keyword).

So if you are linking more than once to another page ensure that the first link on the page contains the targeted keywords.