Hey now, hey now – this is what dreams are made of… a blog post that links to exactly what your audience needs next. ✨

Internal linking might not be the flashiest part of your content strategy – no trending audio, Canva templates or viral threads here. But in terms of ROI? It’s giving the main character energy behind the scenes; it is one of the most powerful, especially if you are building your site on WordPress. It’s the clave part of how your content supports your business goals.

When your internal links are working right, your content becomes easier to navigate, more helpful for your readers and way more lovable to Google. And we LOVE a site that tells Google, ‘Yeah, I’m worth ranking.'”

And if you’re on WordPress, even better. You’ve got built-in tools and plugin support that make internal linking WordPress and link building more streamlined than you think… once you know how to use them. And when done right, it doesn’t just help your rankings – it helps your readers actually stick around. Win-win.

And let’s not overthink this. We are not opening three tabs trying to figure out anchor text, wondering if you need a plugin and second-guessing every link like it’s a risky text. Been there. Maybe.

Pero aquí entre nos? Internal linking doesn’t have to be that deep. Figuring out how to do internal linking in WordPress can feel like yet another thing on your endless marketing checklist.

Plugins, best practices, anchor text, crawlability… it can be a lot. So we’re breaking it down into simple, doable moves you can implement today.

So whether you’re building your blog from scratch or trying to clean up years of random links and missed opportunities, this post is gonna walk you through how to do internal linking in WordPress in a way that actually works for your business and also uses internal linking for SEO.

We’ll talk strategy, SEO and plugins, so you can get your content organized, boost your rankings and help your site feel like a well-connected ecosystem instead of a content dumping ground.

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to start using your existing content to support your growth and maybe even get excited about internal links. Maybe. So if you’re ready to boost your SEO and clean up your internal link structure, you’re in the right place.

What Is Internal Linking in WordPress (and Why It Matters)

Internal linking in WordPress means adding hyperlinks that connect one post or page on your site to another. It improves navigation, boosts SEO and helps users discover more of your content. An internal link is simply a connection between your content in WordPress website – one post or page and another. These links between your posts create a stronger internal link structure, giving both Google and your audience more clarity.

Internal linking is basically content matchmaking. Linking between relevant posts or pages also supports internal link building by signaling what matters most and what deserves to be seen.

It’s when you link one page or post on your site to another, helping your readers (and Google) understand what’s connected, what’s important and what to check out next.

Think of internal links like little bridges or ✨context clues✨ that guide people through your content. Instead of letting a visitor bounce after one blog post, you’re saying, “Wait, don’t go! You might also love this.” That kind of guided experience keeps people engaged longer, builds trust and shows off just how helpful your content is. (Because if you’re delivering that much value on one page, they know there’s more where that came from.)

And for Google? Internal links give the search engine bots a literal roadmap. They help bots understand your site structure, prioritize which pages are most important and connect the dots between related content. That means better crawlability, stronger indexing and more chances to rank for the keywords you care about.

So yeahhh, internal linking isn’t just good for SEO. It’s great for your audience, too. A strong internal linking WordPress strategy helps boost visibility, lower bounce rates and make your website feel like a well-organized Netflix library instead of a forgotten folder of blog posts. And who doesn’t want that?

What are the Benefits of Internal Linking?

Internal links are the low-key MVP of your content strategy if you’re looking to boost your SEO. Here’s why:

• Improved user experience: Internal links help visitors find what they didn’t even know they needed, kind of like autoplay on your favorite playlist. It keeps them flowing through your site with ease.
• Better crawlability for SEO: Every internal link is like a flashing arrow for search engine bots. It tells them which pages matter most and helps your content get indexed faster.
• More relevance and authority: Linking related blog posts, service pages or resources tells Google, “I know what I’m talking about.” That structure builds topical authority, which is clutch for rankings.

Bottom line: internal linking keeps your content working together instead of living in silos. When your site feels connected, everybody wins.

Are Internal Links Important for SEO?

Absolutely. Internal links are like little SEO power-ups scattered throughout your site. It helps search engines understand the relationship between different pages on your website.

When you add internal links strategically, you’re showing Google how your content is connected, which pages are most valuable and where the focus of your site really is. That structure makes it easier for search engines to crawl, understand and rank your content.

You’re also passing along link equity (aka link juice) from one page to another, meaning a strong page can pass some of its authority to another, helping that page show up more prominently in search results.

And for your audience? Internal linking guides users naturally through your website and nudges people toward the next step, whether that’s reading more, clicking to a service or signing up for your newsletter. Done well, it reduces bounce rates, increases time on site and builds trust.

SEO is all about connection and internal links are the behind-the-scenes threads that pull it all together.

Are Too Many Internal Links Bad?

Internal linking is important, pero there’s a line between helpful and excessive. The number of internal links matters. When every other sentence is a hyperlink, it starts to feel messy. Instead of guiding people deeper into your site, you risk distracting or confusing them. So when every other sentence is hyperlinked, it’s not helping anyone.

For your visitors, too many internal links can feel overwhelming. It’s like walking into a room with signs pointing in every direction. Not exactly the smoothest path to conversion. If people don’t know where to click next, they’ll bounce and that bounce rate? It sends the wrong signals to Google.

From an SEO perspective, it’s the same story. When every page is linked a dozen different ways, it’s harder for search engines to tell which content is most relevant. That internal link juice (aka link equity) gets spread too thin and you miss the chance to show clear authority on a topic.

So what’s the best practices for internal links strategy?

• Keep your links intentional – not every mention needs to be linked.
• 3–5 internal links per blog post is a solid range for most content.
• Focus on quality over quantity. Link to helpful, relevant pages that guide your reader and support your goals.

Internal linking is powerful, pero let’s not go overboard. It’s about creating a clear, helpful experience. Not a choose-your-own-adventure gone wild.

What are Internal and External Links in WordPress?

Let’s break it down:

• Internal links connect one page or blog post on your WordPress site to another within the same site. They guide readers to related content and help search engines understand how your site is structured.
• External links (aka outbound links) send visitors to a different website entirely. These are great for citing sources, adding value or linking to trusted tools, don’t overdo it.

Here’s are some rules I always stick to:

Best practices for Internal vs External Links:

• Use internal links to keep people on your site longer and connect related content.
• When using external links, set them to open in a new tab, always. You don’t want people leaving your site completely sin volver. (Without coming back.)
• Make sure external sources are reputable. You don’t want to link to anything that could hurt your site’s authority.

Both types of links have a place in your WordPress SEO strategy, just make sure each one earns its spot.

How to Add Internal Links in WordPress (Manually)

You don’t need a plugin (or a tech degree) to start internal linking in WordPress. The built-in editor makes it super simple and when you’re intentional about your links, it’s one of the easiest ways to support your SEO without overhauling your whole site.

How to Add Internal Links in WordPress:

• Highlight the word or phrase you want to link.
• Click the “insert/edit link” icon in the toolbar.
• In the box that pops up, either paste the URL or search for a post/page already on your site.
• Select the right one and hit “Apply” (or press Enter).
• Update or publish your content to save the change.

Pro tip: Use WordPress’s “search existing content” feature when inserting a link; it saves time and ensures you’re pointing to the most relevant page. And make sure you’re using internal links within each blog post to highlight other useful reads.

But this isn’t just a copy-paste moment. Strategy still matters.

Internal Linking Best Practices for WordPress

Because not every link helps, you still want to know SEO best practices. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use descriptive anchor text. Anchor text = the clickable text you use for your link. And yes, it matters a lot. Instead of linking to “click here,” use keywords that actually describe what the reader will find. Example: “check out my content strategy template”> “click here.”
• Make it relevant. Only add links to content that truly relates to the topic at hand. If the connection feels forced, skip it. Always link to relevant internal links that add value to the topic, not just to boost clicks.
• Don’t overdo it. Three to five internal links per blog post is usually the sweet spot. More than that? You risk confusing your readers (and search engines).
• Prioritize important pages. Link more often to pages you want to rank, your main services, cornerstone content or key blog posts. This tells Google those pages matter most.
• Avoid over-optimizing. Don’t use the exact same phrase everywhere. Mix it up while keeping it relevant.
• Balance your link flow. If one post has 10 internal links pointing to it and another has zero, Google might assume the first is more important, even if that’s not your intention. Keep your structure intentional and balanced.
• Don’t force target keywords. We’re writing for humans first, search engines second.
• Fix broken links regularly. Broken internal links don’t just frustrate readers; they hurt your SEO. Use tools or plugins like a broken link checker to scan for dead links and keep your site healthy and user-friendly.

One last PSA: Don’t create links to every single mention of a keyword to the same page. That’s not strategy, that’s chaos. Keep it intentional, keep it clean. A few high-quality, well-placed links will always beat a page full of random ones.

Best Internal Linking Plugin for WordPress

If manually linking every blog post feels like another task you’ll “totally get to next week,” WordPress plugins have your back. Plugins like Link Whisper help you create smart internal links based on content relevance and structure. The right plugin can help you spot missed link opportunities, recommend related posts and keep your content structure strong without the overwhelm.

Here are a few that can make your internal linking workflow way easier:

Link Whisper (affiliate link)

One of the best automatic internal linking plugins for WordPress. Link Whisper suggests internal links while you write, lets you manage existing links in bulk and even shows you which pages need more internal love, making it one of the most efficient WordPress internal linking plugin options available. Honestly? Game-changer if you’ve got a lot of content.

FTC Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I actually trust.

Yoast SEO (Premium)

If you’re already using Yoast for your SEO, the premium version gives you internal linking suggestions as you draft posts, a nice little nudge that keeps your content connected. It’s not as robust as Link Whisper, but if you’re already in the Yoast ecosystem, it might be enough.

Rank Math

An all-in-one SEO plugin that includes internal link suggestions plus a content AI assistant. Great if you want SEO support baked into your whole workflow without juggling multiple tools. I personally use both Link Whisper and Rank Math.

SEOPressor

Although less popular, it offers super detailed insights, including internal link analysis and deeper SEO information. Ideal if you’re a data nerd (no judgment, same).

Quick Note: Plugins are powerful, but they’re not mind readers. They can help with structure, speed and reminders, but the strategy still comes from you. If you choose to use a WordPress plugin to make internal linking easier, don’t let automation replace intention. You still need to make intentional choices about what pages to link and why. Porque no se trata de hacer links por hacerlos. (Because it’s not about linking to link.) Use these tools to support your strategy, not replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Linking in WordPress

What is an internal link in WordPress?

An internal link is a hyperlink that connects one page or blog post on your WordPress site to another page on the same site. It helps guide readers to related content and tells Google how your pages are connected.

Why are internal links important for SEO?

Internal links help search engines crawl and index your site more efficiently. They also pass link equity (aka link juice) between pages,  boosting visibility, improving rankings and creating a stronger site structure overall.

What is link equity or “link juice”?

Link equity is the value passed from one page to another through internal (or external) links. If a highly authoritative page on your site links to another one, that second page gets a boost in importance, which can help it rank higher in search results.

How many internal links should a blog post have?

Most blog posts do great with 3–5 internal links. Enough to guide your reader without overwhelming them or sending mixed signals to search engines.

Can I have too many internal links on one page?

Yes. Overloading a page with internal links can confuse your readers and dilute the SEO value of each link. Keep it intentional. Prioritize clarity over quantity.

Should internal and external links open in new tabs?

Internal links can open in the same tab, but external links should always open in a new tab. That way your reader doesn’t leave your site completely sin volver (without coming back).

What’s the difference between internal and external links?

Internal links connect pages within your site. External links point to pages outside your domain. Both are important, just use them wisely and with purpose.

Do I need a plugin to manage internal linking?

Nope, WordPress has built-in linking features that work just fine. But if you want help spotting opportunities or managing links at scale, plugins like Link Whisper or Rank Math can seriously level up your strategy.

Internal Linking = Strategic, Not Stressful

Internal linking might not have the glitz of a viral TikTok strategy or a fresh brand shoot, but it’s one of the smartest, most sustainable ways to grow your site traffic and keep people engaged. Whether you’re linking manually or using a plugin like Link Whisper to streamline it, the key is intention. It’s about relevance and clarity. A few high-quality, well-placed links will always beat a page full of random ones.

For a deeper dive into the SEO benefits of internal linking, Moz’s internal linking guide is a solid place to start.

Bottom line is that effective internal linking takes thought. You want your site to feel clear and helpful, not cluttered or random. The goal is to connect content in a way that makes sense to both search engines and real people scrolling through your site.

When you link intentionally, you support your SEO, build page authority and help visitors stick around longer. Search bots can find and index your key pages more easily and your audience gets a smoother experience moving from one post or offer to the next.

Start where you are. Clean up old posts when you can. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building internal links into old posts, it’s all about intention. Building bridges between the content you’ve already created. And remember, SEO isn’t about doing everything perfectly all at once. It’s about building a system that works for you.

So… ¿qué esperas?

1. Want help building a strategy that actually supports your content goals (and doesn’t leave you second-guessing your next post)? Book a Marketing Cafecito, we’ll walk through it together and map out your next best moves.
2. Already know you’re ready for a full-on upgrade? Optimize en Un Día might be your next step. We’ll take your content, internal links, SEO strategy and make them work smarter, not harder.

And hey, if this helped you out, don’t forget to join the newsletter. It’s where I share even more behind-the-scenes strategy, mindset shifts and unhinged marketing thoughts con cafecito in hand.