Home Glossary No Follow

No Follow

A link attribute that tells search engines not to pass link equity or authority to the linked page.

Definition

NoFollow is an HTML attribute that can be added to a link tag to instruct search engines not to follow the link or pass any link equity (also known as 'link juice') to the target page. When a link is marked with the NoFollow attribute, it essentially tells search engines to ignore that link when it comes to ranking calculations. This attribute was introduced to help combat spam and manipulative linking practices.

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Usage and Context

The NoFollow attribute is commonly used in situations where website owners want to link to another page but don't want to endorse its content or pass any SEO value. This can include user-generated content (like blog comments or forum posts), paid links, or links to untrusted sources. By using the NoFollow attribute, website owners can still provide links for their users without risking their own search engine rankings. It's important to note that while NoFollow links don't directly contribute to a page's search engine rankings, they can still drive traffic and have other benefits.

FAQ

  1. When should I use the NoFollow attribute?

    • Use NoFollow when linking to untrusted sources, paid links, or user-generated content to avoid passing link equity and potentially harming your SEO.

  2. Do NoFollow links have any SEO value?

    • While NoFollow links don't directly contribute to search engine rankings, they can still drive referral traffic and help with brand exposure.

  3. Can I use NoFollow on internal links?

    • Generally, it's not recommended to use NoFollow on internal links unless you want to prevent search engines from indexing specific pages on your site.

  4. How do I add the NoFollow attribute to a link?

    • To add NoFollow, include rel="nofollow" within the link tag, like this: <a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example Link</a>.

  5. Do search engines always respect the NoFollow attribute?

    • While search engines generally respect the NoFollow attribute, they may still use the links for other purposes, such as discovering new pages or understanding the context of a site.

Benefits

  1. Prevents spam and manipulative linking: NoFollow helps discourage spammy tactics and reduces the impact of low-quality or manipulative links on your site's SEO.
  2. Allows for safer external linking: You can link to external sources without worrying about potentially harming your site's search engine rankings.
  3. Maintains user experience: NoFollow allows you to provide valuable links for your users without compromising your site's SEO.
  4. Helps manage user-generated content: By using NoFollow on user-generated links, you can prevent spammy or low-quality links from impacting your site's search performance.
  5. Complies with search engine guidelines: Using NoFollow for paid or sponsored links helps maintain transparency and adheres to search engine guidelines.

Tips and Recommendations

  1. Use NoFollow judiciously: Only apply NoFollow to links that genuinely warrant it, such as untrusted sources or paid links. Overusing NoFollow can limit your site's ability to build natural link equity.
  2. Regularly monitor your outbound links: Keep an eye on the sites you link to and ensure they remain trustworthy and relevant. Remove or add NoFollow to links as necessary.
  3. Combine NoFollow with other link attributes: When appropriate, use NoFollow in conjunction with other attributes like 'sponsored' or 'ugc' to provide additional context for search engines.
  4. Focus on creating valuable content: While NoFollow is a useful tool, the best way to improve your site's SEO is by creating high-quality, engaging content that naturally attracts links.
  5. Stay up-to-date with SEO best practices: As search engine algorithms and guidelines evolve, make sure to stay informed about the latest best practices for using NoFollow and other SEO techniques.

Conclusion

The NoFollow attribute is a valuable tool for website owners looking to maintain the integrity of their outbound links and protect their site's search engine rankings. By using NoFollow strategically, you can link to external sources, manage user-generated content, and comply with search engine guidelines without jeopardizing your SEO efforts. However, it's essential to use NoFollow judiciously and in combination with other SEO best practices, such as creating high-quality content and monitoring your site's link profile. By understanding and effectively utilizing the NoFollow attribute, you can navigate the complex world of SEO while still providing a valuable experience for your users.