Nofollow: The Link Attribute That Passes No Authority
Nofollow is a link attribute that tells search engines not to follow the link or pass authority to the target. Learn why it exists and when to use it.
Nofollow is a link attribute that tells search engines to ignore a link for authority purposes, so the target gains no ranking vote.
What Nofollow Does
A rel="nofollow" link still works for people, the reader clicks and travels, but the search engine treats its authority as off the table.
The target gets no vote, and the page gives up none of its own strength through that link.
Why It Exists
Search engines created the attribute to fight spam. Comment sections, forums, and paid placements were leaking votes to anyone who posted.
Nofollow gave sites a way to link without endorsing, and the web got cleaner overnight.
Nofollow Versus Dofollow
A dofollow link passes authority to the target. A nofollow link does not. The names describe the treatment, not the usefulness.
Both can bring readers. The difference is only in how search engines weigh the recommendation.
When to Use Nofollow
- Links inside user-generated content like comments and forum posts.
- Paid placements, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
- Links to sites you do not fully trust or endorse.
- Any placement a reasonable editor would not vouch for.
The site: a blog lets readers post links in the comments and runs an affiliate program in its reviews.
The rule: every comment link gets rel="nofollow", and every affiliate link does too.
The result: spammers stop farming the comment section, and the affiliate links stay safe from over-optimization flags.
Why it works: the site separates real recommendations from user and paid content, keeping the editorial links honest.
Quick Tip
When in doubt about a link's endorsement, add rel="nofollow". It costs the reader nothing and keeps your profile clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nofollow, Bottom Line
Nofollow lets a site link without endorsing, keeping the authority system honest across the web.
Use it on user content, paid placements, and anything you would not vouch for, and the profile stays clean.