Can internal linking point to pages that are not in the main menu?

Yes. Internal links can connect supporting pages that are not visible in the main menu. The destination should still offer useful content and a clear reason for the link.

Glossary

What Is Internal Linking?

Internal Linking is the practice of connecting pages within the same website through clickable links. These links help people move between related content and help search engines discover and interpret page relationships. Effective internal linking places relevant links in useful context, guiding visitors from broad information towards more specific pages, services, or supporting resources.

Quick Facts About Internal Linking

Key Takeaways About Internal Linking

Links connect pages on the same website.
Relevant context matters more than adding links everywhere.
Internal links are not backlinks from other websites.

How Internal Linking Works

A hand holds a card reading "INTERNAL LINKING" above a desk with a laptop, notebook, pen, and tape roll

Internal Linking works by connecting one page to another page on the same website. The linking page provides context through surrounding text and anchor text, which is the visible wording people select. A link to a related service page can help a visitor continue their enquiry without returning to the main menu.

Related glossary terms: Anchor Text, Crawlability, Orphan Page.

Site structure shapes how these connections work. Broad pages may link to detailed guides, while supporting pages can point back to a relevant main topic. Search engines can follow these paths during crawling and use them to understand how content fits together. A clear structure also helps reveal pages that receive little or no internal support, which may affect their discoverability.

Two people talk at a table beside a monitor showing an internal linking slide

Expert Note

When we work on-Page SEO, we review the site structure before adding links. We match link wording to the destination page and check that each connection serves a clear user journey. Our team also checks for broken links, unclear destinations, and pages that sit outside the main navigation paths.

Internal Linking in Practice: A Real-World Example

A local plumber’s guide to blocked drains can link to the business’s blocked drain service page when the guide discusses booking professional help. The link gives readers a relevant next step and creates a clear relationship between the guide and service page.