internal-links

$npx mdskill add kostja94/marketing-skills/internal-links

Optimize internal linking to improve crawlability and link equity.

  • Fixes orphan pages and improves link structure for SEO.
  • Reads project context files for site structure and key pages.
  • Identifies orphan pages, priority pages, and link depth issues.
  • Provides actionable recommendations for anchor text and link placement.

SKILL.md

.github/skills/internal-linksView on GitHub ↗
---
name: internal-links
description: When the user wants to optimize internal linking, fix orphan pages, or improve link structure. Also use when the user mentions "internal links," "internal linking," "anchor text," "link equity," "internal linking strategy," or "orphan pages." For IA, use website-structure.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.1
---

# SEO On-Page: Internal Links

Guides internal linking strategy for SEO: crawlability, link equity distribution, and user navigation.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Scope (On-Page SEO)

- **Internal links**: Contextual links; descriptive anchor text; related posts; hub pages
- **Breadcrumbs**: Implement for large sites (e.g. ecommerce); see **breadcrumb-generator**

## Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for site structure and key pages.

Identify:
1. **Site structure**: Hub pages, pillar content, supporting pages
2. **Orphan pages**: Pages with no or few internal links
3. **Priority pages**: Pages that need more link equity

## Best Practices

### Link Structure

| Principle | Guideline |
|-----------|-----------|
| **Depth** | Important pages within 3 clicks from homepage |
| **Orphan pages** | Avoid; ensure every page has at least one internal link; see **site-crawlability** for technical detection and crawl issues |
| **Hub-to-spoke** | Link from hub/pillar pages to cluster articles; topic cluster structure |
| **Contextual** | Place links in relevant body content, not just footers |

### Anchor Text

| Principle | Guideline |
|-----------|-----------|
| **Descriptive** | Use anchor text that describes the target page |
| **Variation** | Avoid over-optimization; use natural variation |
| **Keyword** | Include target keyword when natural |

### Placement

| Location | Use |
|----------|-----|
| **First paragraph** | Primary link to related content |
| **Body** | Contextual links throughout |
| **Related/Recommended** | End-of-article links |
| **Navigation** | Key site sections |

## Common Issues

| Issue | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| Orphan pages | Add internal links from hub pages or navigation; **site-crawlability** for technical audit |
| Too many links | Focus on most important; avoid link stuffing |
| Generic anchors | Use descriptive "learn more about X" instead of "click here" |
| Broken links | Audit and fix 404s; see **site-crawlability** for technical audit |

## Output Format

- **Internal link audit** (if auditing)
- **Link opportunities** for key pages
- **Anchor text** recommendations
- **Structure** improvements

## Related Skills

- **article-page-generator**: Related posts, contextual links, end-of-article recommendations
- **website-structure**: Plan page structure and hierarchy; informs internal linking
- **site-crawlability**: Internal links enable crawling
- **url-structure**: URL structure affects link patterns
- **content-strategy**: Topic clusters inform link structure; pillar <-> cluster; cluster <-> cluster
- **breadcrumb-generator**: Breadcrumbs are internal links; category hierarchy

More from kostja94/marketing-skills

SkillDescription
404-page-generatorWhen the user wants to create, optimize, or audit 404 error pages. Also use when the user mentions "404 page," "404 error," "error page," "page not found," "broken link page," "404 design," "custom 404," "404 redirect," "404 page UX," or "404 recovery." For sitewide page planning, use website-structure.
about-page-generatorWhen the user wants to create, optimize, or audit About page content. Also use when the user mentions "about page," "about us," "company story," "our team," "about section," "company overview," "brand story," "team page," or "who we are." For sitewide page planning, use website-structure.
affiliate-marketingWhen the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize affiliate marketing strategy. Also use when the user mentions "affiliate marketing," "affiliate program strategy," "CPS model," "affiliate recruitment," "commission structure," "affiliate partners," "affiliate network," "affiliate tracking," "affiliate commission," or "partner marketing." For affiliate page, use affiliate-page-generator.
affiliate-page-generatorWhen the user wants to create, optimize, or audit affiliate program page content. Also use when the user mentions "affiliate program," "affiliate page," "partner program," "referral program page," "affiliate landing," "partner landing," "commission page," or "affiliate signup." For affiliate program strategy, use affiliate-marketing.
ai-traffic-trackingWhen the user wants to track AI search traffic in GA4 or GSC. Also use when the user mentions "AI traffic," "ChatGPT referral," "Perplexity traffic," "AI Overviews," "GA4 AI sources," "AI search analytics," "track AI referrals," "AI search traffic," "Claude traffic," or "how to track AI traffic." For AI SEO strategy, use generative-engine-optimization.
alternatives-page-generatorWhen the user wants to create, optimize, or audit alternatives or comparison content (page or blog article). Also use when the user mentions "alternatives page," "alternatives listicle," "X alternatives," "competitor comparison," "vs page," "compare page," "best alternatives to X," "switch from X," "competitor brand traffic," "brand keyword ads," or "intercept competitor search." For competitor research, use competitor-research.
api-page-generatorWhen the user wants to create, optimize, or audit the API introduction/overview page. Also use when the user mentions "API page," "API landing page," "/api page," "API overview," "developer landing," "API marketing," or "API for developers." Note: API documentation (endpoint reference) lives in docs; use docs-page-generator.
app-adsWhen the user wants to run app install ads, user acquisition (UA), or promote mobile apps. Also use when the user mentions "app ads," "app install ads," "UA," "user acquisition," "Google App Campaigns," "Apple Search Ads," "ASA," "UAC," "App Store ads," "Play Store ads," "CPI," or "app promotion." For store listings, use distribution-channels.
article-contentWhen the user wants to write, generate, or create article body content—blog post body, long-form content, how-to guide, listicle. Also use when the user mentions "write article," "article content," "blog post content," "article body," "long-form content creation," "generate article," "article draft," "how-to guide content," "listicle content," "information gain," or "content density." For single post page structure, schema, and SEO metadata, use article-page-generator. For blog index/listing page, use blog-page-generator. For short ad, landing, or email copy, use copywriting.
backlink-analysisWhen the user wants to analyze backlinks, audit link profile, or identify link issues. Also use when the user mentions "backlink analysis," "backlink audit," "referring domains," "toxic links," "link profile," or "disavow file." For acquisition, use link-building.