What is Nofollow Attribute?
The nofollow attribute is an HTML link tag value that instructs search engines not to transfer authority or follow the link for ranking purposes.
Ecommerce SEO Glossary > Off-Page SEO > Nofollow Attribute
What You Need to Know about Nofollow Attribute
Link-Level Implementation
Add rel=”nofollow” directly to individual anchor tags to control specific links without affecting other page links.
Paid Link Compliance
Google requires nofollow or sponsored attributes on advertisements, sponsored content, and any compensated link placements.
Comment Spam Protection
WordPress and platforms automatically apply nofollow to user comments preventing manipulation through spam link injection.
Crawl Budget Consideration
NoFollow can prevent crawlers from wasting resources on low-value pages like terms of service or login screens.
External Link Control
Use nofollow when linking to untrusted sources or when you don’t want to editorially vouch for destinations.
Modern Treatment Evolution
Since 2019, Google treats nofollow as a hint for crawling and indexing rather than an absolute directive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nofollow Attribute
1. When should I add nofollow to internal links?
Apply to low-value pages like login screens, admin areas, or filtered pages that don’t need ranking priority.
2. Does nofollow completely prevent link value?
Google may still use nofollowed links as hints and for discovery, though they typically don’t pass traditional authority.
3. What’s proper syntax for nofollow links?
Use anchor text or combine with other values like rel=”nofollow sponsored”.
4. Should affiliate links always be nofollowed?
Yes, FTC and Google guidelines require nofollow or sponsored attributes on all affiliate and commission-based links.
Explore More EcommerCe SEO Topics
Related Terms
Let’s Talk About Ecommerce SEO
If you’re ready to experience the power of strategic ecommerce seo and a flood of targeted organic traffic, take the next step to see if we’re a good fit.