In crawl graphs, a “node” represents a webpage or resource connected by internal links.
In the context of a website’s structure, a node is a webpage, and the links that connect these pages are called edges. The way all these nodes are interconnected forms a website’s link graph. A clear and logical structure of nodes and links is a foundational element of information architecture and a key factor for a website’s overall SEO health.
Why a Node Matters
A node is the most basic building block of a website. Each page on your site is a node. The way these nodes are connected to each other directly impacts how search engine crawlers discover, crawl, and index your content. A node with a high number of high-quality links, both internal and external, is more likely to be seen as an important page. This can lead to a higher ranking and a more prominent position in search results. A node that is not linked to, also known as an orphan page, may never be discovered by a search engine. The way you manage your nodes and their connections is a key part of your site’s SEO health.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a website’s nodes is a technical and content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily manage their nodes by using a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins provide a clear, hierarchical structure for your content, which is a great way to manage your nodes and their connections.
Shopify
On Shopify, a node is a product, a collection, a blog post, or a page. You can use the platform’s built-in SEO features to create a clear, hierarchical structure that helps search engine crawlers find and index all your important content.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for nodes. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated node strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your website’s nodes and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you manage your nodes will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites often have thousands of pages, so a clear and logical structure of nodes is a must. A node can be a product, a category, or a blog post.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use nodes to build a stronger community. A local restaurant, for example, can have a node for its menu, its location, and its hours.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use nodes to build a stronger brand reputation. A company that sells project management software can have a node for its features, its pricing, and its blog.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on nodes. A blog that writes about cooking can have a node for each of its articles.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Node
Do’s
- Do use a clear, hierarchical site structure. A logical site structure makes it easy for search crawlers to find and index your content.
- Do use a variety of links. A good link strategy includes a mix of internal, external, and inbound links.
- Do use a tool to check for rendering issues. The URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console will show you how Google sees your pages.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a JavaScript-only menu for your core content. This is the number one mistake and can lead to a significant portion of your content being invisible to search engines.
- Don’t block search engines from crawling your JavaScript files. A search engine needs to access your JavaScript to properly render the page.
- Don’t use a JavaScript-only pagination. This can lead to a significant portion of your content being invisible to search engines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use a clear, hierarchical site structure: This can confuse a search engine and a user.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
How does a node affect my SEO?
The way a node is connected to other pages on your website directly impacts how a search engine’s crawler discovers, crawls, and indexes your content. A well-connected node is more likely to be seen as an important page.
What is an “orphan page”?
An orphan page is a page that has no internal links pointing to it. It is a node that is not connected to the rest of a website’s nodes, which can make it difficult for a search engine to find and index.
How is a node different from a link?
A node is a webpage. A link is a connection between two nodes. They are two different but complementary concepts in a website’s structure.
What is a “link graph”?
A link graph is a visual representation of all the links on the internet, showing how websites are connected to one another. A website’s position within this link graph is a key factor in its ability to rank.
Can a website with a low domain authority still rank?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still rank. The key is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
