As you know internal links are very helpful for a website, using correctly with intent make user experience better and help in search engine rankings. But do you know why opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO? This is one of the most common mistake many webmaster do by setting internal inks to open in in windows or tabs.
In this article, we will explore why this is not a good idea and how it is impacting negatively for SEO, usability and overall website performance.
Why Internal Links Matter for SEO
Before diving into why opening internal links in new windows is bad for SEO, let’s understand why internal links are essential:
Improves Crawling & Indexing – Internal links help search engines discover and index pages efficiently.
Enhances User Experience – Users can navigate your site more easily, finding relevant content effortlessly.
Distributes Link Equity – Passing authority from one page to another improves rankings.
Boosts Engagement – Well-structured internal linking encourages users to stay longer on the site.
However, when internal links open in a new window, these benefits can be negatively affected.
Why Opening Internal Links in New Windows is Bad for SEO?
1. Higher Bounce Rate and User Frustration
Whenever a user clinks on an internal link and it opens in a new tab or window it can disrupt their browsing experience. Some users might find it annoying, especially on mobile devices where multiple open tabs can be cumbersome.
A frustrated user may close all tabs, increasing the bounce rate and it is a negative SEO signal that can impact rankings.
2. Disrupts Site Navigation & User Flow
One of the main reasons for internal links is to provide a seamless navigation experience. Opening links in new windows breaks the natural flow by moving users away from the current page, making it harder for them to return to previous content.
3. Increases Memory & Resource Usage
Every new tab or window consumes browser memory. If a user opens multiple internal links in new windows, it can slow down their device, leading to a poor browsing experience.
This is especially problematic for users on low-end devices or those with limited system resources.
4. Reduces Dwell Time
Dwell time is the amount of time a user spends on your site before returning to search results. If users keep opening internal links in new tabs and closing them quickly, it can reduce dwell time, which is an important engagement metric for SEO.
5. No SEO Benefit for New Windows
Search engines do not give preference to links opening in new windows. There is no SEO advantage to doing this, which means any perceived benefit is purely based on user preference.
6. Confuses Users on Mobile Devices
On mobile, users typically navigate using a single browser tab. Opening new windows disrupts their browsing experience, making it harder for them to switch between pages.
Since Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, anything that negatively affects mobile user experience can impact rankings.
When Should You Open Links in New Windows?
While it is generally a bad idea to open internal links in new windows, there are a few exceptions:
External Links – If you’re linking to an external website, it’s okay to open it in a new tab so users don’t leave your site entirely.
Form Submissions or Downloads – If clicking a link initiates a form submission or file download, opening it in a new window can prevent users from losing their place on your site.
Special Cases – If your site specifically requires users to keep multiple tabs open for a better experience (e.g., an e-learning platform), then it may be justified.
Best Practices for Internal Linking
To maximize SEO benefits, follow these best practices for internal linking:
Keep Links in the Same Window – Ensure all internal links open in the same tab for a seamless user experience.
Use Descriptive Anchor Text – Instead of “Click here,” use meaningful anchor text like “Learn more about SEO best practices.”
Limit the Number of Internal Links Per Page – Too many links can dilute link equity and overwhelm users, hence limit the internal links per page for SEO growth.
Fix Broken Internal Links – Regularly audit your site to remove or update broken links.
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness – Test internal links on mobile devices to ensure smooth navigation.
Conclusion
Opening internal links in new windows may seem like a minor decision, but it can have significant SEO and usability implications. By keeping internal links within the same tab, you ensure a better user experience, lower bounce rates, and improved SEO performance.
For best results, focus on seamless navigation, optimized anchor text, and mobile-friendly design. Stick to SEO best practices, and your internal linking strategy will contribute positively to your rankings and user satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Does opening internal links in new windows affect SEO?
Yes, it can negatively impact SEO by increasing bounce rates, reducing dwell time, and disrupting user experience.
2. Should I open external links in a new tab?
Yes, external links can be set to open in new tabs so users don’t leave your site completely.
3. Can opening links in new windows slow down my website?
Not directly, but opening too many new tabs can slow down a user’s device, leading to a poor experience.
4. How do I stop internal links from opening in new tabs in WordPress?
Check your WordPress link settings and remove the target=”_blank” attribute from internal links.
5. Are there any SEO benefits to opening links in new windows?
No, search engines do not favor links that open in new windows. It’s better to keep internal links in the same tab.
Connect for the SEO consultation today.
