What is deeplinking? That is the question today in the third part of this linking series. Basic linking is important for SEO! But, a better use of linking with other websites is a term called deep linking.
So, what is deeplinking? Linking to webpages further down in the structure of your website. Here is an example. Many times, a person will add a link to their site such as website.com. The structure of your site can also take you deeper within your site as with this example. (website.com/about/person)
Instead of linking to the homepage (website.com) you should add the link to a web page in a deeper folder. (website.com/about/person) Search engines will be directed deeper within your website which will also help give more pages propensity to be indexed.
You might be thinking that XML sitemaps guide the search engines to find these webpages. Yes, XML sitremaps are created to guide Spiderbots to your webpages but deep linking provides additional help. Adding your deep link to the more valued web page from another site will promote your web page and give that page you are linking to added value.
This third factor of this series on the different types of linking in search engine optimization is probably the less common method used. If you are wondering about the first two types of linking, take the time to read our previous posts on internal linking and external linking.
With time, you will reap the benefits of deeplinking! I hope this answers the question, “What is deeplinking?” Got SEO questions? Contact us and let us help you get on track so your business website can be a success!
Deep linking SEO refers to the practice of creating or acquiring links that point directly to specific, internal pages (or subpages) of a website rather than just the homepage or a general landing page. These internal links are called “deep links,” and they help search engines and users navigate to the most relevant, specific content within a website.
Here’s a deeper look at deep linking in the context of SEO:
1. What is Deep Linking?
In the simplest terms, deep linking occurs when a hyperlink on a website points to a specific page or piece of content within a website, rather than the homepage. For example, instead of linking to www.example.com, a deep link might point to www.example.com/dog-training-tips or www.example.com/services/dog-boarding.
2. How Deep Linking Helps SEO
Deep linking provides several benefits for both users and search engines:
a. Improves Indexing of Internal Pages
Deep links help search engine crawlers (like Google’s bots) discover and index the content of a website’s deeper pages more efficiently. By directing attention to internal pages, you make it easier for search engines to understand the full scope of your website, which can lead to better visibility in search results.
b. Distributes Page Authority
When other websites link to internal pages of your site (rather than just the homepage), it helps to spread the link equity (also called “link juice”) across your website. This can increase the authority of not just your homepage but also other important internal pages. A more diverse backlink profile can boost your website’s overall domain authority and ranking potential.
c. Improves User Experience
Deep links direct users to the most relevant and specific content that meets their needs, which improves the overall user experience. For instance, if someone is looking for dog training tips, being taken directly to a page that has this specific information is much more useful than landing on the homepage, where they would need to search further for what they want.
A better user experience can also lead to higher engagement metrics (such as time on page and lower bounce rates), which are indirect ranking factors in SEO.
d. Helps Rank Internal Pages for Specific Keywords
By pointing external links to specific internal pages, you’re helping those pages rank higher for long-tail keywords or specific search queries related to that content. Deep linking to internal pages that cover niche topics can increase their chances of appearing in search results when users search for very specific information.
For example, if you run a dog training business, a deep link from a relevant pet blog to a page on your site titled “How to Teach Your Dog to Sit” can help that page rank higher in search engines for keywords like “teach dog to sit” or “dog training sit command.”
3. Benefits of Deep Linking for Dog Training Businesses
If you run a dog training business, deep linking SEO can help you in the following ways:
- Promote Specific Services: Instead of just linking to your homepage, deep linking can highlight important service pages, such as “puppy training,” “obedience training,” or “behavioral modification.”
- Boost Local SEO: Deep linking can help individual location pages rank better, especially if you offer services in different geographic areas (e.g., “dog training in Columbia, SC”). External websites linking directly to your location pages can improve your visibility in local search results.
- Showcase Valuable Content: If you have a blog with expert dog training tips, deep links to individual blog posts can help them rank higher in search results for specific queries (e.g., “how to stop a dog from barking”).
4. Best Practices for Deep Linking SEO
When implementing a deep linking strategy, it’s important to follow best practices:
- Use Descriptive Anchor Text: The clickable text in the hyperlink (anchor text) should accurately describe the content on the page you’re linking to. For example, instead of using generic anchor text like “click here,” you should use descriptive phrases like “dog training techniques” or “puppy obedience classes.”
- Ensure Pages Are Well-Optimized: Internal pages that are receiving deep links should be properly optimized with relevant keywords, good content, and user-friendly design. This ensures that once users land on the page, they find valuable information that meets their needs.
- Diversify Your Backlink Profile: While deep links are valuable, it’s important to have a healthy balance of both homepage and internal page links. Too many links to one internal page (especially if done in an unnatural way) may raise a red flag to search engines.
5. Deep Linking in Mobile SEO
In the context of mobile SEO, deep linking can refer to app deep linking, where links direct users to a specific page within a mobile app rather than just the app’s homepage. This is a slightly different concept but operates under the same general principle—taking users directly to the content they’re seeking, whether on the web or within an app.
Conclusion:
Deep linking SEO is an effective strategy for distributing the value of backlinks across your site, enhancing the visibility of specific, relevant content, and improving both the user experience and search engine rankings. For a dog training business, deep linking can highlight specific services, training tips, or location pages, allowing you to attract more targeted traffic and grow your client base.