What is an External Link?
An external link, also known as an outbound link, is a hyperlink that points from one website to another. In SEO, external links are essential because they help search engines determine the credibility and relevance of a website’s content. When a website links to another, it is essentially endorsing that content, which can enhance the linked site’s authority and relevance.
However, the quality and relevance of the external link matter; linking to reputable, authoritative sources can positively impact your SEO, while linking to low-quality or spammy sites can have the opposite effect. External links also provide value to users by directing them to additional resources or information, enhancing their overall experience.
External links can demonstrate transparency and a commitment to providing comprehensive information for the linking site. Managing external links is a key part of an SEO strategy, as it involves ensuring that the links add value, are relevant to the content, and do not negatively impact the user experience or SEO efforts.