If you’ve been in the SEO game for even a hot minute, you’ve probably heard the same old advice: “No-follow links don’t matter. They’re useless. Focus on followed links if you want to rank.”
But what if I told you that everything you thought you knew about no-follow links might be wrong? What if I said that these so-called “useless” links could actually be a game-changer for your rankings?
Yeah, I know. It sounds crazy. But stick with me here because this isn’t just some wild theory. This is based on real tests, real data, and insights from some of the sharpest minds in SEO.
So, let’s dive in and unpack this whole no-follow link thing. By the end of this, you might just see SEO in a whole new light.
What Even Is a No-Follow Link?
Before we get into the juicy stuff, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. A no-follow link is a link that has a little tag on it telling Google, “Hey, don’t give this page any credit.”
It’s like saying, “I’m linking to this site, but I don’t necessarily vouch for it.”
Big publishers use no-follow links all the time. You’ve probably seen them on sites like Forbes or other major outlets. They do this to avoid passing any SEO juice to the sites they link to, especially if they’re not 100% sure about the content.
And honestly, I get it. As a publisher, you don’t want to accidentally boost some shady site’s rankings just because you linked to them.
But here’s the thing: no-follow links aren’t just about avoiding SEO credit. They’re also about user experience. Sometimes, you link to something because it’s helpful for your readers, not because you’re trying to game the system.
And that’s where things get interesting.
The Big Misconception About No-Follow Links
For years, the SEO world has been pretty clear on one thing: no-follow links don’t help with rankings. Period. End of story.
But what if that’s not entirely true? What if no-follow links can pass ranking weight, but only under certain conditions?
That’s exactly what some recent tests have shown. And it’s not just some random theory—it’s backed by data and insights from people who really know their stuff.
Take Kyle Roof, for example. If you’re not familiar with him, he’s one of those SEOs who makes you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” His approach to SEO is fresh, innovative, and always backed by solid testing.
In one of his videos, he talked about how no-follow links can actually pass ranking weight if they come from a page that ranks well and gets traffic. In other words, if the page with the no-follow link is already killing it on Google, that link might just give your site a little boost.
Mind. Blown.
Why Most No-Follow Links Don’t Seem to Matter
Now, before you go out and start chasing no-follow links like they’re the holy grail of SEO, let’s pump the brakes for a second.
Here’s the thing: most no-follow links don’t do squat for your rankings. And there’s a simple reason for that.
Most of the time, the pages with those no-follow links aren’t getting any traffic. They’re just sitting there, collecting digital dust, and not doing much of anything.
Think about it. If you’ve ever done guest blogging or gotten a link from some random site, chances are that page isn’t ranking for anything. It’s just… there.
And if the page isn’t getting traffic, it’s not passing any value. It’s like trying to get a loan from someone who’s broke—it’s just not gonna happen.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If that page is getting traffic—like, real, organic traffic from Google—then that no-follow link might actually do something for you.
It’s all about the context. A no-follow link from a high-traffic, high-ranking page? That’s gold. A no-follow link from a page that no one visits? Not so much.
The Google Algorithm Leak That Changed Everything
If you’re still skeptical, I don’t blame you. This whole idea goes against everything we’ve been taught about SEO.
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just some random theory. It’s actually backed by what we learned from the Google algorithm leak earlier this year.
If you missed it, there was a huge leak that gave us a peek behind the curtain of how Google’s algorithm works. And one of the big takeaways was that Google is tracking where people click. It’s giving value to human action.
If someone clicks on a site in the search results, visits it, and then clicks on a link to another site, Google takes note. That second site? It’s getting some authority, whether the link is followed or not.
In other words, if a page is getting traffic and people are clicking on the links, those links are passing value. It doesn’t matter if they’re no-follow or not.
This changes everything. It means that no-follow links from high-traffic sites—like Forbes, for example—could actually be giving you a boost, even if they’re technically no-follow.
And that’s a big deal.
Real-World Tests That Prove the Point
Okay, so all of this sounds great in theory. But does it actually work in practice?
That’s what I wanted to find out. So, I decided to run a little test of my own.
I found a page on a forum that gets a ton of organic traffic. It’s ranking for all kinds of keywords, and it’s been around for a while. In other words, it’s the perfect candidate for this experiment.
I went in, made a comment, and added a no-follow link to an article on my site. Then, I sat back and waited to see what would happen.
And let me tell you, the results were wild.
The very next day, I searched for the keyword I used in the anchor text of that no-follow link. And guess what? The page I linked to didn’t rank, but the YouTube video on that page did.
Before the link, there were no YouTube videos in the search results. After the link? Boom. There it was, sitting pretty in the video section.
That no-follow link literally reshaped the search results. It created a whole new section and put my video in it.
If that’s not proof that no-follow links can pass value, I don’t know what is.
Why Context Is King When It Comes to No-Follow Links
Let’s take a step back for a second. We’ve established that no-follow links can pass value, but only under specific conditions. The big question now is: what are those conditions, and how can you take advantage of them?
It all comes down to context. Not all no-follow links are created equal. Some are worthless, and others are pure gold. The difference? The page they’re on.
If the page with the no-follow link is ranking well and getting traffic, that link can work wonders for your site. But if the page is a ghost town, that link isn’t doing you any favors.
So, how do you figure out which no-follow links are worth your time? Let’s break it down.
How to Spot a High-Value No-Follow Link
First things first: you need to know what you’re looking for. A high-value no-follow link comes from a page that’s already crushing it on Google.
Here’s how you can spot one:
1. The page ranks for multiple keywords. If you check the page in a tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush, you’ll see it’s ranking for a bunch of different terms. That’s a good sign.
2. It gets consistent organic traffic. A page that’s getting steady traffic from Google is more likely to pass value through its links.
3. It’s on a reputable site. Links from big-name sites like Forbes, CNN, or other major publishers are more likely to have an impact, even if they’re no-follow.
If a page meets all three of these criteria, that no-follow link could be a hidden gem.
The Role of User Behavior in Link Value
Here’s where things get really interesting. Google isn’t just looking at the links themselves—it’s also paying attention to how users interact with them.
If someone clicks on a link, spends time on the page, and then clicks through to another site, Google takes note. That second site? It’s getting a little boost, even if the link is no-follow.
This is why high-traffic pages are so powerful. If a page is getting a lot of clicks, it’s more likely that people will click on the links within it. And that’s where the magic happens.
Think about it like this: if you’re at a party and someone introduces you to a friend, you’re more likely to trust that friend if the person introducing you is someone you already know and respect.
It’s the same with links. If a high-traffic page is linking to you, Google’s more likely to trust that link, even if it’s no-follow.
Why Digital PR Isn’t Dead (Even with No-Follow Links)
If you’ve been doing digital PR, you’ve probably run into this issue: you get a link from a big site like Forbes, only to find out it’s no-follow. Bummer, right?
But here’s the thing: that link might still be worth its weight in gold.
Let’s say you get a no-follow link from a Forbes article. Forbes ranks everywhere. It’s a beast in the SERPs. Even if the link is no-follow, it’s coming from a page that’s getting tons of traffic.
And if people are clicking on that link and visiting your site, Google’s taking notice. That link is passing value, whether it’s followed or not.
So, don’t write off digital PR just because the links are no-follow. If you’re getting links from high-traffic, high-ranking sites, you’re still in a good spot.
The Power of Replication: Testing No-Follow Links for Yourself
One of the coolest things about SEO is that it’s not just about theory—it’s about testing. And when it comes to no-follow links, testing is key.
After hearing about the potential of no-follow links, I decided to run my own experiment. I wanted to see if I could replicate the results and see for myself how powerful these links could be.
Here’s what I did:
I found a page on a forum that was ranking for a ton of keywords and getting a lot of organic traffic. It was the perfect candidate for this test.
I added a comment with a no-follow link to one of my articles. Then, I waited.
The next day, I searched for the keyword I used in the anchor text. And guess what? The page I linked to didn’t rank, but the YouTube video on that page did.
Before the link, there were no YouTube videos in the search results. After the link? Boom. There it was, sitting in the video section.
That no-follow link literally reshaped the search results. It created a whole new section and put my video in it.
If that’s not proof that no-follow links can pass value, I don’t know what is.
What This Means for Your Link-Building Strategy
So, what does all of this mean for your link-building strategy? It means you need to think differently about where you’re getting your links.
It’s not just about whether the link is followed or not. It’s about the context of that link.
Here’s how you can adjust your strategy:
1. Focus on high-traffic pages. If a page is getting a lot of organic traffic, a link from that page—whether it’s followed or not—could be valuable.
2. Don’t ignore no-follow links from big sites. Links from sites like Forbes, CNN, or other major publishers can still pass value, even if they’re no-follow.
3. Test, test, test. Don’t just take my word for it. Run your own experiments and see what works for your site.
At the end of the day, SEO is all about testing, learning, and adapting. And this new approach to no-follow links? It’s just another tool in your toolbox.
The Bigger Picture: Why SEO Is Always Evolving
Here’s the thing about SEO: it’s always changing. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. And that’s why it’s so important to stay on top of the latest trends and insights.
No-follow links are a perfect example of this. For years, we thought they were useless. But now, we’re starting to see that they can be valuable—if you use them the right way.
This is why it’s so important to keep testing and learning. SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. What works for one site might not work for another.
So, don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with no-follow links. See what works for your site. And most importantly, keep an open mind.
Because at the end of the day, SEO is all about staying ahead of the curve. And if you can do that, you’ll be in a great spot.
How to Leverage No-Follow Links for Maximum Impact
By now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, no-follow links can be valuable. But how do I actually use them to boost my rankings?”
Great question. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how you can leverage no-follow links to get real results.
Step 1: Identify High-Traffic Pages
The first step is to find pages that are already killing it on Google. These are the pages that are ranking for multiple keywords and getting consistent organic traffic.
How do you find them? Start by looking at your own site. Are there any pages that are already performing well? If so, those are great candidates for adding no-follow links.
If you’re looking outside your site, tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you identify high-traffic pages in your niche. Look for pages that are ranking for a lot of keywords and getting a steady stream of traffic.
Once you’ve identified these pages, the next step is to get a link from them.
Step 2: Build Relationships with Publishers
Getting a no-follow link from a high-traffic page isn’t always easy. But it’s not impossible, either.
One of the best ways to do this is by building relationships with publishers. If you can get on their radar, you’re more likely to get a link—even if it’s no-follow.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Offer value. If you can provide something of value to the publisher—like a unique insight or a piece of content—they’re more likely to link to you.
2. Be consistent. Building relationships takes time. Don’t expect to get a link overnight. Keep showing up, keep providing value, and eventually, you’ll start to see results.
3. Don’t be pushy. No one likes a hard sell. Instead of asking for a link outright, focus on building a genuine relationship. The links will come naturally.
Step 3: Focus on User Experience
Remember, no-follow links are often used to enhance the user experience. If you can create content that’s genuinely helpful, publishers are more likely to link to you—even if it’s no-follow.
Think about it: if your content is so good that it adds value to their site, why wouldn’t they link to it?
So, focus on creating content that’s informative, engaging, and valuable. If you can do that, the links will follow.
Step 4: Test and Measure
Once you’ve got some no-follow links in place, it’s time to test and measure their impact.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Track your rankings. Use a tool like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to track your rankings for the keywords you’re targeting. Are you seeing any improvements?
2. Monitor your traffic. Are you getting more traffic to the pages with the no-follow links? If so, that’s a good sign that the links are working.
3. Look for changes in the SERPs. Are you seeing any changes in the search results? For example, are new sections—like video or image carousels—appearing for your keywords?
If you’re seeing positive results, that’s a good sign that your no-follow links are working. If not, it might be time to tweak your strategy.
Step 5: Keep Experimenting
SEO is all about experimentation. What works for one site might not work for another. So, don’t be afraid to try new things.
For example, you could try getting no-follow links from different types of pages—like forums, blogs, or news sites. Or, you could experiment with different anchor texts to see what works best.
The key is to keep testing and learning. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about what works—and what doesn’t.
Real-Life Examples of No-Follow Links in Action
Let’s take a look at a few real-life examples of how no-follow links can make a difference.
Example 1: The Forum Post
In one of my tests, I added a no-follow link to a forum post that was already ranking well and getting a lot of traffic. The result? The page I linked to didn’t rank, but the YouTube video on that page did.
Before the link, there were no YouTube videos in the search results. After the link? Boom. There it was, sitting in the video section.
That no-follow link literally reshaped the search results. It created a whole new section and put my video in it.
Example 2: The Forbes Article
Another example is a no-follow link from a Forbes article. Even though the link was no-follow, it was coming from a page that was ranking well and getting a lot of traffic.
The result? The page I linked to saw a noticeable increase in traffic and rankings.
These examples show that no-follow links can be powerful—if they’re coming from the right pages.
FAQs About No-Follow Links
I know this is a lot to take in, so let’s address some common questions about no-follow links.
1. Do no-follow links help with SEO?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. If the no-follow link is on a page that’s ranking well and getting traffic, it can pass value and help with rankings.
2. Should I focus on no-follow links?
Not exclusively. While no-follow links can be valuable, they should be part of a broader link-building strategy that includes followed links as well.
3. How do I know if a no-follow link is valuable?
Look at the page the link is on. Is it ranking well? Is it getting traffic? If so, the link is likely valuable.
4. Can no-follow links hurt my SEO?
No, no-follow links won’t hurt your SEO. At worst, they’ll have no impact. At best, they can give you a boost.
5. How do I get no-follow links from high-traffic pages?
Build relationships with publishers, offer value, and create content that’s genuinely helpful. If you can do that, you’re more likely to get links—even if they’re no-follow.
6. Should I no-follow my own links?
It depends. If you’re linking to a site you don’t fully trust, it might be a good idea to no-follow the link. Otherwise, there’s no need.
7. Can no-follow links drive traffic?
Yes, if the page with the link is getting traffic, the link can drive traffic to your site.
8. How do I track the impact of no-follow links?
Use tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to track your rankings and traffic. Look for changes in the SERPs, like new sections appearing for your keywords.
Final Thoughts
No-follow links might not be the SEO powerhouse that followed links are, but they’re far from useless. If you can get them from high-traffic, high-ranking pages, they can give your site a real boost.
So, don’t write them off. Instead, start thinking about how you can use them to your advantage. Because in the world of SEO, every link counts.
Test Your Knowledge: No-Follow Links Quiz
Think you’ve got a handle on no-follow links and their impact on SEO? Take this quick quiz to find out! Answer the questions below, submit your responses, and see how well you’ve mastered the concepts from this article.
How did you do? Whether you aced it or need a refresher, no-follow links are a fascinating part of SEO 2.0. Keep experimenting, keep testing, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in SEO!