# Internal Link Opportunity Map

Map useful contextual links between related pages by matching real reader journeys, destination intent, anchor context, authority, and maintenance ownership.

## Usage note

Add a link when the destination helps the reader answer the next question or complete the next step. Do not insert repetitive keyword-rich links merely to reach a target count.

## How to use this template

1. Define a topic group and list the distinct tasks readers need to complete.
2. Inventory the strongest existing destination for each task and identify genuine gaps.
3. Find source passages where a destination resolves the reader's likely next question.
4. Write descriptive anchors, prioritize by reader value, and implement without disrupting the page.
5. Test rendered links and schedule review for moves, merges, localization, and content changes.

## Blank template

### Topic and journey

- **Topic group:** [Enter]
- **Primary audience situation:** [Describe]
- **Entry task:** [What brings the reader here?]
- **Next questions:** [List in likely order]
- **Completion action:** [What useful endpoint exists?]
- **Pages with no clear destination:** [List content gaps]
- **Map owner and review date:** [Name, YYYY-MM-DD]

### Destination inventory

Duplicate for each destination.

- **Destination URL:** [Enter canonical route]
- **Destination title:** [Enter current visible title]
- **Search or user intent:** [Explain one task it serves]
- **Unique contribution:** [Why this is the best destination]
- **Audience and prerequisite:** [Describe]
- **Status:** [Live / Planned / Refresh needed / Merge candidate]
- **Locale coverage:** [List actual available locales]
- **Maintenance owner:** [Name/team]

### Link opportunity

Duplicate for every proposed link.

- **Source URL and section:** [Enter]
- **Source passage context:** [Summarize nearby idea]
- **Reader's likely next need:** [State]
- **Destination URL:** [Enter]
- **Proposed anchor text:** [Descriptive natural wording]
- **Placement:** [Sentence / Callout / Navigation / Related resources]
- **Reader benefit:** [Explain]
- **Priority:** [High / Medium / Low and reason]
- **Conflict or distraction risk:** [Describe or None]
- **Implementation owner:** [Name]

### Quality and implementation checks

- [ ] The destination directly fulfills the anchor's promise.
- [ ] The source and destination serve complementary rather than duplicate intent.
- [ ] Anchor text is understandable without relying on the URL.
- [ ] Links are not repeated unnecessarily in one small section.
- [ ] The link does not interrupt a critical form, warning, or task sequence.
- [ ] Localized pages use a real equivalent destination rather than an assumed route.
- [ ] The rendered link, focus state, and destination status were tested.

### Maintenance record

- **Implemented date and version:** [Enter]
- **Redirect or canonical concern:** [Describe or None]
- **Broken-link monitor:** [Owner/process]
- **Recheck trigger:** [Destination update, migration, quarterly review, other]
- **Observed reader evidence:** [Queries, feedback, navigation behavior]
- **Decision after review:** [Keep / Change anchor / Change destination / Remove]