Nofollow Link
01 Definition
Nofollow Link meaning: A link marked so search engines know not to pass ranking credit through it by default.
A nofollow link uses the rel="nofollow" attribute, telling search engines the site does not vouch for the destination. It is common on paid links, user-generated content, and comments. Since 2019 Google treats nofollow as a hint rather than a strict rule, so it may still use these links in some ways.
Also called
Why it matters
How Nofollow Link fits the work
It lets sites link out without appearing to endorse or pass authority, which matters for paid, sponsored, or untrusted destinations.
In context
The blog added rel="nofollow" to an affiliate link, so it drove clicks without appearing to pass ranking credit to the merchant.
Practical note
Nofollow links can still send traffic, brand exposure, and referral value. Google also offers rel=sponsored and rel=ugc for more specific labeling of paid or user links.