U

BUSTED

Nofollow links have no SEO value

LINKS
MEDIUM Impact
INTERMEDIATE

The Myth

"Nofollow links provide zero SEO benefit."

The Truth

Nofollow links DO have value, though different from followed links. In 2019, Google changed nofollow to a 'hint' rather than directive—they may pass signals in some cases. Beyond that, nofollow links drive traffic, brand awareness, and can lead to followed links. A link from Wikipedia (nofollow) still sends authority signals and real visitors.

OFFICIAL

Google 2019 Announcement

Nofollow is now a hint. Google may choose to use these links for ranking purposes.

EXPERIMENT

Industry Observations

Sites with many high-quality nofollow links perform well.

D
Insight from @dejanseo

"A nofollow link from a major publication is still valuable. It sends traffic, builds brand recognition, and Google might count it anyway. Don't dismiss links just because of nofollow."