Internal Link Architecture Checklist

Overview

Ensures authority flows to your priority pages and no valuable page is left orphaned.

When to use this

Run after publishing a cluster, during a site restructure, or when priority pages under-rank.

Audit the current graph

• Identify every orphan page that receives no internal links.
• Confirm each priority page is reachable within three clicks of the homepage.
• Check that anchor text is descriptive and varied rather than generic.
• Map which pages currently receive the most and least internal authority.

Rebalance the flow

• Add contextual links from high-authority pages to under-linked priority pages.
• Connect every cluster page to its pillar and to relevant siblings.
• Remove or consolidate links that dilute authority towards low-value pages.
• Fix broken internal links and redirect chains that leak equity.

Verify the improvement

• Re-crawl to confirm no orphan pages remain.
• Confirm priority pages now sit within the intended click depth.
• Track ranking movement on the reinforced pages after 30 days.