A link with the rel=”nofollow” attribute, signaling search engines not to pass link equity.
Why a Nofollow Link Matters
The nofollow attribute is a key part of modern SEO because it’s a way for a website owner to maintain a high-quality link profile. In the past, websites would often link to low-quality or spammy websites in an attempt to manipulate their rankings. Today, a search engine’s algorithms are much more sophisticated. They can understand the context and the relevance of a link. A nofollow link is a clear signal to a search engine that the link should not be used as a ranking signal, which can help a website maintain its authority and trustworthiness.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a nofollow link is a technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily add a nofollow attribute to a link using a variety of plugins. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can provide a simple toggle for you to set a link to “nofollow” or “dofollow.”
Shopify
On Shopify, nofollow links are essential for a variety of reasons, such as a paid or sponsored link. You can add a nofollow attribute to a link in a blog post or a product description.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for a nofollow link. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated SEO strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a nofollow link will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites often use a nofollow link for a variety of reasons, such as a sponsored product or a paid link. It is a key part of your e-commerce strategy.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use a nofollow link to link to a low-quality or a spammy website. This can help them to maintain their local search rankings.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies often use a nofollow link for a variety of reasons, such as a sponsored product or a paid link. It is a key part of your SaaS strategy.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on nofollow links. A blog that writes about cooking can use a nofollow link to a low-quality or a spammy website.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Nofollow Link
Do’s
- Do use a nofollow attribute for a sponsored or paid link. This is a clear signal to Google that the link is not an organic vote of confidence.
- Do use a nofollow attribute for user-generated content. This is a great way to maintain a high-quality backlink profile.
- Do use a variety of keywords. A page should be optimized for a primary keyword and a few related keywords.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a nofollow attribute for an internal link. This is an outdated tactic that no longer works.
- Don’t use a nofollow attribute for a link to a high-quality website. This can harm your SEO.
- Don’t use a link exchange with a low-quality website. This can harm your SEO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a nofollow attribute for a link to a high-quality website: This is a common and often devastating mistake.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A backlink should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
Does a nofollow link pass link equity?
No, it does not pass link equity. The nofollow attribute tells search engines not to pass link authority to the linked website.
Is a nofollow link a ranking factor?
No, a nofollow link is not a ranking factor. It is a directive that tells a search engine’s crawler how to handle a link.
What is the difference between a dofollow and a nofollow link?
A dofollow link is the default link type and allows search engines to follow it and pass link authority. A nofollow link has a rel=”nofollow” attribute that tells search engines not to pass authority.
What is the best way to use a nofollow link?
The best way to use a nofollow link is for a sponsored or paid link, or for user-generated content. This helps to maintain a high-quality backlink profile.
What is the difference between a nofollow link and a disavow file?
A nofollow link is a directive that is placed on a link on your website. A disavow file is a file that you submit to Google to tell it to ignore a link that is pointing to your website.
