Nofollow links are a heated topic in the link building world. Some swear they hold hidden value, while others dismiss them as irrelevant. The truth? It lies somewhere in-between. To decide if nofollow links are worth your time, you need to understand what they are, how they function, and their potential role in your SEO strategy.
Understanding Nofollow Links
Let’s get the basics straight before diving into their impact. Nofollow links may not seem glamorous at first glance, but they serve a purpose.
What Are Nofollow Links?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink that includes a little instruction for search engines: “Don’t count this link for ranking purposes.” This is done using the rel=”nofollow” attribute in the link’s HTML code. Unlike their counterpart, dofollow links, these don’t pass “link juice” — the ranking power search engines consider. Instead, they act like a “mention” of a page.
Think of it this way: your friend recommends a movie. If it’s a dofollow link, it’s like saying, “This movie is amazing — go watch it!” If it’s a nofollow link, it’s more like, “Here’s a movie you might want to check out, but don’t take my word for it.”
How Do Nofollow Links Work?
When search engines crawl a web page with nofollow links, they see the rel=”nofollow” attribute and make a note not to pass on ranking credit to the linked site. Essentially, Google and similar search engines will acknowledge the link but refrain from giving it weight in their ranking algorithm.
Why Were Nofollow Links Introduced?
In 2005, nofollow links were introduced to combat a growing problem: spam. Websites were flooded with irrelevant links in comment sections and forums to manipulate search engine rankings. By labeling these links as nofollow, site owners sent a clear message to search engines that the links shouldn’t influence rankings. This update also helped Google enforce rules against shady tactics like paid links.
The Role of Nofollow Links in SEO
So, if nofollow links don’t pass link juice, do they even matter? Surprisingly, yes. Though many see them as less valuable, nofollow links come with their own set of perks.
Do Nofollow Links Pass Link Equity?
Nofollow links don’t traditionally pass link equity (often known as PageRank) like dofollow links. By design, they tell search engines not to factor in the link when calculating rankings. However, in practice, it’s not that black-and-white. Google announced in 2020 that nofollow links are no longer treated as strict “don’t follow” orders but as “hints.” This means that while they don’t guarantee ranking benefits, Google might consider their context in some scenarios.
Google’s Interpretation of Nofollow Post-2020
Before 2020, Google treated nofollow links as hard stop signs for passing ranking power. Since then, they’ve shifted their approach. Now, these links are considered “hints,” which means search engines might decide to follow and factor them into rankings depending on the linking site’s authority and relevance. For example, a nofollow link from a high-quality source like a major news outlet could still indirectly help rankings.
Indirect SEO Value of Nofollow Links
Even if nofollow links don’t directly boost your rankings, they bring plenty to the table. A nofollow link on a popular site can drive referral traffic, increase brand visibility, and establish credibility. Think of them as introductions — they may not guarantee a deal, but they get your name out there.
When and How to Use Nofollow Links
Nofollow links aren’t free passes to ignore SEO rules. There’s a time and place for them. Knowing when to use these links and how to maintain balance is crucial.
Best Practices for Nofollow Links
When should you use nofollow links? Here are some common scenarios:
- Paid Links: Advertisements or sponsored posts should always use nofollow to comply with Google’s guidelines.
- User-Generated Content: Links in comments or forum replies should be nofollow to prevent spam and manipulation.
- Low-Quality or Untrusted Sites: Linking to questionable sources? Use a nofollow tag to signal caution to search engines.
Balancing Dofollow and Nofollow Links
A natural link profile includes a mix of nofollow and dofollow links. If your backlink profile looks like it’s 100% dofollow links, search engines might think you’re manipulating results. A healthy mix of link types mirrors how people genuinely link online. The key is authenticity.
When Nofollow Links May Hurt SEO
While they’re generally harmless, overusing nofollow links can raise red flags. If your outgoing links are excessively tagged as nofollow without reason, search engines might question your site’s credibility. Don’t go overboard — use nofollow links where appropriate, but don’t misuse them.
How to Build Nofollow Links Strategically
If you think nofollow links aren’t worth building, think again. They can be valuable assets when approached correctly.
Leveraging High-Authority Platforms
News outlets, big blogs, and high-traffic websites often use nofollow links. Getting mentioned on these platforms can lead to a surge in referral traffic and grow your audience. While the direct SEO benefit may be minimal, the exposure is worth it.
Social Media and Nofollow Links
Almost all social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) use nofollow links. Don’t let that discourage you. These platforms are excellent for driving traffic to your website and building brand awareness. A viral post can send thousands of visitors your way, nofollow tags or not.
Tracking the Impact of Nofollow Links
To see the benefits of nofollow links, track referral traffic and brand mentions. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor where your traffic originates. If you notice a nofollow link driving consistent visits, you’ve scored a win.
Conclusion
Are nofollow links good for SEO? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While they don’t carry the ranking power of dofollow links, they provide indirect value. From boosting brand visibility to driving traffic, nofollow links help strengthen your online presence. The secret to success? Use them strategically and ensure your link profile includes a natural mix of both nofollow and dofollow links. When done right, nofollow links will become a solid part of your overall SEO strategy.
