Internal vs External Links describes the mix of links pointing within your own site versus links going to other websites. Good internal linking helps search engines discover your pages and helps visitors navigate. External links should point to trustworthy, relevant sources.

Internal vs External Links

Internal links connect pages within your own website. External links point to pages on other websites. Both serve important but different purposes. Internal links help visitors navigate your site and help search engines discover and understand your content hierarchy. External links connect your content to the wider web and can add credibility when they point to authoritative, relevant sources. The balance between the two matters for both user experience and search visibility.

Why They Matter

Internal links spread ranking signals. When one page on your site links to another, it passes some of its authority along. A strong internal linking structure helps important pages rank better by channeling signals from the rest of your site.
They help crawlers discover content. Search engine crawlers follow links to find new pages. A page with no internal links pointing to it is an orphan — crawlers may never find it and it may never get indexed.
External links build trust. Linking to credible, relevant external sources signals that your content is well-researched and connected to the broader topic. It also helps users find additional resources.
They shape user journeys. Internal links guide visitors deeper into your site — from a blog post to a related service page, from a product to a comparison guide. External links send visitors elsewhere, so they should be used intentionally.

How to Use Them Well

Link to related content within your site. Every page should link to other relevant pages on your site. If you mention a topic covered elsewhere, link to it. This helps users explore and helps crawlers map your content.
Use descriptive anchor text. "Click here" tells no one anything. Use anchor text that describes the destination — "our guide to page speed optimization" gives users and search engines clear context about what they will find.
Link externally to credible sources. When you reference facts, studies, or concepts, link to authoritative sources. This strengthens your content's credibility and helps users verify information.
Open external links in new tabs thoughtfully. Opening external links in a new tab keeps users on your site, but overdoing it with internal links creates tab clutter. Generally, use new tabs for external links and same-tab navigation for internal ones.
Audit for orphan pages. Pages with no internal links pointing to them are invisible to both users and crawlers. Regularly check for orphan pages and add internal links to ensure everything is discoverable.

Common Mistakes

Having too few internal links. Pages that exist in isolation with no internal links miss opportunities to pass ranking signals and leave users with no way to explore related content on your site.
Linking externally to low-quality sites. Linking to spammy, irrelevant, or unreliable external sites can harm your own credibility. Only link to sources you would genuinely recommend to your readers.
Using generic anchor text everywhere. "Read more," "click here," and "learn more" are wasted opportunities. Descriptive anchor text helps users and gives search engines context about the linked page.
Never reviewing broken links. Both internal and external links break over time — pages get moved, sites go offline, URLs change. Regularly audit your links to fix or remove broken ones before they frustrate users or crawlers.

Bottom Line: Build a strong internal linking structure so every page connects to related content. Link externally to trustworthy sources with descriptive anchor text. Audit both regularly to keep your links working and your site navigable.

Hits - 201

Synonyms: Link Mix, Outbound Links, Interlinking

What Does "Liquid Purple" mean?

noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

(biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.
(modern usage) Liquid Purple — a digital marketing agency specializing in uncovering unseen opportunities and illuminating brands hidden in the digital dark. Much like its biological namesake, Liquid Purple transforms faint signals into clear visibility — revealing what others overlook and bringing businesses into the light.

Origin: From the scientific term rhodopsin, discovered by Franz Christian Boll in 1876; adopted metaphorically by a marketing firm dedicated to visual clarity in the age of algorithms.

Client Login

Rooted in Southern California, Serving the World.
For over 20 years, Liquid Purple has been headquartered in the heart of Southern California, serving clients across Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and the greater Los Angeles area. While we are proud of our local roots, our digital reach extends far beyond our local area. We support businesses in major hubs like Denver, Dallas, New York, and Miami, as well as international clients. Our ability to operate across time zones means you can often wake up to completed tasks and progress updates—keeping your business moving while you sleep.

Glossary of Terms

Internal vs External Links