An external link is a hyperlink on a website that points to a domain different from the one where the link is placed, directing users to content on another website.
What are External Links?
External links, also known as outbound links, are crucial elements in the web’s interconnected structure. They serve as bridges between different websites, allowing users to navigate across the vast landscape of the internet.
These links play a significant role in search engine optimization (SEO) by signaling to search engines that your content is well-researched and provides additional value to users. When you link to authoritative sources, you’re essentially vouching for the quality of that external content.
Types of External Links
There are two main types of external links:
1. Dofollow links: These are the default type of links. They pass link equity (also known as “link juice”) to the linked website, potentially boosting its search engine rankings.
2. Nofollow links: These links include a rel=”nofollow” attribute, instructing search engines not to pass link equity. They’re often used for paid links, user-generated content, or when linking to less trustworthy sources.
How Do External Links Work?
External links function as pathways for both users and search engine crawlers. When a user clicks on an external link, they’re taken to a new website. For search engines, these links serve several purposes:
- Discovery: They help search engines find new web pages and websites.
- Relevance: They provide context about the content of the linking page.
- Authority: They can signal the credibility and importance of the linked-to site.
Search engines analyze the quantity and quality of external links pointing to a website as part of their ranking algorithms. This concept forms the basis of link building strategies in SEO.
Why are External Links Important?
- Improved User Experience: They provide users with additional resources and information, enhancing the overall value of your content.
- SEO Benefits: Quality external links can positively impact your website’s search engine rankings. A study by Reboot Online found that outgoing links to authoritative sites can have a positive impact on rankings.
- Building Relationships: Linking to other websites can help you build relationships within your industry, potentially leading to reciprocal links or collaborations.
Best Practices For External Links
1 – Choose High-Quality Sources
Link to reputable, authoritative websites that are relevant to your content. This not only provides value to your users but also associates your site with quality resources in the eyes of search engines.
Use tools like Moz’s Domain Authority or Ahrefs’ Domain Rating to assess the authority of potential link targets.
2 – Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Ensure your anchor text is descriptive and relevant to the linked content. Avoid generic phrases like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use keywords that accurately describe the linked page.
3 – Balance External and Internal Links
While external links are important, don’t neglect internal links. Maintain a healthy balance to keep users on your site while still providing valuable external resources.
4 – Use Nofollow Attributes When Necessary
Apply nofollow attributes to links that you don’t want to endorse fully, such as paid links or user-generated content. This helps maintain the integrity of your link profile.
Expert Tip
Consider using tools like Ahrefs’ Site Explorer or SEMrush’s Backlink Analytics to analyze your competitors’ external linking strategies. This can provide insights into valuable link opportunities and help you identify authoritative sources in your industry.
Key Takeaways
External links are a fundamental aspect of SEO and web usability. They provide value to users, help search engines understand your content’s context, and can contribute to your site’s authority.
While the quantity of external links is important, quality and relevance should always be your primary focus. Remember, each external link is a recommendation, so choose your outbound links wisely to maintain your site’s credibility and usefulness.
Related Terms
- Backlink: The reverse of an external link, referring to links pointing to your site from other domains.
- Link Building: The process of acquiring external links to improve SEO.
- Nofollow Link: A type of link that doesn’t pass link equity to the linked site.
- Anchor Text: The clickable text in a hyperlink, crucial for both internal and external links.