Supercharge your linking

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

1. Hop 1 (Across): Link to a closely related, same-level post that adds context.
2. 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.

Download the PDF.

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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

Old posts rule, OK!

Make Old Posts Fresh Again: A 7-Point Update & Republish Checklist

Your best traffic is often hiding in your archives. Use this quick checklist to revive older posts and please both readers and Google.

Step 1: Confirm Search Intent

Search your main keyword. Do top results show tutorials, lists, or checklists? Adjust your post to match the intent and add one unique angle.

Step 2: Tighten the Intro

First 2–3 sentences should promise one clear result. Example: “In 7 minutes, you’ll turn this old post into a fresh, traffic magnet.”

Step 3: Update “What’s Changed”

• New stats or guidelines?
• Outdated screenshots?
• Broken links? Replace or remove.

Step 4: Add a Mini-FAQ

Include 2–3 questions readers ask in comments or email. Answer in 40–60 words each.

Step 5: Insert 2 Internal Links

• One link up to a cornerstone guide.
• One link across to a sibling topic.

Step 6: Improve Visual Scan

• Convert long paragraphs into bullet lists.
• Add one clear image or diagram.

Step 7: Republish with Today’s Date

If you’ve materially improved the content, update the date so readers (and search engines) see it’s fresh.

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Free template: Duplicate my Google Doc checklist → Get the template

Labels: Blogging, Content Refresh, SEO

Free traffic in 15-minutes a day.

The 15-Minute Daily Traffic Routine (Perfect for Busy, “Ageless” Bloggers)

Short on time? Here’s a simple, repeatable routine that compounds traffic without paid ads or tech headaches.

Keep this routine by your desk. Fifteen minutes is enough—consistency does the heavy lifting.

Minute 0–3: Quick Win SEO

1. Open yesterday’s post and add one internal link to an older, related post.
2. Add one external link to a credible source (Google loves helpful hubs).

Minute 3–6: Answer One Micro-Question

Skim Google’s “People Also Ask” for your topic. Pick one question and insert a 2–3 sentence answer in your post (or create a short new paragraph post). Format it as:

Question: [Copy exact phrasing]
Answer: A clear, plain-English answer in 40–60 words.

Minute 6–9: Refresh a Headline

Update one older post title to be more specific. Example:

• “Improve Blog Traffic” → “How I Added 83 New Readers in 7 Days with Internal Links”

Minute 9–12: Share Once (Smartly)

Copy a quotable tip from your post and share it where your readers already are (Facebook groups, niche forums). Link back to the post. Avoid sounding promotional—be helpful first.

Minute 12–15: Pin or Image Refresh

Create a quick Pinterest image in Canva (1 template, swap title). Upload to your post and Pinterest. Add descriptive alt text, e.g., “Simple 15 minute blogging routine for free traffic.”

Pro Tip: Track Compounding Wins

• +1 internal link daily = 30 new pathways a month.
• +1 FAQ block daily = 30 chances to grab a snippet.
• +1 share daily = 30 new discovery moments.

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Next step: Grab my 1-page printable of this routine here → Download the checklist

Labels: Blogging, Free Traffic, SEO Basics