Audit internal links before editing anchors

Start with destination pages

Do not audit every link at once. Choose a short list of pages that can help readers continue a task: a worksheet, checklist, template, service page, comparison, or guide that answers the next question.

• Mark pages with search impressions but weak clicks.
• Mark useful tools or checklists that receive few internal clicks.
• Mark pages that answer a reader's next step after a popular guide.

Check source-page readiness

A source page is ready when the destination helps the reader do something useful next. If the source only shares a broad topic, rewrite the surrounding section before adding a link.

Copy the checklist

Use this audit before editing source pages or assigning link updates.

# Internal link audit checklist

Destination page: [URL]
Reader job: [what the visitor can do there]
Current internal links: [count or source list]
Missing source pages:
- [source URL] - readiness: ready now / needs bridge / skip
- [source URL] - readiness: ready now / needs bridge / skip
Anchor review:
- Vague anchors to replace: [click here, learn more, related post]
- Strong anchor promise: [specific next task]
Placement check:
- The link appears near the relevant section.
- The surrounding copy explains why the next page helps.
- The destination loads, is indexable, and has a canonical URL.
Measurement check:
- Follow-up click path
- Worksheet, checklist, copy, or generated artifact action
- 50% scroll or 30-second engagement
- Return visit after the update
Decision: add link / rewrite section first / remove weak link / keep

Filled example

# Internal link audit checklist

Destination page: /tools/internal-link-opportunity-worksheet.html
Reader job: save source pages, destinations, anchors, and follow-up checks
Current internal links: home page, internal linking guide, internal link opportunities guide
Missing source pages:
- /guides/internal-linking-workflow.html - readiness: ready now
- /guides/technical-seo-audit.html - readiness: needs bridge
- /tools/seo-brief-template.html - readiness: needs bridge
Anchor review:
- Vague anchors to replace: related guide, next step
- Strong anchor promise: map internal link opportunities in a worksheet
Placement check:
- Put the link after the method or launch-check section.
- Explain that the worksheet saves candidates before editing links.
- Confirm the worksheet canonical URL and form still work.
Measurement check:
- link_worksheet_prefilled or activation_link_worksheet_generated
- checklist starts after worksheet saves
- follow-up clicks from the source page
Decision: add the workflow link now; rewrite audit and brief sections first

What to fix first

Prioritize internal link fixes that improve reader continuation without adding noise. A small set of specific links usually beats a sitewide footer or a repeated exact-match anchor.

• Fix broken or redirected internal links before adding new links.
• Add links from high-readiness source sections to under-visited useful pages.
• Rewrite anchors that describe the topic but not the next task.
• Remove links that interrupt the reader without helping them continue.