Links tagged to signal that they should not pass ranking signals to the target page.
Nofollow links use the rel="nofollow" attribute to indicate that a hyperlink should not transfer ranking signals. Initially a directive, it is now treated as a hint by major search engines. Nofollow is commonly applied to user-generated content, paid links, and untrusted sources. A natural link profile includes a mix of followed and nofollowed links.
| Criteria | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intent Alignment | Map $nofollow links to user journeys and topics | Validate with SERP and on-site behavior |
| Consistency | Encode in components and content standards | Use CMS validations and preview QA |
| Measurement | Track internal CTR, sync signals, conversions | Set guardrails to catch regressions |
Adding rel="nofollow" to sponsored placements
UGC forum links defaulting to nofollow
Reduces spam and manipulative signals
Clarifies sponsorship and trust signals
Supports policy compliance for paid placements
Use appropriate rel values (nofollow, sponsored, ugc)
Apply consistently on paid or untrusted links
Avoid blanket nofollow on all outbound links
The clickable, visible text in a hyperlink.
The value or authority passed from one page to another through hyperlinks.
Alternative text describing images for accessibility and search understanding.
Search results that satisfy user intent without a click to any website.
Content that remains relevant over time and continuously attracts traffic.
Substantially similar content available at multiple URLs, diluting relevance and signals.
The HTML title of a page, a key relevance and CTR element in SERPs.
RankVectors uses AI-powered semantic analysis to help you implement intelligent internal linking strategies automatically.
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The gradual decline in traffic and rankings as content becomes outdated or outcompeted.
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