Definition of rel=nofollow

The rel=nofollow attribute is an HTML tag used to instruct search engines not to follow a particular link. This is primarily used to prevent the passing of link equity or PageRank to the linked site, which can be beneficial for controlling SEO and mitigating spam. It was introduced by Google in 2005 as a way to combat comment spam and manage the quality of outbound links.

Practical Use-Cases

The rel=nofollow attribute is commonly used in various scenarios:

Comment sections: It helps prevent spammy links in blog comments from affecting SEO.
Paid links: It is used to indicate that a link is sponsored or paid, adhering to Google’s guidelines.
Untrusted content: When linking to user-generated content or external sites that may not be trustworthy.

Key Aspects

Understanding the implications of using rel=nofollow is crucial:

SEO Impact: Links with this attribute do not contribute to the link equity of the target page.
Link Management: It allows webmasters to manage how their site’s authority is distributed.
Canonical Links: It can be used alongside canonical tags to specify preferred content without passing authority.

Common Pitfalls

While rel=nofollow can be beneficial, there are pitfalls to avoid:

Overuse: Using it excessively can hinder the overall link strategy and visibility of your site.
Misunderstanding: Not all links need to be marked as nofollow; distinguishing between trusted and untrusted links is essential.
Ignoring guidelines: Failing to follow search engine guidelines regarding paid links can result in penalties.

FAQ

What is the purpose of rel=nofollow?

The purpose of rel=nofollow is to prevent search engines from following specific links, thereby not passing any SEO value or PageRank to the linked site. This helps manage the quality of outbound links.

When should I use rel=nofollow?

You should use rel=nofollow for links in comment sections, paid advertisements, or when linking to untrusted content. This helps protect your site's SEO integrity.

Does rel=nofollow affect my site's SEO?

Yes, using rel=nofollow on links prevents them from passing link equity, which can influence your site's overall SEO strategy. It helps maintain control over which links contribute to your site's authority.

Can I use rel=nofollow on internal links?

While you can use rel=nofollow on internal links, it is generally not recommended, as it may hinder the flow of link equity within your site. Internal linking should typically enhance SEO.

What is the difference between nofollow and dofollow?

Nofollow links do not pass link equity to the target page, while dofollow links do. Dofollow is the default state for links, allowing search engines to follow them and pass authority.