If you’re running a Shopify store, internal linking probably isn’t the first thing on your mind — but it should be.
Internal linking improves Shopify store SEO and user experience by helping search engines and visitors navigate your site effectively. A strong internal linking strategy can boost organic traffic by up to 40%, increase page views by 20%, and improve conversions by 10%.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Anchor Text: Use clear, keyword-rich phrases to describe linked content naturally.
- Top Pages: Link from high-traffic pages to less-visited ones (e.g., blog posts to product pages).
- Link Placement: Add links in menus, product descriptions, and blogs for better navigation.
- Link Quantity: Aim for 2-5 links per 1,000 words and 3-7 links on product pages.
- Tools: Use apps like Link Whisper or AI tools like MarketMuse to automate and optimize linking.
Quick Tip: Regularly audit links for relevance, fix broken links, and refine your strategy to maintain SEO benefits.
Internal Linking Guidelines for Shopify
If you want to keep improving your store’s performance, having a solid internal linking strategy makes a big difference. Simple tweaks can lead to more clicks, more page views, and even better conversions. In fact, stores that do this well have seen page views jump by 20% and conversions improve by 10%. Here’s how you can get results like that too.
Writing Clear Anchor Text
When it comes to Shopify, anchor text is just the clickable part of a link—the words you see and click to jump to another page. Whether you're linking to another spot in your store or sending visitors somewhere else, the right anchor text helps both shoppers and search engines understand what the link is about.
Use anchor text that naturally incorporates relevant keywords and clearly describes the linked content. Avoid generic phrases like "click here." Instead, aim for anchor text that:
- Describes the destination content (e.g., "explore our winter coat collection")
- Includes keywords without overloading them
- Uses varied phrasing to maintain diversity
Repetitive anchor text can lead to search engine penalties!
Focus on creating links that naturally clarify the relationships between pages.
Linking from Top Pages
Leverage high-performing pages to drive traffic to newer or less-visited content. Use tools like Shopify Analytics or Google Analytics to identify key pages, such as:
- The homepage
- Popular product category pages
- High-traffic blog posts
- Frequently visited collection pages
For instance, you could update a high-traffic "Summer Fashion Guide" blog post to include links to your seasonal collections.
Managing Link Quantity
Keep internal linking balanced and relevant by following these general tips:
- Add 2-5 internal links per 1,000 words of content
- Include 3-7 links on product pages to highlight related items
- Focus on relevance instead of hitting arbitrary link counts
Regularly audit your links using Shopify tools or apps to ensure they stay relevant as inventory and pages evolve.
Where to Add Internal Links
So, the big question is: where should you actually add these internal links?
Where you place internal links matters — adding them in the right spots, like menus, product pages, and blogs, makes it easy for visitors to find what they need and helps search engines understand your site structure more clearly.
Placing internal links thoughtfully can improve both SEO and the user experience throughout your store. These key areas build on earlier tips for anchor text and link quantity.
Menu Structure
Your navigation menu is a core part of internal linking. It should guide both visitors and search engines through your site with a clear hierarchy. Keep top-level categories between 5 to 7 items to avoid overwhelming users. For instance, a clothing store might organize its menu into main categories like Women, Men, and Accessories, with subcategories for specific items.
This approach aligns with the earlier suggestion to link from your top-performing pages.
Product Page Links
Product pages are perfect for adding internal links that enhance the shopping experience. Use these areas to add links:
- Descriptions: Link to complementary products.
- "You May Also Like" Sections: Highlight 3-5 related items.
- Category References: Direct users to parent collections.
This ties into the content cluster method mentioned earlier, making your links more purposeful.
Blog Post Links
Blogs are another great way to distribute internal links and connect users to your products. Many experts suggest using blog posts to create content clusters.
Here are some effective strategies for blog links:
- Link educational posts to relevant product categories.
- Use "Shop Now" calls-to-action within tutorials.
- Write roundup posts that feature multiple products.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, internal linking doesn’t have to be complicated — but it can make a real difference to how people (and search engines) move through your Shopify store. Focus on keeping things clear, helpful, and relevant, and you’ll set yourself up for better traffic, more engagement, and stronger sales. A little effort here really does go a long way.