What is External linking?
External linking, also known as outbound linking, involves placing hyperlinks on your website that point to pages on other domains. This practice is a signal of credibility and transparency, as it allows you to cite sources, provide additional context, or direct users to valuable complementary information. When linking to high-authority, relevant external sites, you demonstrate to search engines that your content is well-researched and trustworthy. For CPG brands, this might include linking to scientific studies supporting product claims, industry reports, or reputable food safety organizations, enriching the user's understanding and building trust.
Why External linking matters
For CPG brands, external linking can build trust and authority by referencing credible sources for product information, health benefits, or industry trends. This not only provides valuable context for your audience but also signals to search engines that your content is well-researched and reliable, potentially improving your site's perceived authority and search performance.
Practical next steps
- Link to high-authority, relevant, and trustworthy external websites.
- Use descriptive anchor text that clearly indicates the content of the external page.
- Open external links in a new tab to keep users on your site.
What to keep in mind
Avoid linking to low-quality, spammy, or irrelevant websites, as this can negatively impact your site's credibility. Do not link excessively, as it can distract users and dilute the value of your content. Ensure external links are genuinely helpful and add value to the user experience.