Internal Linking for Humans: A Simple “Two-Hop” System
Stop overthinking “silos.” This two-hop method guides readers naturally and boosts rankings—no tools needed.
Why It Works
Readers arrive with a question. Give them the answer, then the next best step. That’s all internal linking needs to be.
The Two-Hop Rule
- Hop 1 (Across): Link to a closely related, same-level post that adds context.
- Hop 2 (Up): Link to your cornerstone/guide that collects everything on the topic.
How to Apply in 10 Minutes
- Open your latest post. Add one “Across” link inside the first 40% of the content.
- Add one “Up” link near the end with anchor text like “Full guide to [Topic].”
Anchor Text That Feels Natural
- “Here’s a quick explainer on…”
- “If you’re not sure which to choose, this guide helps you decide.”
Weekly Habit
Every Friday, pick 3 older posts and add the two-hop links. Over time, your blog becomes a self-navigating library.
Upgrade: Create one cornerstone page that lists your best 10 posts on a topic. Link “Up” to it throughout your site.
Labels: Blogging, Internal Linking, User Experience
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