External links can be the secret sauce to your Search Engine Optimization strategy. Seriously, they pack a punch! According to a recent study, pages with external links rank 13% higher than those without. Yet, so many businesses overlook them.

Here’s the thing: when you link to authoritative sources, it’s not just about directing readers to other sites. You’re building credibility, signaling to Google that your content is worth ranking. It's simple but effective. Ready for a boost in your rankings? Let’s dive into why external links matter—and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Are External Links?

External links are hyperlinks that direct your readers from your website to a completely different website. Think of them as little bridges, connecting your content to other valuable sources of information across the web. For example, if you’re writing a blog post about the benefits of digital marketing and you link to a reputable source that explains basic SEO techniques, that’s an external link. (look at the first paragraph of this blog, there is an external link there)

These links aren’t just for guiding your readers to more resources; they help search engines understand your content better. When you link to high-quality, relevant sites, you’re signaling to Google that your content is trustworthy and well-researched.

Why External Links Are Essential for Your Blog Posts

So, why bother adding external links to your blog posts? There are a few important reasons, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about making Google happy.

Enhancing SEO with External Links

When done right, external links can seriously boost your blog’s SEO. Search engines, especially Google, love it when your content is connected to other authoritative websites. It’s like a nod of approval from you, saying, "Hey, I know this source is legit, and I trust their info." By linking out to credible sources, you're signaling to search engines that your content is part of a larger, valuable conversation.

Sites with strong external links tend to rank higher in search results because they aren’t “dead ends” for information. Google wants to provide its users with a seamless browsing experience, and part of that is showing them content that is interconnected with other valuable resources. That’s why it’s smart to link out to reliable sources.

Building Credibility Through External Links

Not only do external links help with SEO, but they also build your blog’s credibility with your readers. When you link to authoritative sources—think research papers, industry experts, or well-known publications—you’re backing up your points with facts and showing your audience that you’ve done your homework.

This adds weight to your content and increases trust with your audience. Plus, readers are more likely to stick around when they see that you're not just making claims but supporting them with legitimate sources.

Avoiding Competitor Links

While external links are great, there’s one big no-no: linking to your competitors. You don’t want to boost someone else’s ranking at your own expense. Instead, focus on linking to neutral, informational websites that don’t compete with your services or products.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether to link to a website, ask yourself a few questions: Does this site have a high domain authority? Is it a reliable source? If it checks out, then go for it. Just steer clear of sending traffic to your direct competition.

How Many External Links Should You Include in Your Blog Posts?

Now, you might be wondering: how many external links should you use in a blog post (assuming you already know the importance of blogging)? There’s no exact science to it, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for about one external link per 500 words. This ensures that you’re providing valuable resources without overloading your readers with too many options that take them away from your site.

Be mindful, though. Each time you use an external link, you’re giving your readers a chance to leave your website, so always make sure those links open in a new tab. This way, they can check out the additional information while still having your content easily accessible.

Best Practices for Adding External Links

Let’s talk about how to add external links the right way. While it seems simple, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Choosing High-Authority Websites

When you’re linking out, you want to aim for websites that have high domain authority. These are sites that search engines already trust and rank well. You can check a site’s authority using tools like Moz, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. By linking to high-authority sites, you’re essentially borrowing their credibility, which boosts your SEO.

Using Anchor Text Effectively

Anchor text (internal links) is the clickable text of your link, and it’s super important for both your readers and search engines. Your anchor text should clearly indicate what the reader will find if they click the link. Avoid vague phrases like "click here" or "read more." Instead, be specific—use keywords and phrases that tell the reader exactly what they're getting, like “What to Expect When Starting SEO” or “digital marketing services.”

Make Sure Links Are Not Broken

Nothing kills your credibility faster than a broken link. Always double-check that the URLs you’re linking to are correct and active. A 404 error page is frustrating for users and could hurt your SEO. Regularly audit your old blog posts to make sure all your links are still working.

Updating Existing Blog Posts with External Links

If you’ve got a blog filled with older posts that don’t have any external links, don’t worry—it’s not too late! You can easily go back and update those posts by adding relevant external links. This will not only improve the user experience but also give those posts an SEO boost, helping them perform better in search engine rankings.

Consider going through your archive of blog posts and looking for opportunities to link out to valuable resources. Got a post that references some data? Add a link to the original source! It’s an easy way to improve your blog without having to write new content from scratch.

Why You Should Start Using External Links Today

External links are a game-changer when it comes to boosting your SEO and building trust with both search engines and your audience. By linking to authoritative, relevant sources, you not only improve your website's credibility but also enhance the overall user experience. It's a simple strategy that signals to search engines that your content is valuable and well-researched.

Remember, it’s not just about throwing in links—be strategic. Choose high-quality sources, avoid linking to competitors, and always ensure the external link opens in a new tab (it’s surprising how many people miss this step). Implementing this approach can set your blog posts up for long-term success, helping you rank higher, faster. 

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