Sponsored: Marking a Link as Paid
The sponsored attribute flags a link as a paid placement. This guide explains how it differs from nofollow and UGC links.
The sponsored attribute flags a link as a paid or sponsored placement for search engines.
What It Is
The sponsored attribute is a value for the rel attribute that flags a link as paid or sponsored.
It tells search engines the link was not earned organically.
How It Differs
It sits alongside nofollow and UGC as a way to label the nature of a link.
Paid links get marked instead of slipping through as organic.
Why It Matters
- Keeps paid links honest with engines.
- Reduces risk of penalties for hidden ads.
- Clarifies intent in your link profile.
- Matches how engines expect ads to be marked.
How to Use It
- Add it to every paid or sponsored link.
- Mark affiliates and partnerships clearly.
- Combine with nofollow if you need both.
- Tell partners you will mark their links.
The deal: a partner pays for a placement.
The markup: the link carries rel=sponsored.
The signal: engines know the link is paid.
The lesson: paid links should never be disguised.
Quick Tip
Mark every paid link as sponsored, because transparency with engines protects you from manual action risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sponsored, Bottom Line
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