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in our portfolio
in our portfolio
Nofollow Link
A nofollow link is a hyperlink that includes a rel='nofollow' attribute in its HTML code. This attribute tells search engines not to follow the link or pass any link equity to the linked page. The nofollow attribute was introduced by Google in 2005 to combat comment spam.
Common uses of nofollow links include:
1. User-generated content: Comments, forum posts, and wiki pages often have nofollow links to prevent spam manipulation.
2. Paid links: Google requires that paid or sponsored links be marked as nofollow (or with the newer rel='sponsored' attribute).
3. Untrusted content: Links to content that the website owner doesn't want to vouch for.
While nofollow links don't directly pass SEO value, they still have benefits:
1. Referral traffic: Users can still click on nofollow links, driving traffic to your site.
2. Brand awareness: Being mentioned on high-profile sites, even with nofollow links, increases visibility.
3. Natural link profile: A mix of follow and nofollow links appears more natural to search engines.
In 2019, Google announced that it would treat nofollow as a 'hint' rather than a directive, meaning they may choose to consider nofollow links for crawling and indexing purposes in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nofollow link?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink with a rel='nofollow' attribute.
This attribute tells search engines not to follow the link, meaning it doesn't pass PageRank or influence search engine rankings. Nofollow links are often used for paid links, comments, or user-generated content to prevent spam and manipulation of search rankings.
Consider using nofollow links to manage link equity and prevent spam.
How do nofollow links affect SEO?
Nofollow links do not directly impact SEO rankings.
By including the rel='nofollow' attribute, these links instruct search engines not to pass on link equity. While they don't contribute to PageRank, they can still drive traffic and increase brand visibility. Nofollow links are useful for maintaining a natural link profile and avoiding penalties from search engines.
Use nofollow links strategically to balance your link profile.
What's the difference between nofollow and dofollow links?
Nofollow links do not pass link equity, while dofollow links do.
A nofollow link includes a rel='nofollow' attribute, instructing search engines not to follow it. In contrast, dofollow links allow search engines to follow and pass authority to the linked page. This distinction affects how links contribute to search engine rankings and PageRank.
Choose link types based on your SEO strategy and content goals.
When should I use a nofollow link?
Use a nofollow link for paid, user-generated, or untrusted content.
By adding the rel='nofollow' attribute, you prevent search engines from following these links, which helps avoid passing link equity to potentially low-quality or spammy sites. This practice is essential for maintaining a clean and credible link profile.
Implement nofollow links to manage risk and maintain search engine compliance.
Can nofollow links still drive traffic?
Yes, nofollow links can still drive traffic to your site.
Even though they include a rel='nofollow' attribute, which tells search engines not to follow the link, users can still click on these links. This can lead to increased site visits and potential conversions, despite not directly affecting SEO rankings.
Leverage nofollow links in high-traffic areas to boost visibility and engagement.
Last updated: 29. March 2026
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