Link Graph
Definition
A link graph models web pages or documents as nodes and hyperlinks as directed edges.
From this structure, reachability, central pages, and graph-based ranking signals can be analyzed.
Simply explained
How to depict the web as a network of pages and connections.
Why it matters in practice
Relevant for crawling, internal linking, PageRank, and website architecture.
Example from business
A site crawl reveals orphan pages and highly centralized nodes in the internal link graph.
Limits and pitfalls
- Only consider link count; ignore navigation, canonicals, and redirects; mix external and internal graphs.
Origin & history
Link graphs were the basis of early web search engines and the PageRank method.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application in SMEs: Check internal information architecture and orphan pages with crawl data.
Frequently asked questions
Is a link graph the same as a sitemap?
No. Can it predict ranking exactly? No.
Sources
- PageRank · Page et al., PageRank
- Ergänzender Primärbeleg · Ergänzender Primärbeleg
Sources checked: 10./12.10.2026.
Editorially reviewed on: