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Understanding Internal Linking

1. Why Internal Linking Matters

A writer who ignores internal linking creates isolated pages that Google can’t understand.

A writer who understands internal linking builds a connected, authoritative, high‑ranking site ecosystem.

Internal linking improves:

  • Crawlability
  • Indexing
  • Topical authority
  • User engagement
  • Time on site
  • PageRank distribution
  • Ranking stability
  • Discoverability of new content

Every Total Apex contributor must master internal linking because it is one of the highest‑impact, lowest‑effort SEO techniques.

2. What Internal Linking Is

Internal linking answers the question:

How do we help Google and readers move through our site logically?

Internal links:

  • Connect related articles
  • Pass authority between pages
  • Help Google understand topic clusters
  • Guide readers deeper into the site
  • Strengthen vertical‑specific authority

Internal linking is the glue that holds a site’s SEO structure together.

3. The Anatomy of a Strong Internal Link

A strong internal link includes:

  • Relevant anchor text
  • A natural placement
  • A link to a related article
  • A clear user benefit
  • A connection to the same topic cluster

Correct

  • According to our Elden Ring builds guide, Strength builds dominate early game.

Incorrect

  • Click here for more.
  • Read this article.
  • We wrote about it in another post.

Anchor text must be descriptive, not vague.

4. Anchor Text Rules (Critical)

A. Use Descriptive, Keyword‑Rich Anchors

  • best Elden Ring builds
  • NBA standings today
  • PS5 overheating fix

B. Avoid Generic Anchors

  • click here
  • read more
  • this article

C. Match the Linked Page’s Topic

Anchor text must reflect the actual content of the destination page.

D. Keep It Natural

Never force keywords.

5. How Many Internal Links Per Article?

Minimum: 3–5

Ideal: 5–10

Long guides: 10–20

Internal links should appear:

  • In the intro (1–2)
  • In body sections (3–8)
  • In lists and guides (as many as relevant)
  • Near the end (1–2)

Internal linking should feel natural, not stuffed.

6. Where to Place Internal Links

A. Early in the Article

Helps Google understand context fast.

B. Inside Relevant Sections

Link when the topic naturally overlaps.

C. In Lists and Guides

Perfect for linking to deeper resources.

D. In How‑To Steps

Link to supporting tutorials.

E. At the End

Offer next steps or related reading.

Internal links should guide the reader’s journey.

7. Types of Internal Links

A. Contextual Links (Most Important)

Links placed naturally within paragraphs.

B. Navigational Links

Menus, sidebars, footers — handled by site architecture.

C. Related Article Links

Placed at the end or inside sections.

D. Topic Cluster Links

Connecting articles within the same silo.

Contextual links are the SEO powerhouse.

8. Topic Clusters & Internal Linking

Internal linking is how Google understands site structure.

A Topic Cluster Includes:

  • A pillar page (big guide)
  • Supporting articles
  • Interlinked content

Example: Gaming Cluster

Pillar:

  • Elden Ring Builds Guide

Supporting Articles:

  • Best Strength Builds
  • Best Dexterity Builds
  • Best Faith Builds
  • Early‑Game Weapons
  • Stat Scaling Explained

Internal Linking Pattern

  • All supporting articles link to the pillar
  • The pillar links back to all supporting articles
  • Supporting articles link to each other when relevant

This creates topical authority, which Google rewards heavily.

9. Internal Linking Across Total Apex Verticals

News

  • Link to background explainers
  • Link to timelines
  • Link to related statements or updates

Sports

  • Link to standings
  • Link to player profiles
  • Link to game recaps
  • Link to season previews

Gaming

  • Link to build guides
  • Link to patch notes
  • Link to how‑to tutorials
  • Link to game reviews

Entertainment

  • Link to episode recaps
  • Link to ending explained
  • Link to cast breakdowns
  • Link to season guides

Lifestyle

  • Link to how‑to guides
  • Link to best‑of lists
  • Link to habit or productivity explainers

Every vertical has predictable linking patterns — writers must learn them.

10. Common Internal Linking Mistakes (and Fixes)

A. Using vague anchor text

❌ click here  

✔️ our PS5 overheating guide

B. Linking to irrelevant pages

❌ Linking to random content

✔️ Linking to related topics only

C. Over‑linking

❌ Linking every sentence

✔️ Linking only when helpful

D. Under‑linking

❌ No internal links

✔️ 5–10 per article

E. Linking to pages that don’t exist yet

❌ Placeholder links

✔️ Only link to published content

F. Linking only at the end

❌ Dumping links in a “related reading” block

✔️ Distributing links throughout the article

Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Internal linking is one of the highest‑ROI SEO techniques — and it’s entirely in the writer’s control.

Total Apex Internal Linking Essentials

  • Use descriptive, keyword‑rich anchor text
  • Link naturally within the content
  • Add 5–10 internal links per article
  • Link to relevant, related pages
  • Support topic clusters
  • Strengthen pillar pages
  • Avoid vague anchors
  • Avoid over‑linking
  • Guide readers deeper into the site