Should you avoid 'nofollow' attributes on your own sites?

Why does Google recommend regular links?

Google suggests using regular links between your own sites to enhance their natural SEO value. This means these links are treated organically.

By avoiding 'nofollow' attributes, you promote a more authentic link flow between your web properties.

• Regular links facilitate the passage of PageRank.
• The absence of 'nofollow' attributes signals trust.

  Are these links considered affiliate links?

  No, Google clearly distinguishes these links from affiliate links. This helps to consolidate your network of sites while maintaining a legal approach that respects Google’s guidelines.

  Using regular links avoids potential penalties associated with affiliations that may be misinterpreted.

Does this statement align with observed practices?

Yes, in general, using regular links reflects a policy of transparency and naturalness. Bypassing excessive attributes reduces unnecessary technical complexity in links between sites owned by the same entity.

What nuances should be considered?

Google has not clarified whether this recommendation applies to all sizes of sites or to sites with potentially conflicting content. This omission leaves a grey area that needs clarification; keep an eye on future guidelines.

What should be done practically?

Practically speaking, ensure that your similarly owned sites are linking to each other with regular links. Avoid the indiscriminate use of 'nofollow' attributes.

Changes should be made in your HTML files or through your CMS if that’s where your links are managed.

• Test the functionality of your links and check their indexing.
• Ensure no inappropriate attributes block your internal SEO.
  Thinking about a coherent integration of these links can be complex; consider the expertise of an SEO agency for effective strategic and operational support.