Do you use the nofollow link or not?
Although over 13 years of using nofollow links passed, still when we talk about nofollow links, many people are still confused. This is surprisingly that Google’s analyst Nathan Johns recently said at the SEMX West’s Semitic Seminar that nofollow has not had even the slightest change since its launch.
In this article, we will fully explain how to nofollow a link, the value of the nofollow links, and also help you figure out when to use links to the nofollow and when not use it. But if you are not exactly familiar with the nofollow concept, then we are suggesting that you first read the article “4 reasons to use nofollow links“.
History of nofollow Links
First, let’s see where links came from. In early 2000, most SEO workers knew that links were an important part of Google’s algorithm, so they were abusing the links to better rank! Their focus, instead of quality, was on quantity, and individuals did everything to link up, such as unnatural linking in blog comments (which is now a commonplace).
websites were filled with spam comments, and Google was looking for a solution; the result of the efforts of Google’s programmers was the introduction of the nofollow attribute. From now on, users could signal to Google that they did not want their links to be considered by Google in the overall assessment of the links to the website.
At the beginning of the release, the nofollow attribute was used mostly in parts of the website where users were allowed to add links themselves. Google further encourages users to use the nofollow feature for ad links and parts of the website that users do not usually enter.
At the same time, Google used the Penguin algorithm to penalize websites that were linking abnormally (such as directories, link exchange, guest posts, etc.).
The point that has been overlooked here is the links themselves; the links are the foundation of the Internet and were invented by Tim Berners-Lee 28 years ago. Until the advent of search engines, users were only able to find new websites in one way, by following links. But since Google and Yahoo came into use, the story of linking has changed.
Nofollow links actually do hold a value!
Nofollow links prevent the website from transferring credentials
From one page to another, the number and quality of links within the page are ignored by Google. The most important reason for using the nofollow link is that Google no longer penalizes you because of linking to a low-value website; in addition, the number of links does not matter, and you’re not penalized for too much linking.
But the negative side of the use of the nofollow link is that it does not matter to other websites; many large companies, such as CNN or NFL, send out all their outbound links to websites in a nofollow format; as has been said before, these links are nothing. There is no value in terms of transferring credit; nevertheless, the links of these websites are of high value because of many users that see these links.
So even the nofollow link is used to link to your website, it is still valuable because it gives viewers the opportunity to visit your website and make your brand known.
It’s interesting to know that bringing a website’s name – even without linking it to it – will increase the awareness of users of your brand.
There are no specific rules and guidelines for linking, but in the remainder of this article, we’ll come up with a few practical guidelines for when to use follow links and when do you want to make a better decision.
Which links should be nofollowed?
This question may be the first question of those who are linking at the beginning of the way. Note that the following links should always be nofollowed:
1. Links in Views and Forums
Usually spam user-generated content! Even with perfect management, some of the content of this kind is still coming from your subconscious.
If you do not nofollow comment links on the comments section, they can have a negative impact on the value of the page ranking.
2. Banner Advertising
All links that have a promotional nature or are sponsored by some kind of sponsor must be nofollowed.
3. Press Release
Usually, news reportage is used to get link bugs and to improve the SEO status, which is called advertising adverts. Most websites that have the nature of the press will nofollow all their links. If the content is entered to your website are done for free and without payment, it is better to nofollow the links in the post.
4. Backlinks for money or text ads
If you make money in exchange for a link, it’s better to nofollow all your website’s outbound links. It seems irrelevant, but keep in mind that selling a backlink does not generate much revenue for you, and if you use this excessive revenue, your website may be penalized.
Text advertising is one of Google’s key factors in determining the link health of a website and the Penguin algorithm is heavily sensitive to it.
When to use follow links?
In general, it can be said that when an external link is given to a valid website, it is better to be in a follow format. Of course, in external linking, we usually try to link to the websites that our competitor counts on. Here are some cases that you can use follow links.
1. Posts that sent trusted users as guests
Many authoritative authors prefer to collaborate on websites that link to their company’s website in exchange for writing and delivering useful content.
However, still allow only one link, and ask the user to just type their name or company name in an anchor text.
2. Link to the famous people you interviewed
If you’ve been interviewed by a celebrity or a specialist in your field of work, linking to his or her personal website is no problem. In these cases, again, ask them to use the name of their company or such in anchor text for safety. Working with this group of users is very valuable, because it makes it possible to interview more famous people in the future.
3. Editorial links.
The following links are referred to as editorial links that have high linking value:
- An honest review of a product or service.
- Source resources.
- Express the constructive cooperation with the partner website.
Note: If your job is to write a lot of reviews, if you have received a product free of charge to check it out and if you only have a particular product, without comparing it with other products of the same category, you are producing sponsored content.
