I have a 100-page site, but there are no links between pages. They show up in the navigation menu but there are no links within the content. Does it matter? Does it make a difference?
Let's say the keyword is 'when the curler holds'. 5 pages cover this but if the pages don't link to each other, which one will Google consider important?
Doki · Penetration test · 2026
Internal linking is critical for distributing page authority. Linking pages on the same topic signals to Google that 'this page is important'.
Strategy: 1) Choose a pilot page (the most important one). 2) Link to the pilot page from related pages (anchor text: keyword). 3) Ensure it aligns with the sitemap structure. 4) Don't create dead links (404s).
Example: If you have an 'Human Resources' category with 5 posts, link them. Link to the Main Resources page from all pages. This shows Google the structure.
I had 50 posts that weren't linked. A consultant said: 'link this many'. Then I linked them and traffic increased by 25% within 2 months. There's definitely a difference.
without internal links google doesnt understand site structure... give lots of links to important pages fewer to less important ones.
Internal Linking Strategy: 1. Pick a pilot page (important) 2. Link from related pages 3. Anchor text: keyword (natural) 4. Min 3-5 internal links per page 5. No orphan pages (pages with no incoming links) 6. Link depth max 3 (sitemap structure) 7. Nofollow/follow choice (external links: nofollow)
Quick implementation: 1) Open Yoast SEO / Rank Math, check the 'Internal Links' widget. 2) Apply suggestions. 3) Pick an important page (pilot). 4) Link to the pilot from related pages (naturally within text). 5) Check traffic after 1 week.
The opposite happened to me, thats why Im writing. Start with a small trial; dont commit to everything at once.
If you get three different answers on a topic the question was asked wrong. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Let me summarize the topic, since several different answers were given. Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
Good luck with that.
The discussion got scattered, let me summarize. Mistakes made on the internal linking strategy side are usually reversible but expensive.
I'm also curious if anyone does it differently.
There is something to watch out for. anyway the biggest time-waster for us was not knowing who had the final say.
If you have questions write them; I'll answer as best I can.
Doki · Mobile app · 2026
Thanks for posting. Ranking is the result, search intent is the input. Look at intent first.
A page that answers one question works better than one touching on five topics. Just leaving this note, it might be useful.
To get into the details: When we decide without measuring, we always end up in the same place.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
I've been dealing with this for a long time. Discussing numbers without verifying the measurement setup is a waste of time.
If you post the result here, it will help others too.
I think it's hard to be that definitive about internal linking strategy. The harder it is to reverse a decision, the slower you should make it.
I'm also curious if anyone does it differently.
I disagree with you on this point. Updating an existing page yields faster results than creating a new one.
Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way. Good luck with that.