ECommcerce internal linking structure best practice

[SmiffysUK]

Hi,

Can anyone advise on the best internal linking practice for an eCommerce website?

Should the introduction copy on each category page contain naturally placed links down to sub categories and products and should each sub category link back up to the main category page.

Is there a 'best practice' method of linking categories, sub categories and products?

In terms of internal linking product pages, I presume the best practice would be to link other relevant products to each each?

Thanks

[GlobeRunner]

Like you mention, the introduction copy on each category page contain naturally placed links down to sub categories and products and should each sub category link back up to the main category page. What we typically recommend is that you concentrate on linking to "on topic" pages.

Take a look at what Amazon has done, as their internal link structure has always worked well for them. Each product links to other related products, and products that "others have bought" or viewed.

[ClaytonJ]

There is methodology to linking, however it usually flows naturally from the website structure. The below link is a great article that may assist - old, but still v relevant today.

http://www.bruceclay.com/seo/silo.htm

Also check out the thewhitecompany.com - they do an awesome job and offer a great template.

Hope that assists.