Managing links, including dead links and external links, is obviously crucial for user experience (UX). When users encounter broken links, they may get frustrated, lose trust in the site’s reliability, and leave. Ensuring that links work properly contributes to a seamless browsing experience. But there are many other reasons to make sure you manage links properly as follows.
Search engines like Google consider the quality of links when ranking websites. Broken links negatively affect SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) as they signal poor maintenance and can result in lower search engine rankings. On the other hand, a well-managed link profile can boost a site’s visibility in search results.
External links are often used as references or citations. Having accurate and functional external links enhances the credibility of the content by providing additional resources and sources for users to explore. Managing links ensures the content’s integrity by verifying that sources and references cited within articles or pages are accessible and reliable. It helps maintain the accuracy and trustworthiness of the information provided.
Ensuring that links are working properly is also crucial for web accessibility. Broken links can hinder users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies to navigate the web.
Regularly checking and updating links is part of general site maintenance. It’s essential for keeping the site up-to-date and functional.
It’s clear that something as mundane as link management is actually pretty important! By managing links effectively—fixing dead links, updating content, and monitoring external links—a website can maintain its credibility, provide a better user experience, and improve its visibility in search engine rankings.