Internal linking is the practice of linking one page of a website to another page within the same website. It helps to improve website navigation, enhance user experience, and establish a hierarchy of importance within the website structure. Internal linking also helps search engines crawl and index website content, leading to improved search engine optimization (SEO) and increased website traffic. We will be looking at the best internal linking plugin for WordPress today.
Benefits of using internal linking plugins in WordPress
While WordPress offers basic internal linking functionality, using a dedicated internal linking plugin can enhance the process by automating the linking process, suggesting relevant links, and improving the overall WordPress internal linking plugins strategy. Internal linking plugins can also save time and effort by automatically adding links to specific keywords or phrases, improving website navigation, and increasing website engagement.
Overview of the blog
In this blog post, we will review the best internal linking plugins for WordPress that can help improve website navigation, enhance user experience, and boost SEO.
We will examine the features and benefits of each plugin, explain how to use them for the internal linking process, and provide a comparison of their performance, usability, and price.
By the end of this post, you will clearly understand the best internal linking plugins available for WordPress and be able to choose the one that best suits WordPress plugins for your needs.
Yoast SEO
Yoast SEO is a popular plugin that offers a variety of SEO-related features, including internal linking. The internal linking feature analyzes the content of a page or post and suggests relevant internal links based on the keyword or phrase used. This feature helps to improve website navigation, establish a hierarchy of importance, and enhance user experience. Additionally, Yoast SEO offers other useful SEO features, such as meta descriptions, titles, and XML sitemaps.
How to use Yoast SEO for internal linking
You need to activate the plugin on your WordPress website. Once activated, create or edit a post or page and enter the focus keyword or phrase into the Yoast SEO meta box. Yoast SEO will then analyze the content and suggest relevant internal links to other pages or posts on your website. You can then choose to add or ignore these links as needed for your internal linking and internal link building too.
Pros
- Offers a range of SEO-related features in addition to internal linking
- Simple and easy to use
- Provides relevant internal linking suggestions based on the focus keyword
- Can improve website navigation and user experience
Cons
- Limited to suggesting internal links based on the focus keyword
- Only available in the premium version of the plugin
- May not be as comprehensive as other dedicated internal linking plugins
Rank Math SEO
Rank Math SEO is another popular plugin that offers a range of SEO-related features, including internal and external links linking. The internal linking feature analyzes the content of a page or post and suggests relevant internal links to other pages or posts on the website. Additionally, Rank Math SEO offers other useful features, such as keyword optimization, XML sitemaps, and 404 monitoring.
How to use Rank Math SEO for internal linking
To use the internal linking feature in Rank Math SEO, install and activate the plugin on your WordPress website. Once activated, create or edit a post or page and enter the focus keyword or phrase into the Rank Math SEO meta box.
Rank Math SEO will then analyze the content and suggest relevant internal and external links to other pages or posts on your website. You can then choose to add or ignore these links as needed.
Pros
- Offers a range of SEO-related features in addition to internal linking
- Provides relevant internal linking suggestions based on the focus keyword
- Can improve website navigation and user experience
- Free to use
Cons
- Some users may find the interface and setup process confusing
- Some features may only be available in the premium version of the plugin
- May not be as comprehensive as other dedicated internal linking plugins
Link Whisper
Link Whisper is a dedicated internal linking plugin that offers a range of features to help improve website navigation, enhance user experience, and boost SEO. The plugin uses artificial intelligence to analyze a website’s content and suggest relevant internal links to other pages or posts on the website. LinkWhisper offers other useful features, such as an internal link suggestions feature, suggestion reports, bulk linking, and link auto-replace.
How to use Link Whisper for internal linking
The process involves installing and activating the plugin on your WordPress website. Once activated, the plugin will analyze your website content and suggest relevant internal links to other pages or posts on your website. You can then choose to add or ignore these links as needed. It also offers additional features, such as link suggestion reports, bulk linking, and link auto-replace, which can further enhance your internal linking strategy.
Pros
- Uses artificial intelligence to suggest relevant internal links
- Offers a range of additional internal linking features
- Can save time and effort with bulk linking and link auto-replace
- Can improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO
Cons
- Requires a paid license for full access to all features
- May not be as intuitive for some users compared to other plugins
- Limited to internal linking only and does not offer other SEO-related features
SEO AutoLinker
SEO Auto Linker is a lightweight internal linking plugin that offers a simple way to add internal links to your website. The plugin allows you to define specific keywords or phrases that should be automatically linked to other pages or posts on your website. Additionally, SEO Auto Linker offers other useful features, such as case sensitivity and a maximum number of links per page.
How to use SEO Auto Linker for internal linking
How to start using SEO Auto Linker? It will require you to install and activate the plugin on your WordPress site. Once activated, you can define specific keywords or phrases that should be automatically linked to other pages or posts on your website. The plugin also offers additional features, such as case sensitivity and a maximum number of links per page, which can further enhance your internal linking strategy.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Allows for automatic internal linking based on defined keywords or phrases
- Can improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO
Cons
- Limited to automatic internal linking only and does not allow for manual linking
- May not offer as much control over internal linking strategy compared to other plugins
- Limited to internal linking only and does not offer other SEO-related features
Comparison of the plugins
Now let us take a look at the best internal linking WordPress plugins so far:
| Plugin Name | Features and Benefits |
| Yoast SEO | · Offers a range of SEO features beyond internal linking · Analyzes website content to suggest internal links · Allows for manual internal linking – Offers customizable link anchor text and link suggestions |
| Rank Math SEO | · Offers a range of SEO features beyond internal linking · Analyzes website content to suggest internal links · Allows for manual internal linking · Offers customizable link anchor text and link suggestions |
| LinkWhisper | · Uses artificial intelligence to suggest relevant internal links · Offers a range of additional internal linking features · Can save time and effort with bulk linking and link auto-replace · Can improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO |
| Internal Links Manager | · Offers a range of additional internal linking features · Provides insights on which links are most effective in driving traffic and engagement · Can improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO |
| SEO Auto Linker | · Lightweight and easy to use · Allows for automatic internal linking based on defined keywords or phrases · Can improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO |
How each plugin compares in terms of performance, usability, and price
In terms of performance, all of the plugins listed above are designed to improve website navigation, user experience, and SEO through effective internal linking. However, some plugins offer additional SEO features beyond internal linking, such as Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO, which may be important for some users. Tools like Internal Link Juicer can help you build internal links in your content.
In terms of usability, the plugins vary in terms of ease of use and customization options. Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO are both widely used and offer a user-friendly interface with a range of customization options, while LinkWhisper and Internal Links Manager may require a bit more expertise to use effectively. SEO Auto Linker is the simplest and most lightweight option but also offers the least control over internal linking.
Regarding price, Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO offer free and paid versions, with the paid versions offering additional features. LinkWhisper, Internal Links Manager, and SEO Auto Linker are all paid plugins, with pricing varying based on the specific features and number of websites being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the anchor text used by internal linking plugins?
Most internal linking plugins offer customization options for anchor text. For example, in Yoast SEO, you can specify a primary keyword and the plugin will automatically use it as the anchor text for internal links. Similarly, in Rank Math SEO, you can set up automatic keyword-based internal linking and specify the anchor text.
How do internal linking plugins handle broken links?
Some internal linking plugins, such as LinkWhisper, have a built-in broken link checker that will identify and notify you of any broken links on your website. Other plugins may not have this feature but can work in conjunction with a separate broken link checker plugin or service.
Can internal linking plugins automatically update internal links when a page or post is renamed or moved?
Some internal linking plugins have this feature, such as Internal Links Manager. When you rename or move a page or post, the plugin will automatically update any internal links pointing to that page or post to reflect the new URL. However, it is important to note that this feature may not work perfectly in all cases and may require some manual adjustments.
Conclusion
Overall, the best internal linking plugin for WordPress will depend on the specific needs and goals of the website owner. Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO are both highly recommended for their comprehensive SEO features, user-friendly interface, and range of customization options. LinkWhisper and Internal Links Manager are both good options for users who prioritize internal linking specifically and want additional features beyond what is offered by Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO. SEO Auto Linker is the simplest and most lightweight option and may be a good choice for users with smaller websites or those who prioritize simplicity over customization options.
