Nofollow link
In short
A nofollow link is a hyperlink that includes the attribute rel="nofollow" in its HTML. It signals to search engines that the site owner does not vouch for the destination or does not want the link to count as an endorsement.
Search engines treat the attribute as a hint rather than a strict command. Site owners use it on paid links, user-generated content, and pages they do not fully trust. A normal link without the attribute is called a dofollow link, though that is a common nickname rather than a formal tag.
How the attribute works
In HTML, a nofollow link looks like a standard anchor tag with an extra rel value. Search engines also support more specific values.
- rel="nofollow": General hint that the link is not an endorsement.
- rel="sponsored": Marks paid or affiliate links.
- rel="ugc": Marks links in user-generated content such as comments and forums.
When to use nofollow
- Paid placements: Sponsored posts and ads should carry a sponsored or nofollow tag.
- Comments and forums: Reduces the value of link spam.
- Untrusted sources: Pages you link to but do not endorse.
Why nofollow matters for backlink building
When you earn links, you will get a mix of followed and nofollow links. Followed links from relevant, trusted sites are usually more valuable for search rankings. Nofollow links can still send real visitors and build awareness, so do not ignore them. A natural backlink profile contains both types.
Example
Say a company is mentioned in a guest post on an industry blog. The link sits inside a sponsored section, so the publisher tags it as sponsored. It may not pass ranking value, but readers who click through can still become leads.
Common mistakes
- Chasing only followed links: Referral traffic and brand exposure still count.
- Nofollowing everything: Tagging all internal or editorial links wastes useful signals.
- Buying links without disclosure: Paid links that pass ranking value can violate search engine guidelines.
- Assuming it is absolute: It is a hint, so results can vary.
Nofollow link FAQs
What is a nofollow link?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink with the rel="nofollow" attribute, telling search engines the site owner does not endorse the destination. It is commonly used for ads, comments, and untrusted pages, and search engines treat it as a hint.
What is the difference between nofollow and dofollow links?
A dofollow link is a normal link without a nofollow attribute, so search engines may count it as an endorsement. A nofollow link carries a tag asking engines not to. Dofollow is an informal term, not an official attribute.
Do nofollow links help SEO?
They usually pass little or no direct ranking value, but they can bring referral traffic, brand exposure, and a natural-looking link profile. Search engines treat the attribute as a hint, so effects can vary.
When should you use rel sponsored or rel ugc instead of nofollow?
Use rel="sponsored" for paid or affiliate links and rel="ugc" for links in user-generated content like comments and forum posts. Plain nofollow remains a general option when neither label fits.
