What is a nofollow link?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink with a rel="nofollow" attribute, which tells search engines not to treat the link as an endorsement of the destination. Google treats it as a hint when deciding how to use the link.
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Why nofollow exists
Links normally pass a kind of trust from one page to another. Nofollow lets a site link to something without vouching for it, such as untrusted comments or paid placements.
Nofollow, sponsored, and UGC
Google offers more specific attributes. Use rel="sponsored" for paid or affiliate links, rel="ugc" for user-generated content such as comments and forum posts, and rel="nofollow" when neither fits.
Paid links that pass ranking credit break Google's guidelines, so mark them properly.
Do nofollow links have value?
Google treats these attributes as hints, so it may still use such links for discovery. Even if they carry little ranking weight, they can bring referral traffic and brand exposure.
Common questions
What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow?
A "dofollow" link is a normal link with no special attribute. Nofollow carries an attribute asking search engines not to count it as an endorsement.
Should I nofollow all external links?
No. Normal editorial links to trustworthy sources should remain regular links. Use nofollow, sponsored, or ugc only where they apply.
Are nofollow backlinks worthless?
Not entirely. They may carry little ranking credit, but they can send visitors and help people find and trust your brand.
How do I add a nofollow attribute?
Add rel="nofollow" to the link's HTML tag. Many content management systems and plugins include a checkbox for it.
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