Definition
No Follow Links are hyperlinks that include the rel=”nofollow” attribute, which instructs search engine crawlers not to pass on “link equity” from the referring site to the linked destination. While users can still click through to visit the linked page, these links do not typically contribute to improving the target site’s search rankings in the same way Do Follow Links can.
What is it?
The concept of No Follow Links emerged as a way to combat spam in blog comments and user-generated content. By default, many platforms now assign the nofollow attribute to user-submitted links, preventing any potential manipulation of search engine results. However, nofollow doesn’t automatically mean zero SEO value. Search engines like Google sometimes use No Follow Links for discovery purposes, though they claim not to pass PageRank or authority. For website owners, the distinction is essential: a Do Follow Link might bolster rankings by transferring authority, whereas a No Follow Link tends to be more about user navigation and less about SEO power.
How is it used?
Many websites implement No Follow Links in areas prone to spam, such as comment sections or paid sponsorships. This approach aligns with best practices, especially when a link is not editorially given but rather part of advertising or user submissions. Marketers and SEO professionals often view No Follow Links as a supplemental asset because they can still drive referral traffic and brand visibility, despite not directly boosting search rank. In building a natural link profile, a balance of both nofollow and dofollow links helps avoid the impression of deliberate or unnatural link manipulation.
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