Overusing exact-match anchor text in internal links can signal to search engines that you are attempting to manipulate rankings. Exact-match anchor text means using the exact keyword phrase of the linked page as the clickable text repeatedly. This practice can lead to penalties or lower rankings because it reduces the naturalness of your site’s linking profile.
To avoid this, diversify your anchor text by incorporating branded terms, partial matches, or related keywords. For example, instead of repeatedly linking with "plant roses," use variations like "tips for planting beautiful roses" or "step-by-step guide to growing roses." This approach improves user experience by providing clearer context and helps search engines understand your site structure without suspicion. [Semrush]