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#

PrincipleGuidelineDepthImportant pages within 3 clicks from homepageOrphan pagesAvoid; ensure every page has at least one internal link; see site-crawlability for technical detection and crawl issuesHub-to-spokeLink from hub/pillar pages to cluster articles; topic cluster structureContextualPlace links in relevant body content, not just footers

Anchor Text#

PrincipleGuidelineDescriptiveUse anchor text that describes the target pageVariationAvoid over-optimization; use natural variationKeywordInclude target keyword when natural

Placement#

LocationUseFirst paragraphPrimary link to related contentBodyContextual links throughoutRelated/RecommendedEnd-of-article linksNavigationKey site sections

Common Issues#

IssueFixOrphan pagesAdd internal links from hub pages or navigation; site-crawlability for technical auditToo many linksFocus on most important; avoid link stuffingGeneric anchorsUse descriptive "learn more about X" instead of "click here"Broken linksAudit 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