---
name: article-links
description: "Use when auditing metadata, crawlability, structured data, or indexability related to Optimize article link density. Verify the rendered HTML and HTTP response rather than relying only on source files."
metadata:
  category: seo
  priority: medium
  difficulty: intermediate
  estimatedTime: "10"
  source: frontendchecklist.io
  url: https://frontendchecklist.io/en/rules/seo/article-links
---

# Optimize article link density

A natural link profile within articles establishes authority, improves site crawlability, and provides additional value to users by pointing them to relevant resources.

## Quick Reference

- Include a balanced mix of internal and external links based on content length
- Link to authoritative external sources to validate facts and data
- Use internal links to connect related topics and keep users engaged on your site

## Check

Review the article to ensure it contains a sufficient number of relevant internal and external links.

## Fix

Add 2-3 internal links to related content and 1-2 external links to authoritative sources to back up your claims.

## Explain

Explain the role of internal and external links in building a site's topical authority and improving the user journey.

## Code Review

Review metadata generation, rendered HTML, structured data, and response headers related to Optimize article link density. Flag exact routes or templates where search-facing output violates the rule, and describe how to verify the final page output.

---

For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance,
see `references/rule.md`.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/en/rules/seo/article-links