2.4 Internal linkingMediumInferred
Internal links to redirects
Internal links pointing at URLs that redirect add an avoidable hop and slightly dilute the signal. I point them straight at the final URL.
What it is
Links point to redirecting URLs.
Why it matters
Adds hops; minor crawl/signal inefficiency.
How to fix it
Link to final URLs.
How to find it on your site
- Crawl internal links and flag those whose target returns 3xx.
- Note the final destination of each.
- Update the links to point directly at the final URL.
- Re-crawl to confirm direct 200s.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Direct internal links pass signals cleanly and speed crawling. Redirected ones are a small cumulative drag.
Impact
Low-medium. Inferred.
Evidence
Link to final URLs to avoid hops. Google Search Central, Redirects and Google Search