Can too many internal links hurt SEO?

Yes, too many internal links on a page can potentially hurt SEO in multiple ways:

• Diluted Link Equity: Each link on a page passes on some of its “link equity” (importance) to the linked page. If a page has too many internal links, this valuable link equity gets spread too thin, potentially weakening the ranking power of each link.
• Confused Search Engines: An excessive number of internal links can make it difficult for search engines to understand the structure and hierarchy of your website. This can hinder their ability to effectively crawl and index your pages, impacting your search ranking.
• Crawl Budget Issues: Search engines have a limited crawl budget, meaning they can only crawl a specific number of pages on your website within a timeframe. An abundance of internal links can lead to search engines spending more resources on crawling less important linked pages, neglecting higher-value ones that might be crucial for your SEO goals.

Therefore, it’s essential to be strategic with your internal linking and avoid including an excessive number of links on a single page. Focus on relevance and quality, ensuring each link provides value to the user and connects to a page that deepens their understanding of the topic or offers valuable content. Remember, prioritizing user experience and creating a naturally linked website structure remains crucial for effective SEO.