Nofollow is a link attribute that tells search engines not to pass normal ranking value through a link in the same way they might with a standard followed link.
It is added to a link in HTML and looks like this:
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example</a>In simple terms, a nofollow link still works for users, but it gives search engines a signal that the link should not be treated like a normal editorial endorsement.
Why Nofollow Matters When You SEO Check a Website
When you SEO check a website, nofollow links are worth reviewing as part of both technical SEO and backlink analysis. They can affect how link signals flow through a site and how external links are interpreted.
Nofollow is not automatically good or bad. It depends on how it is being used. The issue appears when important internal links are nofollowed by mistake, or when site owners misunderstand how nofollow affects authority and crawling.
What Does Nofollow Do?
Nofollow tells search engines that a link should not be treated like a standard ranking signal in the usual way. It does not stop users from clicking the link, and it does not remove the page itself from search results.
- Allows users to click through normally
- Signals that the link should not pass standard endorsement value
- Can be used on user-generated or untrusted links
- Can affect how link equity flows through a website
Where Nofollow Is Commonly Used
Nofollow is often used in situations where a site owner does not want to fully endorse or pass value through a link.
- Blog comments
- Forum posts
- User-generated content
- Paid links or sponsored placements
- Links to pages the site owner does not fully trust
- Certain outbound links added for reference rather than endorsement
How Nofollow Affects SEO
Nofollow can affect SEO by changing how link value is distributed and interpreted. When you SEO check a website, reviewing nofollow links helps you understand whether important pages are being weakened internally or whether outbound link handling makes sense.
- Internal nofollow links can reduce the flow of link value to key pages
- Outbound nofollow links can help manage untrusted or paid link situations
- Backlink profiles often include a mix of followed and nofollowed links
- Nofollowed links can still have value for traffic, visibility, and brand awareness
Common Nofollow Problems Found in an SEO Check
When running an SEO check on a website, nofollow problems often come from overuse, misuse, or misunderstanding.
Nofollow on Important Internal Links
If internal links to key pages are marked nofollow, you may be weakening internal SEO signals across the site.
Nofollow Added Sitewide by Accident
Sometimes themes, plugins, or CMS settings apply nofollow broadly to menus, buttons, or internal elements that should be standard followed links.
Poor Outbound Link Policy
Some websites nofollow every outbound link automatically, even when linking to useful and trusted sources. That is not always necessary.
Confusing Nofollow With Noindex
Nofollow affects links. Noindex affects whether a page can appear in search results. They are completely different signals.
Ignoring Link Type in Backlink Analysis
When reviewing backlinks, it is useful to understand how many are nofollow versus followed. A natural profile often contains both.
Nofollow vs Dofollow
Nofollow tells search engines not to treat a link like a normal ranking endorsement in the usual way.
Dofollow is the normal default state of a link when no special nofollow attribute is added.
This matters when you SEO check a website because the type of links used internally and externally can influence how link signals are distributed and understood.
How to Check Nofollow Links on a Website
If you want to SEO check a website properly, review where nofollow is being used and whether it makes sense.
- Check if important internal links are marked nofollow
- Review menus, navigation, and contextual links
- Look at blog comments, user-generated areas, and sponsored links
- Review the backlink profile for a mix of followed and nofollowed links
- Check whether plugins or templates are adding nofollow automatically
A website SEO checker can help detect nofollow links across a site and highlight whether they appear in places that may weaken SEO performance.
How to Fix Nofollow Issues
If nofollow is being used on important internal links by mistake, remove it so those pages receive normal internal linking support. If nofollow is needed for sponsored, paid, or untrusted links, keep it in place where it makes sense. The goal is to use the attribute deliberately rather than applying it everywhere.
Best Practices for Nofollow
Use nofollow where there is a clear reason, such as user-generated content, paid placements, or links you do not want to fully endorse. Avoid placing nofollow on important internal links unless there is a very specific technical need. Review link attributes regularly as part of your technical and backlink checks.
Final Thoughts
Nofollow is a link attribute that tells search engines not to treat a link like a normal endorsement in the usual way. It is an important detail to review when you SEO check a website because it can affect internal linking strength, outbound link handling, and backlink interpretation.