How to Link to a Specific Category for a WordPress Website
On a regular basis, we are being asked how to link to a particular category from a blog article or website. For example, an article about technology may want to link to the electronics category, or an article about travel may want to link to the upcomingevents category.
There are several techniques to doing this, but before we begin, let’s take a step back and discuss the reasons why you would want to do this in the first place.
To Engage With a Specific Audience
The first and most obvious reason is to engage with an audience that is interested in the category you’ve linked to. For example, an article about technology may want to link to the electronics category because this is the kind of content the audience is interested in. Or, an article about travel may want to link to the upcomingevents category because this is what the people who visit the site are looking for.
By encouraging users to explore a category that you’ve linked to, you are making them more inclined to explore the other content within that category. In the example above, the technology article would encourage the reader to click on the electronics category to learn more about technology, and the travel article would encourage the reader to click on the upcomingevents category to find out more about the travel industry.
To Increase the Likelihood Of Landing On A Keyword
Another benefit of linking to a category is that you can utilize a keyword in the link’s anchor text to increase the likelihood of the viewer landing on the page. For example, if you are writing an article about technology, you may want to include keywords like “technology” or “computer” within the article. When someone clicks on those keywords, they will be sent to a page with your content – hopefully in a position to learn something new.
When writing a blog post or article, you want to make sure you are covering all the topics the audience is interested in. In the example above, the writer included the keywords “technology” and “computer” in the anchor text for a couple of their blog posts to increase the likelihood of those articles being found through a search. Using keywords in your links is a great way to ensure you are connecting to the right content with your link-building efforts.
To Build A Trust-worthy Connection
Last but not least, we want to discuss the importance of linking to a category versus just a singular blog article article. When someone clicks on a link, it is usually assumed that they are going to a safe and trusted source. When you link to a category, it adds another level of trust to your site. For example, if you are writing about technology, you may want to link to the electronics category instead of just linking to an article about mobile devices.
A category’s purpose is to organize and group content that is similar in some way. When you link to a category, it is assumed that you are either trying to promote a product within the category or that you belong to the category and are therefore an expert in the field. In either case, you can be sure that your audience is going to be able to find the information they need.
Include links to categories when you can. Not only do they provide value by allowing your readers to quickly find information, but they also increase the likelihood of your content being discovered through link analysis.
Creating Internal Links
Speaking of link analysis, we want to talk about an SEO tactic called internal linking. When you create links within your own blog or website, you are basically creating an internal link between two pages. When someone clicks on one of these links, they will be re-directed to a new page within your site.
Often, businesses get so caught up in the execution of their SEO strategy that they forget about the bigger picture. While it’s important to focus on driving web traffic and gaining brand awareness, it’s just as important to focus on creating long-term value by growing a trusting relationship with your audience.
By linking to categories and making internal links, you are demonstrating that you know what you are talking about and that you are an expert in your field. Once you have established yourself as an authority, it is much easier to begin exchanging value with your audience. You can begin by sharing your expertise by answering their questions or guiding them towards information that they need. Doing this adds value to your site, and over time, it will pay off in the form of increased traffic and brand recognition.
Summary
Ultimately, there are several benefits to linking to a specific category for a WordPress website. First and foremost, it allows you to connect with an audience that is interested in the topic you are covering. Second, it increases the likelihood of someone clicking on a link, assuming it is going to a trusted and authoritative source.
Include links to categories when you can. Not only do they provide value by allowing your readers to quickly find information, but they also increase the likelihood of your content being discovered through link analysis.