Internal Linking Secrets: How Evan Bailyn Builds Hub and Spoke SEO Architecture
Author: Aftabahmad | Brand: Skillupfreelance
Introduction – Why Internal Linking Is the Hidden Engine of SEO
If you’ve ever wondered why some websites dominate Google’s search results while others fade away, the secret often lies beneath the surface — internal linking. In 2025 and beyond, Google’s algorithms increasingly reward websites with strong topical authority and structured content ecosystems. That’s why internal linking — the art of connecting your webpages to help both users and search engines — has become more crucial than ever.
Evan Bailyn, a highly respected SEO strategist, has long championed a specific internal linking model known as the Hub and Spoke SEO architecture. His method doesn’t just “add links”; it builds a disciplined network of hubs and spokes designed to direct link equity, improve crawlability, and boost authority across an entire domain.
In this deep-dive, I, Aftabahmad, will break down how Evan Bailyn’s hub and spoke internal linking works, why it’s so effective, and exactly how to replicate it on your own site.
What is the Hub and Spoke SEO Model?
The Basic Structure
The hub and spoke internal linking system creates a central “hub” page focused on a broad topic. Surrounding that are “spoke” pages that target related subtopics — all tightly connected through contextual internal links.
Think of the hub page internal linking like a wheel. The hub is at the center; the spokes radiate outward, connecting to one another and back to the hub.
- Hub page: Covers a comprehensive, broad topic (e.g., “SEO Content Strategy”)
- Spoke page: Covers detailed subtopics (e.g., “Keyword Clustering Strategy,” “Internal Linking for SEO”)
Every spoke links back to the hub and sometimes across to other spokes. This interconnection sends powerful signals to Google about the content hierarchy and thematic structure — what Bailyn calls the “language of relevance.”
Why Internal Linking Is the Glue
Internal links are digital bridges that transfer PageRank and user attention. They:
- Help search engines understand your SEO architecture Bailyn style
- Improve hub and spoke website structure visibility
- Distribute link equity (authority) efficiently
- Create intuitive journeys that increase time-on-site and conversions
Hub and Spoke vs. Random Blogging
Random blogs often float in isolation, forcing Google to guess how they relate. In contrast, a hub and spoke content linking framework intentionally guides the algorithm. Random blogging is a scattered island chain; hub-and-spoke is a well-mapped continent.
(External Source: Google Search Central on Site Structure)
Evan Bailyn’s Internal Linking Philosophy
Internal Links as “Trust Signals”
Evan Bailyn emphasizes that internal links act like endorsements within your own content ecosystem. Each link is a signal of trust and relevance. When you connect a spoke back to its hub, you’re telling Google, “This is the main authority on this topic.”
He teaches that internal linking for topical authority is the missing ingredient most SEOs overlook. Unlike backlinks, which rely on external websites, internal links give you total control over the flow of authority.
Bailyn’s Core Principles of Hub & Spoke Linking
Bailyn’s approach to internal linking SEO strategy follows five rules:
- One master hub page per major topic.
- Every spoke links back to the hub page.
- Spokes link to other relevant spokes — ensuring no orphan pages.
- Anchor text should be contextual and user-first.
- Keep pages within 3 clicks of any other page — what he calls the “three-click rule.”
He applies this in his own projects like Evan Bailyn’s Hub and Spoke content strategy, showing how well-planned architecture builds authority from the inside out.
Bailyn vs. Traditional SEO Linking
Traditional SEOs throw in links for contextual flavor. Bailyn, on the other hand, designs SEO hub spoke architecture like an engineer — mapping link flow before a single article is published. This method outperforms old “link-wheel” tactics because it is entirely rooted in relevance and usability.
How to Build Hub and Spoke Internal Linking Architecture (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Select the Hub Topic
Your hub should target a high-demand, evergreen keyword with long-term growth potential. Example: “SEO Content Strategy.”
To find strong topics, combine semantic keyword strategy (guide) with intent mapping. A solid hub keyword anchors the theme for all your supporting content.
Step 2 – Create Supporting Spoke Pages
Each spoke page addresses a narrower topic related to your hub. If your hub is “SEO Content Strategy,” spokes might include:
- “Internal Linking for SEO”
- “Keyword Clustering Tactics”
- “SEO Content Calendar Templates”
Every spoke supports the main hub and strengthens the topic cluster — what Bailyn calls a semantic web of authority.
Step 3 – Map Internal Links
This is where the architecture is built:
| Linking Direction | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hub → Spokes | Navigational paths | From “SEO Guide” to “Keyword Clustering Strategy” |
| Spokes → Hub | Contextual relevance | “Learn more in our master SEO guide.” |
| Spokes ↔ Spokes | Content discovery | “Also read our post on internal link flow.” |
Internal linking directions showing hub-to-spokes, spokes-to-hub, and spokes-to-spokes strategies with examples for improved SEO navigation and contextual relevance.
Use tools like MindMeister or Lucidchart to visualize your hub spoke cluster linking before development.
Step 4 – Anchor Text Strategy
Evan Bailyn warns against over-optimized anchors. Keep them user-focused — natural, clear, and relevant. Mix branded, partial, and generic phrases.
Example of natural anchors:
- “discover our hub page pillar linking method”
- “see how spoke page authority building improves your rankings”
Step 5 – Crawl and Validate
After linking, crawl your site with Screaming Frog or Ahrefs Site Audit to ensure there are no broken links or orphaned spokes. Every spoke should appear at least twice across your internal link map.
(External Source: Ahrefs Internal Links Guide)
Internal Linking Examples from Bailyn’s Hub & Spoke SEO
Example 1 – B2B SaaS SEO
- Hub: “SaaS SEO Guide”
- Spokes: “Keyword Research for SaaS,” “SEO Landing Page Optimization,” “B2B SaaS Backlink Strategy.”
These interlinks form a cohesive cluster that channels link equity back to the hub, ensuring stronger rankings for core SaaS keywords. See how businesses are applying Hub and Spoke SEO to modern SaaS models.
Example 2 – E‑commerce SEO Architecture
In e‑commerce, Bailyn’s hub spoke linking example may use
- Hub: “E‑commerce SEO Master Guide.”
- Spokes: “Product Schema Tips,” “Category Optimization,” “E‑commerce Blog SEO.”
Each spoke page internal linking structure moves users toward conversion-focused pages while tightening topical clusters.
Example 3 – Blog Linking Example
A well-planned blog network strengthens semantic authority.
- Hub: “Content Marketing Strategy.”
- Spokes: “Content Distribution,” “ROI Measurement,” “Calendar Templates.”
This model ensures your hub and spoke interlinking for blogs drives consistent organic traffic instead of leaving posts isolated.
SEO Benefits of Bailyn’s Hub and Spoke Internal Linking
- Boosts topical authority. The hub signals expertise across multiple semantic subtopics.
- Distributes PageRank efficiently. The hub page link equity distribution ensures each spoke page benefits from the hub’s backlinks.
- Improves crawlability. Googlebot quickly navigates your hub spoke navigation model and indexes fresh updates.
- Engages visitors longer. Users get immersed in your topic web — moving between hubs and spokes.
- Supports conversions. Flow naturally guides users from information pages to transactional offers.
Evan Bailyn teaches that internal linking must work hand-in-hand with backlinks. Without inbound authority entering your hub (through external links), your “wheel” lacks power — the Bailyn link equity strategy keeps the wheel spinning.
Common Internal Linking Mistakes (and How Bailyn Avoids Them)
Most websites misuse internal links. According to Bailyn, the biggest pitfalls include:
- Over-optimized anchor text: Repeating exact-match phrases dozens of times.
- Ignoring spoke-to-hub linking: Every spoke must link up.
- Thin spoke pages: Shallow subtopics weaken cluster depth.
- Orphan pages: Pages unlinked internally waste their ranking potential.
- Unlinked hubs: Hubs also need backlinks from external sources to attract authority flow.
(External Source: Search Engine Journal on Internal Linking Errors)
How to Audit Your Internal Linking Like Bailyn
Tools to Use
- Ahrefs Site Audit – detect broken internal links
- Screaming Frog – map hub spoke internal SEO plan visually
- Google Search Console → Internal Links report – find underlinked pages
Metrics to Check
- Number of pages with zero internal links
- Ratio of hub pages to spoke pages
- Anchor text diversity (avoid exact-match repetition)
- Average click depth – keep under 3 clicks for accessibility
Performing quarterly audits ensures your internal link building strategy remains optimized, and each spoke page continues feeding your overall website architecture Bailyn method.
FAQs on Hub & Spoke Internal Linking
1. How many spokes should link to a single hub?
Between 6–12 well-developed spokes per hub is ideal for maintaining depth without diluting link equity.
2. Should spokes link to each other or only to the hub?
Both. Bailyn champions spoke-to-spoke interconnections to enhance semantic depth.
3. What’s the best anchor text to use?
Prioritize readability and intent. Combine branded anchors with partial matches — never overdo exact-match.
4. How often should I update my hub page?
At least quarterly, especially when new spokes are published. Updating signals to Google that your hub page pillar linking method is active and relevant.
5. Can internal linking alone increase rankings?
Yes, when executed like Bailyn’s internal linking best practices, internal linking can significantly uplift organic performance without additional backlinks.
Conclusion – Why Bailyn’s Hub & Spoke SEO Architecture Wins
In today’s SEO landscape, winning isn’t about having the most content — it’s about having the right structure. Evan Bailyn’s hub and spoke internal linking approach turns your website into a living, breathing knowledge network.
By following the Bailyn internal linking method, you:
- Build stronger topical authority
- Improve your internal linking SEO checklist results
- Give both users and crawlers a smoother experience
Ready to take action? Map your first topic cluster today using Evan Bailyn’s SEO strategies and expand your semantic content networks for 2025’s algorithm environment.
Call to Action:
Start building your first hub-and-spoke content cluster now with Bailyn’s blueprint and see your hub spoke site structure SEO transform your visibility and authority on Google. Visit Skillupfreelance for advanced tutorials and downloadable templates to master your internal linking journey.