What Is Nofollow Link?
Nofollow links are the polar opposite of dofollow links, as they bear the “nofollow” attribute. This attribute serves as a directive to search engines, signaling that the link should not be followed or considered when determining the ranking of the linked page.
Unlike dofollow links, which enhance the linked website’s ranking by transmitting precious link equity, nofollow links play a different role in the realm of digital connectivity.
Nofollow links usually looks like this in page’s HTML source code :
Nofollow Link Example
Visually, a nofollow link appears indistinguishable from its dofollow counterpart. Here’s an example of what it looks like in HTML:
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example Website</a>
Despite the absence of any explicit “nofollow” label in the anchor text, the “rel=nofollow” attribute is the silent sentinel that guides search engines.
Importance Of Nofollow Links
Nofollow links, unlike their dofollow links, do not contribute to the passage of link juice. They remain neutral in the realm of link equity, making them a key player in maintaining a balanced backlink profile.
While they don’t bolster search engine rankings, nofollow links are not without merit. They are valuable for driving referral traffic and ensuring a diverse link profile, which is an integral aspect of SEO strategy.
Nofollow Link vs. Dofollow Link
The difference between nofollow and dofollow links hinges on how search engine spiders treat them.
Dofollow links are the emissaries of link equity, directly influencing the rankings of the pages they link to by bestowing some of their source page’s authority.
In contrast, nofollow links carry a “hands-off” directive for search bots. They march to a different drumbeat, serving the purpose of referral traffic generation while remaining inconspicuous in the eyes of search engines, which pay them little mind when determining search rankings.
When Should Nofollow Links Be Used?
Here are some strategic scenarios where deploying nofollow links is advisable:
- User-generated content: When you allow users to contribute content, using nofollow links can be a protective measure to prevent spam and maintain control over your site’s link profile.
- Sponsored content: Any paid promotions or advertisements should employ nofollow links to adhere to search engine guidelines and avoid potential penalties.
- Untrusted or unverified sources: When linking to websites with questionable credibility, it’s wise to employ the nofollow attribute as a safeguard.
- Comments and forums: To thwart potential spammy comments or forum posts, nofollow links can be used to minimize their impact on your site’s SEO.
In sum, understanding the nuances of nofollow links is essential for maintaining a balanced and effective SEO strategy, ensuring both link equity distribution and the preservation of site integrity.