Our Internal Linking Process for Publishing Content

If there’s one thing that consistently flies under the radar in SEO, it’s internal linking. Everyone knows it matters, but very few implement it with any real strategy.

Why? Because it’s not a fun thing to do and it’s normally a massive PITA! 🤦

And I get it – when you’ve published a piece of content you want the job to be done, right? You don’t have the time to manually dig through a site searching for relevant content to link to and from. Who has time for that when you’re managing client sites and running an agency?!

That said, when we launched The Content Plan at SEOHive, we knew it had to deliver real value from day one. A streamlined internal linking process has been essential to making that happen.

So here’s exactly how we handle internal linking for every piece of content we publish on WordPress at SEOHive (you can even see our SOP here 👉 https://sharing.clickup.com/2327442/t/h/86aze5t08/94IXO7WYHM4SMHJ):

The 5-Minute Internal Linking Process

1️⃣ Install Slim SEO Link Manager

This lightweight plugin does the heavy lifting by automatically identifying contextual linking opportunities across your site.

No need for complex setups or configurations. Buy it, install it, activate it, and you’re good to go!

2️⃣ Publish Your Content

Write and publish your content as you normally would. Don’t overly worry about internal links during the writing process – that’s what makes this method so efficient.

3️⃣ Enter Your Target Keyword

Once published, scroll down to the Link Manager section on your post/page editor, and enter the primary keyword or phrase you’re targeting with this piece of content.

This is the magic moment when the plugin scans your entire site for relevant content.

4️⃣ Review Recommended Pages to Link ‘TO’

The plugin will suggest existing content on your site that relates to your new post. These are opportunities to link ‘FROM’ your new content ‘TO’ these older pieces. 

You can add some of these links if they make sense (and you haven’t included any already), but don’t stop there… 

5️⃣ The Reverse Linking Strategy: Link ‘FROM’ Not Just ‘TO’

Here’s where our approach differs from what most people do – and what REALLY makes the difference. 👇

Instead of just linking ‘FROM’ your new content ‘TO’ old posts, do the reverse:

– Edit those older posts 

– Add contextual links ‘FROM’ them ‘TO’ your new content.

Why does this work? Simply put, this strategically channels authority to your newest content, helping it rank faster and embedding it in your site structure more cohesively.

Why This Process Works 

This process isn’t just about building links. It hits on a few key metrics that are good for ranking content: 

1. It generates bidirectional value to and from new and old content.
2. It builds contextual relevance. 
3. It significantly reduces orphaned content (i.e. content with no internal links pointing to it.
4. It keeps old content alive and valuable by updating timestamps (when links are inserted).
5. It reduced friction – you’re relying on software and data to run the process – it’s not in your head! 
6. It’s time efficient. Let’s face it, this will take a fraction of the time to write a social media post about the same piece of content – but it will add far more lasting value. 

Getting Started

If you’re not using a reliable internal linking process, you’re leaving easy SEO gains on the table. The beauty of this method is its simplicity – anyone in your team can implement it immediately with minimal training.

What’s your current internal linking strategy? Is it systematic or more ad-hoc? Let me know in the comments! 👇