Orphaned pages are a common issue identified during SEO audits. These are pages that have no internal links directing users to them from other pages within the website. As a result, visitors have little chance of discovering these pages while browsing the site because there are no internal links leading to them.
Even though orphaned pages might be indexed by search engines if they are included in the sitemap, they are much less likely to be discovered by users. If a page in the sitemap contains valuable content, it’s essential to link to it internally to improve its visibility.
Orphaned pages often arise when there are changes made to the site’s menu structure or if the website undergoes a redesign without properly accounting for internal linking.
If orphaned pages are identified in the sitemap, they should be reviewed. If the content on these pages is still relevant and valuable, internal links should be added. If not, they should be removed from the sitemap.xml file.
Orphaned pages can be optimized to enhance their visibility and ranking in search engines. Below are key strategies to address and improve the performance of orphaned pages:
Building internal links
Establish relevant connections between pages within the website. This makes it easier for search engines to discover, interpret, and index the pages.
Content optimization
Review the content of orphaned pages to ensure they contain relevant keywords and provide valuable information. The goal is to create high-quality, informative content that resonates with users. Be cautious not to overuse keywords (avoid keyword stuffing), ensuring they naturally integrate into the content.