Should I use nofollow on affiliate links?
What the tags do
A nofollow or sponsored attribute tells search engines not to pass ranking credit through that link. For affiliate links, the sponsored attribute is the most specific option. Many affiliate programs also require some form of these tags in their terms.
Using the tags is about clarity and following search engine guidelines. It does not stop readers from clicking, and it does not hide the link from people. It simply labels the link as a commercial relationship.
- Sponsored fits affiliate and paid links
- Nofollow is a broader option
- Check your program terms for required tags
How it fits with disclosure
Tags work alongside a clear disclosure, not in place of one. A short note near the top of a page tells readers that you may earn from links. The tag handles the search engine side of the same relationship.
Plugins can add tags automatically, but check the output. Some tools miss links that were pasted in by hand or added through shortcodes.
- Add tags to every affiliate link
- Pair tags with a visible disclosure
- Recheck links after editing old posts
Common mistakes
- Leaving affiliate links untagged and assuming a disclosure alone is enough.
- Tagging the links on one page but missing the ones added later through page builders.
- Assuming a plugin tags every link correctly without spot-checking the page source.
