The internal link structure of a website is often overlooked although it has a big impact on the rankings of a website.

Why the internal link structure of your website is important

Internal links do not count as much as links from external websites. Nevertheless, search engines use them as an important signal in their algorithms.

Search engines consider links as votes. By optimizing the link structure on your web pages, you can lead search engines to the important pages of your website and you can show them the keywords for which you want to get high rankings.

1. SEO optimization: Start by optimizing the main navigation on your website

The main navigation on your website are the navigational links that are visible on all pages of your site. The main navigation is the most important part of your website navigation.

It usually includes a "Home" link (including a linked company logo image) and links to the main sections on your website.

Make sure that the links in your main navigation contain your most important keywords.
Avoid Flash and JavaScript menus. Most search engines won't index your pages then. Use standard HTML and CSS to design your website navigation.

2. SEO Web design: Consider breadcrumb navigation for sub-pages

Sub-pages can benefit a lot from breadcrumb navigation (Home > Category > Sub category > Product page). Sub pages usually aren't linked form the main website navigation.

Breadcrumb navigation links can help search engines to put the sub pages into the right context:

Use breadcrumb navigation links on your web pages to show search engines and website visitors the exact location of a page.
Use descriptive and keyword rich words in your breadcrumb navigation: Wedding shop > Wedding dresses > Buy Wedding dresses > Wedding dresses deals

3. SEO Web navigation: Make sure that the first link on the page is the right link

Google seems to consider only the text of the first link on a page. For example, if page A links to page B with the anchor text "further information" on the top of the page and with the anchor text "buy Wedding dresses" at the bottom of the page then only the first anchor text will be used by Google.

If you link more than once to another page, make sure that the first link on the page contains the keywords for which you want to get high rankings.

You need help for  your SEO compliance? you are lost and you need assistance for Google Panda compliance process? We can help you quickly on that particular process. Contact our SEO team.

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