Are my links ratios out of whack?

Too many internal links? Too few outbound?

[larryhatch]

My site has about 130 pages, all very original niche research, non-commercial

There are about 15 top and second level pages.
These average about 35 internal links each, with only 5 external links between them.

There are two link pages, total of 50 external links plus 20 more internal.
The great majority of pages, over 100, have 15 to 18 internal links and NO externals.

Site-wide, I must have 2000 internal links from page to another,
but only about 55 external links total. Is this way out of whack?

I know this is a subjective thing, any opinions or suggestions highly welcomed. - Larry

[larryhatch]

Anyone?

[jimbeetle]

I know this is a subjective thing

Yeah, that's the problem with things like this, no one size will ever fit all.

My main site has tons, tons of external links, too many to even try to count (somewhere more than a thousand or more). But that's the nature of this beast, I can't afford not to link to the "authority" sites (And don't disbelieve that those on-page external links don't reap benefits -- on-page link text does count), it makes the site kind of an authority in its own right.

As always, it all depends. Are you linking because of the SEs or for your site visitors? Does your linking or not linking hurt or help your site and the way it presents information? Can you restrict your linking and still keep your site useful and attractive to visitors?

Well, I guess you can see what side of the fence I'm on. As for proportions, I'd say just do what come naturally and see what happens.

[larryhatch]

Hi Jimbeetle: Yeah, numbers really depend, and thanks for jumping in.

My external links are strictly for the benefit of site visitors.
I only link to what I consider the best, most relelevant sources in my narrow field.
I could link to a few more, they are out there.

I'm wondering if I have been to stingy with the outgoing links,
and whether putting in some more might not benefit my SERPs ratings
as well as site visitors.

I'm also concerned if 15 or 20 internal links per page,
(all highly relevant) is a little much.

All pages refer to the home page, to the site-map, and back to the menus that
led there in the first place, plus links to closely related pages at the same level.

Thanks again -Larry

[justdave]

I don't think that would be too many internal links. In general, having a well-developed internal linking structure is good (especially if the pages are related and informational). If the internal linking of the site is not too confusing, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are offering external links strictly for the benefit of the site visitors, add them if they are relevant and useful. Don't add links away from your site if they don't fit with your theme.