What is an External Link? (+ How to Use Them Effectively)

Last Updated August 17, 2024

Have you ever clicked a link on a website and ended up on another site? We’ve all done that, right? That’s called an external link.

An external link is when you include a link in your blog post that directs readers to another website, blog post, video, or any external resource.

Watch "External Links Explained: How They Benefit Your Blog" on YouTube

External links are incredibly useful for bloggers. They provide additional value to your readers by pointing them to resources where they can learn more about a topic, especially if you don’t have room to fully expand on it within your post. Search engines like Google also love external links to authoritative websites – their algorithms take this into account when evaluating your content’s authority.

The Benefits of Using External Links

Using external links on your blog offers several advantages:

1. Increased Authority: By linking to reputable, high-quality websites, you demonstrate your blog’s authority and credibility in your niche.

2. Better User Experience: External links give your readers easy access to additional information, enhancing their overall experience on your blog.

3. Search Engine Optimization: Search engines favor content that links to authoritative sources, potentially boosting your search rankings.

How to Use External Links Effectively

While external links are beneficial, it’s important to use them strategically. Here are some tips:

Link to Relevant, High-Quality Sources: Make sure the websites you link to are trustworthy, informative, and directly relevant to the topic at hand.
Avoid Linking to Direct Competitors: If you’re trying to rank for a specific keyword or topic, don’t link out to a competitor’s content that directly competes with yours.
Use Descriptive Anchor Text: Instead of using generic phrases like “click here,” craft descriptive anchor text that accurately represents the linked content.
Open Links in a New Tab or Window: This ensures that readers can easily return to your blog after visiting the external link.

Conclusion

External links are a powerful tool for bloggers. They enhance the user experience, establish your authority, and can even boost your search engine rankings.

However, it’s crucial to use them judiciously, linking only to high-quality, relevant sources while avoiding direct competitors. By striking the right balance, external links can take your blog to new heights.

What is the difference between an external link and an internal link?

An external link sends readers to a different website. An internal link sends them to another page on your own site.

Both types of links are useful. Internal links help readers find more of your content and help search engines understand your site structure.

External links add context and proof when you cite a trusted source. If you want a deeper look at links inside your own site, see internal linking.

Do external links help SEO?

Yes, external links can help SEO when they point to useful, trusted sources. They show readers and search engines that your post is supported by real information.

Relevance matters more than quantity. A few strong links to expert sources are better than many links to weak or unrelated pages.

External links alone will not make a post rank. You still need clear writing, solid keyword targeting, and content that matches what the reader wants.

Are external links and backlinks the same thing?

No, they are not the same thing. An external link is a link from your site to another site, while a backlink is a link from another site to your site.

This difference matters for SEO. External links help support your content, while backlinks can help build your site's authority.

If you want to learn more about links pointing back to your site, start with backlink basics. Knowing both terms makes SEO much easier to understand.

How many external links should I use in a blog post?

There is no perfect number of external links for every post. Use enough to support your points and help readers go deeper.

For most articles, a few well-placed links are enough. Add them when you mention data, quote research, or point to a tool or guide your reader may need.

Avoid adding links just to add links. Too many can distract readers and make your page feel messy or less focused.

When should I use nofollow on an external link?

Use a nofollow tag when you do not want to pass ranking value to the page you link to. This is common for sponsored links, paid placements, and some affiliate links.

For normal editorial links to helpful, trusted pages, a standard link is often fine. This guide to nofollow links explains when each type makes sense.

Think about why you are linking out. If the link is there to help the reader and it is not paid, you usually do not need nofollow.

How can RightBlogger help me use external links better?

RightBlogger can help you create posts that use external links with more purpose. The RightBlogger AI Article Writer can help you build a clear draft, so you can see where a source or example would help.

After you draft, SEO Reports can help you review your page and spot gaps in coverage. That makes it easier to add supporting links where they improve trust and clarity.

This saves time and keeps your post more organized. Instead of dropping links in at random, you can place them where they answer a real question or support a key point.