What is an external link?
An external link is a hyperlink from your website to a page on another domain. Outbound external links — and the inbound ones you earn — both play a role in how search engines evaluate your site.
Why external links matter
Linking out to authoritative, relevant sources builds trust and credibility: it shows your content is well-researched and connected to the wider web. Search engines use outbound links to understand context, and earned inbound links remain the strongest ranking signal.
Best practices for external links
- Link to reputable, relevant, authoritative sources.
- Use descriptive, natural anchor text.
- Set rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored” for paid or untrusted links.
- Open external links thoughtfully (same or new tab per your UX strategy).
- Audit outbound links regularly for broken or changed targets.
External links and GEO
Citations are the currency of AI search. Both the sources you cite and the mentions you earn shape how generative engines evaluate your authority.
Related terms
How Social SEO Team can help
We build and manage link strategies that earn authority. See our link building service.