Did you know that articles containing external links receive, on average, 43% more visibility in search engine results? In the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), outbound links are key to unlocking higher rankings and a more authoritative online presence. In this article, we will go over what external links are, their role in SEO optimization, and how to find websites to externally link to that don’t directly compete with you.

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External links, also known as outbound links, are connections from your webpage to a page on another website. They act as digital pathways, guiding users to additional sources of information. Unlike internal links that navigate within your website, external links lead users to content on other websites.

Using external links contributes to SEO factors as well as the richness and reliability of your content. By referencing high domain authoritaty sources, you enhance the credibility of your blog posts. This not only adds value to your audience but also signals to search engines that your content is well-researched and connected to reputable information.

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Internal links help users navigate within your website, directing them to other pages or content. On the other hand, external links extend beyond your site, providing references to external sources. The key difference is whether the link points to a page on your website or to a page on a different website.

From an SEO perspective, external links play a pivotal role in establishing the authority and relevance of your content. When you link to reputable and non-competing websites, search engines recognize your content as part of a broader network of valuable information, potentially boosting your rankings.

The reason you want to link to a website that doesn’t compete with you is that you don’t want to give any of your domain authority to your competitors. Doing so can help them climb the rankings above you, which is never what you want.

SEE ALSO: Contextual Links Meaning and their Significance in SEO

How Many External Links Should A Post Have

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many external links should be on a page. Aim for a natural integration of external links, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Each link should genuinely enhance the user experience and contribute to the comprehensiveness of your content. As a general rule of thumb, articles may have between 1-3 external links for every 1000 words.

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When looking for websites to externally link to, consider industry associations, educational institutions, government websites, and non-profit organizations. These sources often provide reliable and authoritative content without directly competing with your content or niche.

Wikipedia: A comprehensive source for general information, often a go-to reference for various topics.

Government Websites: Official government sites (.gov) provide trustworthy information on a multitude of subjects.

Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges offer authoritative content, especially in academic or research-focused niches.

News Outlets: Citing reputable news sources adds credibility to your content.

Statistical and Research Organizations: Platforms like Pew Research Center or Statista offer valuable data for data-driven content.

When it comes to SEO, external links guide both users and search engines to reputable information while improving your credibility. By integrating non-competing external links, your website will climb the search rankings and become a trustworthy source.

To learn more about how external links can improve your SEO efforts, check out the rest of our blog.

Originally published . Last updated .

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