Different types of links in the context of SEO

In the context of SEO, there are different types of links defined by the rel attribute in <a> tags. Here’s an overview:

1. DoFollow Links

• Definition: These are standard links without a rel attribute or with one that doesn’t block search engines from following the link.
• Effect: Pass SEO “link juice” (ranking power) from the linking site to the linked site.
• Default: By default, all links are DoFollow unless explicitly marked otherwise.

2. NoFollow Links

• Definition: Links with rel="nofollow".
• Effect: Instruct search engines not to pass SEO link juice to the linked site. These links are still clickable for users.
• Use Case: Often used for sponsored links, user-generated content, or when the linking site doesn’t want to endorse the linked site.

3. Sponsored Links

• Definition: Links with rel="sponsored".
• Effect: Indicate that the link is part of a paid promotion or sponsorship. Search engines understand it as a commercial link, and it usually doesn’t pass link juice.
• Use Case: Used for affiliate links, ads, or sponsorships.

4. UGC (User-Generated Content) Links

• Definition: Links with rel="ugc".
• Effect: Indicates that the link was added by users, typically in forums or comments. This helps distinguish user-generated links from editorial links.
• Use Case: Common in platforms with user-submitted content.

5. NoOpener Links

• Definition: Links with rel="noopener".
• Effect: Prevents the new page from gaining access to the window.opener object, improving security and performance.
• Use Case: Used with target="_blank" to open links in a new tab while mitigating risks of malicious pages.

6. NoReferrer Links

• Definition: Links with rel="noreferrer".
• Effect: Prevents the browser from sending the Referer header to the linked site, enhancing privacy.
• Use Case: Used for privacy concerns or security reasons.

Combination of Attributes

• Multiple rel values can be combined, e.g., rel="nofollow noreferrer".
• For example, this link:

  <a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Visit</a>
  

  • Tells search engines not to follow the link and browsers not to send the referring page URL.

Summary of Defaults

• Links are DoFollow by default unless a rel attribute explicitly changes their behavior.