Leading by linking is a great strategy for giving your website visitors a quality experience and making the search engines happy as well.

There is so much said about how linking can help you with search engines. Some of the information is confusing and some linking tips appear to conflict with others. And yet, there is not doubt that linking, when it comes to website management and search engine optimization, is a must. 

Leading by linking is simply linking your internal pages one to another in a logical manner. Using this strategy allows you to lead your visitors from one step to the next.  

Internal linking can cause website visitors to stay on your site longer, increasing the chances of you becoming a "Favorite" (adding you to their favorite links; aka bookmarking). 

While website visitors may have been drawn to your website because they are considering a sale or purchase in your area, they want more than just access to the MLS or to determine their home's value. Whether they know it or not, they are looking for information and ultimately, they are looking for a Realtor®. 

Providing information and useful community links, increases a visitor's interest and trust-level. The focus here, thought, is to keep them within your website for as long as possible. So, be sure the links are internal and keep the visitor on your site.

Almost every website has a navigation system using buttons in which the visitor is able to access the information that is available.  Buttons are a part of internal linking. These little tools are great and you need to use them, but a long list of buttons gets a little overwhelming. So, lead by linking. 

Website visitors do not like to hunt and peck. They appreciate it when a site is helpful and user-friendly. Website visitors also like sites that offer an inter-active experience. You can fulfill their desires by simply linking text on a content page to other helpful information contained on your site. You can add reports, charts, stats or more detailed information that you might not necessarily want to put on a button.

Use your blog to boost your rankings on both your website and your blog-site. You can also link text to a related post you have placed on your blog site. Your visitors will be happy and so will the search engines.

When a text link has taken your visitor to another page, always include a link to take them back to the original page. Include a link back to your homepage as well.

Remember to build your website with the consumer in mind and everyone will be happy -  you, your website visitors and the all important search engines. After all, if they can't find you, prospects won't know how great you or your website are.