Opening internal links in new windows has long been a debated topic in SEO circles. While it might seem like a small detail, how you handle internal links can impact both your site’s user experience and SEO performance.
In this article, we’ll break down why opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO, provide insights into the potential drawbacks, and guide you on the best practices for optimizing your internal linking strategy. We’ll also discuss related SEO elements, including user behavior, bounce rates, and the technical implications of link handling.
What Is Internal Links and SEO?
Internal links are an essential part of website navigation. They help guide users through your content and allow search engines to crawl and index your pages effectively.
Internal linking refers to linking pages within your own website, in contrast to external links, which point to other domains.
A well-structured internal linking strategy contributes to better SEO performance by improving crawlability and distributing link equity across your site.
However, a common practice that can impact SEO is opening internal links in new windows or tabs. Many webmasters choose this approach for a variety of reasons, but does it benefit your site?
Why Opening Internal Links in New Windows is Bad for SEO
Opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO primarily because it can affect user behavior and engagement, both of which are important ranking factors for search engines like Google. Here’s a breakdown of why this practice is detrimental:
Disrupting User Flow
When internal links open in a new window, the user experience is disrupted. This unexpected behavior may lead to user confusion and frustration.
People are generally accustomed to internal links opening in the same tab, and forcing them to open in new windows can create a disjointed browsing experience. This can result in:
- Increased bounce rates as users leave without interacting further.
- A higher exit rate, as users may become overwhelmed with multiple tabs or windows.
Google uses user engagement metrics such as bounce rate and time on site as indirect signals to assess the quality of a website.
A poor user experience can signal to Google that your site is not user-friendly, negatively impacting your rankings.
SEO and Crawlability Issues
From an SEO perspective, there is no direct evidence that opening internal links in new windows impacts the link equity passed through these links.
However, search engine crawlers may face difficulties in navigating your site structure if a user is consistently redirected to new windows.
While Googlebot can crawl links regardless of whether they open in the same tab or a new one, the complexity of multiple windows can lead to poor crawl depth, particularly if these windows don’t align with your site’s intended structure.
Additionally, if internal links open in new windows and the user closes them quickly, they may not interact with your site enough to positively impact your SEO.
Page Load Times and Performance
Another reason opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO has to do with page load times. If the browser needs to load a new window or tab every time an internal link is clicked, this may lead to longer load times, especially on slower connections or older devices.
Slow load times are a known ranking factor and could result in lower search rankings if users leave your site due to frustration.
Additionally, ad-heavy sites or pages with complex elements might require users to reload resources, such as ads, every time they return to the original page.
This can make your site appear sluggish and result in a poor user experience, ultimately harming your SEO performance.
SEO Best Practices for Internal Links
To optimize your internal linking strategy for SEO, it is important to follow best practices that enhance both user experience and search engine visibility.
Open Internal Links in the Same Window
For internal links, always open them in the same window. This provides a consistent and expected behavior for users. Opening internal links in new windows can cause confusion and interrupt the user’s journey on your site.
Prioritize Relevant and High-Quality Content
Ensure that your internal links lead to relevant and high-quality content. Linking to older, low-quality pages could hurt your SEO.
Use anchor text that describes the content you’re linking to and helps users understand what to expect when they click the link.
Implement a Clear Site Hierarchy
Make it easy for users and search engines to navigate your site by implementing a clear and logical internal linking structure. Use breadcrumbs and clear categories to guide users to related content without overwhelming them.
User Experience Considerations
When it comes to SEO, user experience (UX) is one of the most important factors. Opening links in new windows can negatively affect how users interact with your site. Here’s why:
Control Over Browsing Behavior
Users often prefer to control whether they want a link to open in the same window or in a new tab. Forcing links to open in new tabs can feel intrusive and may lead users to exit your site prematurely.
Back Button Fatigue
Forcing users to open multiple windows can cause back button fatigue. If a user clicks on an internal link, they may expect to use the back button to return to the original page. Opening a new window interrupts this flow, creating frustration.
Mobile Usability
On mobile devices, managing multiple tabs can be confusing, and users may struggle to return to your site if links are opened in new windows. For mobile users, it’s best to keep all internal links in the same tab to reduce confusion.
The Impact on Mobile Usability
With the increasing importance of mobile-first indexing, making sure your website is user-friendly on mobile devices is crucial.
Opening internal links in new windows on mobile devices can have a significantly negative impact, as it requires additional steps to navigate between tabs.
Many users may find it difficult to switch between multiple tabs on a small mobile screen, which could lead to higher bounce rates and reduced engagement.
In addition, mobile browsers often handle links differently from desktop browsers, leading to a less seamless experience when links open in new tabs.
The Security Implications
There are also security considerations when opening links in new tabs. Using the target="_blank" attribute without additional security attributes like rel="noopener" can expose your site to security risks.
For example, the site in the new tab could potentially gain control over your original window (a vulnerability known as tabnabbing). This could lead to malicious behavior or data loss for users.
To mitigate this, ensure that all internal links with target="_blank" include the rel="noopener" attribute. However, it’s generally recommended to avoid using target="_blank" for internal links altogether, as this is unnecessary and could cause UX issues.
How to Optimize Internal Linking for SEO
Here’s a checklist for optimizing internal links on your site:
| SEO Best Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| Open Internal Links in Same Tab | Always keep internal links in the same window for a consistent user experience. |
| Use Descriptive Anchor Text | Use clear, descriptive anchor text that accurately reflects the destination page’s content. |
| Link to High-Quality Pages | Only link to high-quality content that adds value to users, ensuring your link equity is passed to valuable pages. |
| Ensure Clear Navigation | Implement a clear navigation structure with breadcrumbs and organized content. |
| Avoid Multiple New Tabs | Avoid opening multiple new windows or tabs unless absolutely necessary for external links or specific situations. |
| Test Mobile Usability | Ensure internal links are easy to navigate on mobile devices, with links opening in the same tab for simplicity. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO primarily due to its negative impact on user experience, site performance, and mobile usability.
While search engines like Google do not directly penalize this practice, the indirect consequences, such as increased bounce rates and poor engagement metrics, can affect your rankings. To optimize your internal linking strategy, always prioritize a consistent, user-friendly experience.
Keep internal links in the same window, use clear navigation, and focus on high-quality content to drive better SEO results. By following these best practices, you can improve both your user experience and your site’s SEO performance.
FAQS
Why is opening internal links in new windows bad for SEO?
Opening internal links in new windows can harm user experience, increase bounce rates, and reduce engagement, all of which negatively impact SEO.
What is the impact of opening internal links in new windows on SEO?
Opening internal links in new windows does not provide any SEO benefits and can harm user experience, which may indirectly affect SEO performance.
Does opening internal links in new tabs affect website bounce rate?
Yes, it can potentially increase bounce rate, as users may be less likely to return to your site if the link opens in a new window instead of the same tab.
Is it better to open internal links in the same tab for SEO?
Yes, keeping internal links in the same tab ensures users stay on your site longer, which is beneficial for user experience and SEO metrics like time on site.
Can opening internal links in new windows harm user experience?
Yes, opening too many internal links in new windows can create a frustrating user experience, as it leads to excessive browser tabs and confusion.
Should internal links open in new windows for accessibility reasons?
No, it’s better for accessibility to open internal links in the same window, as users, especially those with disabilities, are more accustomed to predictable navigation behavior.
Does opening internal links in new windows affect website crawlability?
No, search engines can still crawl and index your site regardless of whether internal links open in the same window or a new one.
How can I improve my internal linking strategy for better SEO?
Focus on relevant, contextual internal links, and ensure they open in the same window to enhance usability and avoid frustrating your visitors.
Is there a time when opening internal links in new windows makes sense?
In rare cases, such as for specific user actions like forms or important announcements, opening internal links in new windows may be appropriate, but this is generally not recommended for SEO.
