What is NoFollow Backlink?
What is NoFollow Backlink?
A nofollow backlink is a type of hyperlink that has a special HTML attribute (rel="nofollow"
) instructing search engines not to pass “link equity” or “ranking power” from the linking site to the destination site. This means that while users can still click on the link to visit the target site, it doesn’t significantly influence the target site’s rankings in search engine results.
Why Use Nofollow Backlinks?
Nofollow backlinks are often used to:
- Prevent SEO manipulation: Websites use them to avoid passing authority to untrusted or irrelevant sites.
- Disclose paid links: Links resulting from advertisements or sponsorships are often tagged with “nofollow” to comply with search engine guidelines.
- Reduce spam: Websites like forums and blogs often use nofollow links in their comments sections to prevent spammers from gaining SEO benefits.
How to Identify a Nofollow Backlink
In the HTML code of a hyperlink, a nofollow link looks like this:
<a href="https://banksinfo.us/" rel="nofollow">Banks Info</a>
Examples of Common Sources of Nofollow Backlinks
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook)
- Blog comments or user-generated content
- Forum posts or signatures
- Paid advertisements or affiliate links
- Some high-authority websites (e.g., Wikipedia, to prevent SEO exploitation)
Importance in SEO
While nofollow backlinks don’t directly boost a site’s search engine rankings, they still have value:
- Referral traffic: They can drive traffic from users clicking the link.
- Brand exposure: Appearances on reputable websites can enhance credibility and visibility.
- Diverse backlink profile: A natural mix of follow and nofollow links is better for SEO than having only dofollow links, which may look manipulative to search engines.
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