Nofollow links are hyperlinks that contain a special HTML attribute (rel=”nofollow”) telling search engines not to pass ranking credit to the linked page. In simpler terms, they signal that while the link exists, it shouldn’t influence search engine rankings. This small but powerful attribute can help manage which sites benefit from your website’s authority.
In SEO, links matter because they act like endorsements. When one page links to another, it’s seen as a vote of confidence. Search engines use these signals to determine which pages deserve to rank higher in search results. But not every link should carry that weight. That’s where link attributes like nofollow and dofollow come in.
So, what are nofollow links used for? They’re often applied to links in sponsored posts, user-generated content, comment sections, or any situation where you want to avoid endorsing another site. Understanding when and how to use them helps keep your SEO strategy clean and compliant.
How A Nofollow Link Looks In Html:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Example</a>
- href=”…” – points to the URL you’re linking to
- rel=”nofollow” – tells search engines not to follow this link or give it SEO value
What Is the <rel=”nofollow”> Attribute?
The rel=”nofollow” attribute is part of the HTML that defines the relationship between your website and the page you’re linking to. The word “rel” stands for “relationship,” and when it’s set to “nofollow,” it tells search engines that you’re not endorsing or vouching for the destination page. Google first introduced this attribute in 2005 to combat spam and prevent paid or low-quality links from influencing search rankings.
Nofollow vs. Follow (aka Dofollow) Links
| Follow (Dofollow) | Nofollow |
| Passes link equity (“link juice”) | Doesn’t pass link equity |
| Viewed as an endorsement | Treated neutrally or ignored |
| Helps boost search rankings | Doesn’t influence rankings directly |
| Default link type (if no rel tag) | Requires explicit rel=”nofollow” |
This is why the topic of nofollow vs. follow links (or nofollow vs. dofollow links) is important in SEO strategy.
Why It Matters
Understanding how this link attribute works allows you to:
- Control which pages your site endorses
- Stay compliant with Google’s linking guidelines
- Avoid passing value to spammy or untrusted sources
Knowing what nofollow links are isn’t just about SEO hygiene; it’s about building authority without risking your site.
How Do Nofollow Links Work?
Search engines use links to understand how pages connect and which ones deserve to rank higher. But when a link includes the rel=”nofollow” attribute, it tells search engines not to pass ranking credit to the page it points to.
What Does That Mean?
- Normally, links act like votes. If Page A links to Page B, it’s seen as an endorsement
- With a nofollow link, that endorsement is withheld
- Search engines can still see the link, but it doesn’t pass SEO value, also known as “link juice”
What Is Link Juice?
“Link juice” is the term for the authority or ranking power passed through a regular (follow) link.
- Follow links helps boost the ranking of the page they point to
- Nofollow links don’t pass this power. They’re neutral
How Google Handles Nofollow Today
Google no longer treats nofollow links as a strict rule. Since 2019, it sees them as hints. This means:
- Google might still crawl or index the page
- But in most cases, the link won’t influence rankings directly
So… Do Nofollow Links Help SEO?
Yes, but not in the usual way. While they don’t directly improve your search rankings, they can still:
- Drive traffic to your site
- Increase your brand’s visibility
- Contribute to a healthy, natural link profile
That’s why nofollow links still have SEO impact, even if they don’t pass link juice.
When Should You Use Nofollow Links?
Not every link on your website should be treated equally, especially regarding trust and intent. That’s where the nofollow attribute comes in. It gives you control over which links pass authority and which ones don’t.
Here are common situations when to use nofollow links:
Sponsored Content and Paid Links
If you’re getting paid to link to a website through a sponsored post, banner ad, or promotional article, Google expects you to use a nofollow (or sponsored) tag.
Why? Because paid links can manipulate rankings. A nofollow attribute prevents passing SEO value to the linked page.
Use nofollow for:
- Paid reviews
- Sponsored blog posts
- Advertisements
Affiliate Links
Affiliate links track clicks and generate income. Since these links are financially motivated, they should also be nofollow.
Even if you trust the brand, Google may see affiliate links as promotional, and skipping the attribute could risk a penalty.
Use nofollow for:
- Product links with tracking codes
- Affiliate programs and platforms
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Comments, forums, and guest submissions often include outbound links. Since you can’t always verify the quality or intent behind those links, it’s best to use nofollow.
Use nofollow for:
- Blog comment sections
- Public forums
- Guestbook links
Untrusted or Unknown Sites
If you’re linking to a source for context but are unsure about its credibility or don’t want to endorse it, add the nofollow attribute.
Use nofollow for:
- Unverified stats or quotes
- Low-quality blogs
- Sites that feel “off,” but need to be cited
Knowing what types of links should be nofollow helps you stay compliant with search engine guidelines and avoid passing value to risky destinations.
In short, use the nofollow attribute whenever you link out without a full vote of confidence. It’s not just about SEO, it’s about protecting your site’s authority.
Examples of Nofollow Links in Practice
Understanding when to use the nofollow attribute is one thing; seeing how it’s applied in real situations makes it clearer. Below are a few common examples of nofollow links in action.
Blog Comments and Forums
Most modern content management systems automatically add rel=”nofollow” to links left in blog comments or discussion forums. This helps prevent spam and ensures that random users can’t influence your SEO.
Example:
<a href=”http://spammy-link.com” rel=”nofollow”>Spammy Link</a>
Paid Content and Ads
Whether it’s a sponsored post or a banner ad, any paid link should be nofollowed. This prevents Google from seeing it as a ranking endorsement.
Example:
<a href=”http://partner-brand.com” rel=”nofollow”>Partner Brand</a>
How to Add Nofollow Links in WordPress/Wix
- In WordPress, you can toggle the nofollow attribute using the block editor’s link settings or plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO.
- In Wix: Add a link, open Advanced Settings, and select “Add rel=’nofollow’”.
These tools make it easy to apply the nofollow tag without editing raw HTML, though you can always add it manually if needed.
These nofollow link HTML examples show how flexible the tag is. Applying it is simple- and important, whether you’re on WordPress, Wix, or editing code directly.
Are Nofollow Links Good for SEO?
At first glance, nofollow links might seem like they have little to offer. They don’t pass PageRank or directly boost rankings, and they’re often used in places that don’t feel SEO-friendly—like ads, forums, or comment sections. But let’s clarify: nofollow links are still valuable in less obvious ways.
Indirect SEO Value
Even without passing ranking credit, nofollow links can bring real benefits:
- They drive referral traffic from high-visibility sites
- They increase brand awareness and reach
- They can lead to organic backlinks later, especially if your content is useful or shareable
Think of nofollow links as visibility builders. People click them, and they discover your brand through them. That exposure can lead to other SEO wins down the line.
A Balanced Link Profile
Google doesn’t just reward high-quality links, it also looks for natural patterns. If every backlink to your site is a dofollow, it might seem artificial. A mix of both follow and nofollow links looks more organic and helps build long-term credibility.
That’s part of the importance of nofollow links in SEO. They show search engines that your site earns links from various sources, not just handpicked authority partners.
Clearing Up the Misconception
Some assume that nofollow links are worthless because they don’t affect rankings directly. But that view is too narrow. Are nofollow links good for SEO? Yes, when you consider the bigger picture:
- Support safer linking practices
- Protect your site from potential penalties
- Contribute to brand exposure and user engagement
In short, nofollow links aren’t just filler. They help build trust, drive traffic, and maintain a healthy backlink profile, all of which contribute to a stronger SEO foundation.
How to Identify and Add Nofollow Links
Whether you’re auditing your website or adding outbound links, knowing how to use nofollow links is essential to SEO hygiene. Fortunately, identifying and adding the nofollow attribute is simple; no advanced coding is required.
How to Check if a Link Is Nofollow
To see if a link is nofollow:
- Right-click on the link and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” in your browser.
- Look for rel=”nofollow” in the HTML.
If it’s missing, the link is a standard follow link. If it’s present, the link is already set to nofollow.
You can also use SEO browser extensions or tools like:
- MozBar
- Ahrefs SEO Toolbar
- SEOquake
These highlight nofollow links on a page automatically.
How to Add Nofollow in HTML
If you’re manually adding links in your site’s code or text editor, insert rel=”nofollow” inside the <a> tag:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example Link</a>
This tag tells search engines not to follow the link or pass link authority.
Using Plugins and SEO Tools
If you’re using WordPress, SEO plugins make it even easier:
- Yoast SEO or Rank Math allow you to mark a link as nofollow with a simple checkbox.
- No need to touch the code, just insert your link and tick the “nofollow” option.
On platforms like Wix, open link settings and toggle the advanced SEO options to enable rel=”nofollow”.
Whether editing HTML directly or using tools, understanding how to add nofollow links gives you control over which links impact your SEO, and which don’t.
Should You Bother With Nofollow Links?
Yes, nofollow links are worth building, especially when they come from relevant, high-traffic, or trusted websites. Even though they don’t pass link equity, they can offer value through visibility, referral traffic, and brand credibility.
Here’s why they matter:
- People click on nofollow links, and those visits can lead to conversions, engagement, or even future dofollow backlinks.
- They’re often found on high-authority platforms, such as social media, online directories, or news sites, where the exposure alone is worth it.
From a strategy standpoint, nofollow link best practices involve:
- Pursuing a mix of link types (nofollow and dofollow)
- Focusing on audience relevance over technical value
- Avoiding spammy or manipulative link building
Google’s evolving stance also supports this balanced approach. As of recent updates, Google may consider nofollow links as “hints,” meaning they could influence crawling or indexing decisions, depending on context.
So, do nofollow links help SEO? Not directly in rankings, but indirectly, absolutely. They support a well-rounded link profile and open the door to meaningful, real-world results.
Conclusion About What Are NoFollow Links
Nofollow links may not pass SEO power like dofollow links, but they still play a valuable role in your digital strategy. They help control which sites you endorse, reduce the risk of spammy associations, and contribute to a more natural backlink profile.
Remember:
- Use nofollow for paid, affiliate, or user-generated links
- Don’t ignore them; they can still drive traffic and improve visibility
- Keep your link profile balanced with a healthy mix of follow and nofollow links
The best approach is to use nofollow links intentionally, not automatically. Want help strengthening your SEO strategy smartly? Visit Best Marketing Singapore to see how we can support your business goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What Are NoFollow Links
When Should I Use Nofollow Links?
To avoid passing SEO value, use nofollow links when linking to sponsored content, affiliate products, user-generated content, or untrusted sources.
Why Is Nofollow Used?
Nofollow prevents search engines from counting certain links as endorsements, helping control SEO impact and reduce spam or manipulation.
What Is the Difference Between Follow Link and Nofollow Link?
A follow link provides SEO value and helps rankings, while a nofollow link tells search engines not to give ranking credit or send trust signals.
Should I Use Nofollow on External Links?
Use nofollow on external links if they’re paid, promotional, user-submitted, or from sites you don’t fully trust.
How Do You Add Nofollow to HTML?
To make a link nofollow, add rel=”nofollow” inside the anchor (<a>) tag like this: <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Link Text</a> This tells search engines not to pass SEO value to the linked page.
