Internal Links

---
name: internal-links
description: When the user wants to optimize internal linking, fix orphan pages, or improve link structure. Also use when the user mentions "internal links," "internal linking," "anchor text," "link equity," "internal linking strategy," or "orphan pages." For IA, use website-structure.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.1
---

# SEO On-Page: Internal Links

Guides internal linking strategy for SEO: crawlability, link equity distribution, and user navigation.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Scope (On-Page SEO)

- **Internal links**: Contextual links; descriptive anchor text; related posts; hub pages
- **Breadcrumbs**: Implement for large sites (e.g. ecommerce); see **breadcrumb-generator**

## Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for site structure and key pages.

Identify:
1. **Site structure**: Hub pages, pillar content, supporting pages
2. **Orphan pages**: Pages with no or few internal links
3. **Priority pages**: Pages that need more link equity

## Best Practices

### Link Structure

| Principle | Guideline |
|-----------|-----------|
| **Depth** | Important pages within 3 clicks from homepage |
| **Orphan pages** | Avoid; ensure every page has at least one internal link; see **site-crawlability** for technical detection and crawl issues |
| **Hub-to-spoke** | Link from hub/pillar pages to cluster articles; topic cluster structure |
| **Contextual** | Place links in relevant body content, not just footers |

### Anchor Text

| Principle | Guideline |
|-----------|-----------|
| **Descriptive** | Use anchor text that describes the target page |
| **Variation** | Avoid over-optimization; use natural variation |
| **Keyword** | Include target keyword when natural |

### Placement

| Location | Use |
|----------|-----|
| **First paragraph** | Primary link to related content |
| **Body** | Contextual links throughout |
| **Related/Recommended** | End-of-article links |
| **Navigation** | Key site sections |

## Common Issues

| Issue | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| Orphan pages | Add internal links from hub pages or navigation; **site-crawlability** for technical audit |
| Too many links | Focus on most important; avoid link stuffing |
| Generic anchors | Use descriptive "learn more about X" instead of "click here" |
| Broken links | Audit and fix 404s; see **site-crawlability** for technical audit |

## Output Format

- **Internal link audit** (if auditing)
- **Link opportunities** for key pages
- **Anchor text** recommendations
- **Structure** improvements

## Related Skills

- **article-page-generator**: Related posts, contextual links, end-of-article recommendations
- **website-structure**: Plan page structure and hierarchy; informs internal linking
- **site-crawlability**: Internal links enable crawling
- **url-structure**: URL structure affects link patterns
- **content-strategy**: Topic clusters inform link structure; pillar <-> cluster; cluster <-> cluster
- **breadcrumb-generator**: Breadcrumbs are internal links; category hierarchy