What is External Linking?
TL;DR
Links from your website to other websites. Linking to authoritative sources (like government sites, research papers, or industry leaders) can actually help your Search Engine Optimization by showing Google you're providing comprehensive, well-researched content. Don't hoard link equity, linking out appropriately is part of good On-Page SEO.
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Frequently Asked Questions About External Linking
Does linking to other websites hurt my SEO?
No, linking to authoritative, relevant sources can actually help your SEO by demonstrating thoroughness and trustworthiness. Google wants pages that provide complete information, which often includes citing sources.
How many external links should I include?
Link whenever it adds value for readers, citing sources, providing additional resources, or giving credit. There's no limit, but every external link should serve a purpose. Avoid linking to low-quality or irrelevant sites.
Should external links open in a new tab?
Opinions vary. Opening in new tabs keeps visitors on your site but can frustrate users. Many sites use new tabs for external links but same-tab for internal links. Choose what works for your users and be consistent.
Terms Related to External Linking
Backlink
A link from one website to another, also called an "inbound link" or "incoming link." Backlinks are a crucial ranking fa...
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