interlink

Interlinking, or an interlink, is the practice of inserting hyperlinks between pages within the same website or document collection. It enables navigation and content discovery, guiding readers from related topics to related content. In wikis and knowledge bases, interlinks connect articles that share a common topic or context and help readers move through related information. Interlinks are distinct from outbound links to external sites, which point outside the current domain.

The primary purpose of interlinking is to improve navigation and reduce dead ends, helping users find related information more efficiently. For search engines, a well-planned internal linking structure aids site crawlability and distributes page authority, supporting a coherent information architecture. Common approaches include hub-and-spoke models, where a central hub links to related subpages, and topic clusters, where related articles link to a core overview page.

Best practices for effective interlinking include using descriptive anchor text that accurately reflects the destination page, linking only to relevant related content, and avoiding excessive or irrelevant links. Maintain link accuracy by auditing for broken or outdated links and removing or updating them as needed. In wikis, use consistent linking conventions and create links to pages that may be created in the future when appropriate to encourage expansion, while avoiding creating orphaned pages that lack navigation.

Challenges include broken links, outdated pages, redirect chains, and maintenance overhead. Regular site audits, automated link checks, and thoughtful content planning help maintain a healthy internal link structure that supports user navigation and content discovery.