In today’s digital landscape, linking has become an essential SEO strategy. By using no-follow, do-follow, and sponsored links effectively, websites can improve their ranking, enhance authority, and maintain transparency with search engines like Google.
This guide will walk you through every step for adding these types of links in both Gutenberg and Classic WordPress editors, helping you take control of your website’s SEO value and credibility.
For visual learners, be sure to check out the video tutorial below to see these steps in action.
Watch the following video for visual instructions on adding no-follow, do-follow, and sponsored links in WordPress:
Before we dive into the process, let’s explore what each link type means, why they matter, and when to use each.
Understanding No-Follow, Do-Follow, and Sponsored Links
Each link type serves a unique purpose and impacts how search engines perceive your content. Knowing when to use them is critical to optimizing your site’s SEO and maintaining transparency in your link strategy.
No-Follow Links
A no-follow link tells search engines not to pass SEO authority (or “link juice”) to the target website. This can be helpful if you want to link to a site without endorsing it or if you are linking to an external resource that doesn’t directly benefit your own site’s authority.
“No-follow links provide SEO flexibility, helping websites link without losing authority.”
Do-Follow Links
Do-follow links, on the other hand, allow search engines to follow the link and transfer authority. These links contribute to the SEO ranking of the linked site, making them valuable for websites you trust or want to endorse.
Sponsored Links
When you’re paid to include a link, either through a sponsorship or an affiliate partnership, it should be marked as sponsored. This keeps your site compliant with Google’s transparency guidelines and helps search engines understand that the link is part of a paid or compensated promotion.
Why Link Attributes Matter for SEO
Adding the right link attributes enhances your website’s transparency with Google, fosters trust among readers, and ensures proper SEO management. Misusing link types, however, can lead to penalties and a loss of ranking authority, making it crucial to apply each attribute appropriately.
“Maintaining the correct link attributes isn’t just a Google guideline; it’s a trust-building tool.”
How to Add No-Follow, Do-Follow, and Sponsored Links in WordPress
Whether you’re using the Gutenberg editor or the Classic editor, the steps below will guide you through the process of assigning link attributes.
Adding Link Attributes in the Gutenberg Editor
- Open the Post Editor:
Go to your WordPress dashboard, select Posts > All Posts, and choose the post where you want to add the link. Open the post in Gutenberg by selecting Edit with Block Editor. - Create a Link:
Highlight the text you want to link and use the link icon to add a URL (e.g.,https://www.example.com). After typing the URL, press Enter to create the link. - Edit Link Options:
Click the link again and select Edit. You’ll see additional options for no-follow and sponsored link settings, but to access these, you’ll first need an SEO plugin like RankMath or Yoast. - Install an SEO Plugin (if needed):
From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, and search for either RankMath or Yoast SEO. Install and activate the plugin to enable link attribute options. - Set Link Attributes:
After installing the plugin, return to the link settings. In the Advanced tab, you’ll find options to mark the link as no-follow, sponsored, or to open in a new tab. Simply check the boxes as needed to set the correct attributes.
Adding Link Attributes in the Classic Editor
For those using the Classic editor, follow these steps to add no-follow, do-follow, and sponsored links.
- Open the Classic Editor:
Go to Posts > All Posts in your dashboard and open the post in the Classic editor. - Create a Link:
Highlight the text, click the link icon in the toolbar, and paste the URL. After entering the URL, click Apply or press Enter to add the link. - Access Link Settings:
Click the link again, select the Edit (pencil) icon, and choose Link Options (gear icon). Here, you’ll find the same advanced options as in Gutenberg: no-follow, sponsored, and open in a new tab. - Apply and Save:
Choose the attributes based on your link type and save your settings. After finalizing, click Save Draft and Preview to check your settings.
Ensuring SEO Success with Proper Link Usage
Applying the correct attributes to your links not only enhances SEO but builds trust with your readers and search engines. Regularly reviewing your link strategy and adjusting for new updates can ensure ongoing compliance and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Using no-follow, do-follow, and sponsored links in WordPress can significantly impact your site’s SEO, authority, and compliance with Google’s guidelines.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily manage these link types in both Gutenberg and Classic editors. For those seeking visual help, watch the video tutorial above for a step-by-step demonstration.
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