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.

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 an external link in blogging and why does it matter?

An external link is a link on your blog that sends readers to another website, article, video, or online resource. It points out from your site to someone else’s.

External links matter because they give your readers more helpful information that you may not cover in full. They also help search engines see that you are backing up your content with trusted sources, which can improve how your posts rank.

When you link to strong, high-quality websites, you build your own authority in your niche. Over time, this helps your blog look more expert and trustworthy to both readers and search engines.

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

There is no perfect number of external links for every post, but each link should have a clear purpose. Add a link when it gives readers extra value, proof, or a deeper explanation.

In a short post, a few well chosen external links may be enough. In longer guides, you might add more, as long as each link is relevant and not spammy.

Focus on quality over quantity. If you are already adding good internal links on your blog, a handful of strong external links will usually be enough to support your topic.

Should I use nofollow tags on my external links?

A nofollow link tells search engines not to pass authority from your site to the page you are linking to. You might use nofollow when you do not fully vouch for a site, or when the link is sponsored or part of a deal.

For helpful, trusted resources that teach your readers something useful, it is usually fine to keep links as regular, followed links. These can support your SEO when you link to high quality, relevant sites.

If you want to learn more about how search engines treat different types of links, read this simple guide to nofollow links and SEO. Understanding when to use nofollow helps you stay safe while still sharing useful resources.

How can RightBlogger help me use external links more effectively?

RightBlogger can help you plan and write posts that use external links in a smart, natural way. With the AI Article Writer, you can outline your post, then decide where expert sources or studies would add proof.

You can also use RightBlogger’s tools to improve your SEO workflow so you do not forget key links. Features like SEO reports and auto optimization can help you spot gaps in your content and suggest upgrades that make your posts more complete.

When you combine strong external links with good internal structure and steady publishing, your blog becomes more helpful and more visible. RightBlogger gives you a single place to manage research, writing, and linking so you spend less time on setup and more time creating great content.