What is the purpose of internal linking in a website?

The purpose of internal linking in a website is primarily to help web crawlers, as well as users, navigate the structure of the site effectively. Internal links connect one page of a website to another, which allows web crawlers, used by search engines, to discover and index content available throughout the site. By indicating the relationship between different pages, internal links can prioritize certain content, helping search engines determine what pages are more important or relevant.

This process is vital for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) because it can influence how search engines understand the hierarchy of information on your site, leading to improved rankings for key pages if constructed appropriately. Furthermore, it aids in keeping users engaged by directing them to related content, but it's the role in helping web crawlers navigate and interpret the site structure that is central to its purpose.