# External Links: Add Outside References When They Increase Trust

> When outbound links help a page, and how to use them for trust without leaking users away carelessly.

Canonical: https://softwareontheweb.com/tools/launch-readiness-checker/external-links

Not every page needs outbound links, but some pages become more credible when they reference important external destinations.

The point is useful context, not link clutter.

## What It Is

External links point from your site to another domain, such as a documentation site, app store listing, social proof source, or status page.

## Why It Matters

- They can support claims with real references.
- They help users verify trust signals like community presence or platform listings.
- They reduce the feeling that the page is a closed marketing bubble.

## Best Practices

1. Link out only when it adds verification or helpful context.
2. Prefer trusted, relevant destinations.
3. Be deliberate about where those links appear in the user journey.

## Common Mistakes

- No external trust references anywhere on the page.
- Linking out to low-quality or irrelevant destinations.
- Sending users away too early with distracting outbound links.

## Quick Checklist

- Outbound links exist where they add trust.
- Destinations are relevant and credible.
- Links do not overwhelm the primary action path.

## Final Takeaway

Use external links as supporting evidence, not as decoration.

## Related
- [Home](https://softwareontheweb.com/)
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