Why is it crucial to declare affiliate links correctly for SEO?

What attributes should you use for affiliate links?

Google explicitly recommends using the rel="sponsored" attribute for affiliate links. This helps the search engine understand the nature of the link better.

• Use rel="sponsored" for affiliations
• Create 'normal' links in terms of structure

  Why does Google insist on these practices?

  Google aims to maintain the integrity of its search platform. Undeclared affiliate links may be perceived as misleading. The engine wants to avoid potential abuses.

Is this statement consistent with observed practices?

Overall, yes. SEOs have observed that not adhering to these practices can negatively impact rankings. However, it's also noted that Google doesn't always systematically penalize sites that do not comply — even though it is recommended.

What nuances should be added?

While using rel="sponsored" is strongly advised, cases have shown that sites continue to be indexed well without it. However, this lack of compliance can pose long-term issues and affect credibility with Google.

What should be done concretely?

It is essential to review your affiliate links and ensure that they correctly use the rel="sponsored" attribute. A comprehensive SEO audit of your links can be beneficial.

• Identify all existing affiliate links
• Check and add the rel="sponsored" attribute as needed

  How can I check if my site is compliant?

  Use link analysis tools to scan your site. Browser plugins can also assist with this task.

  • Use a crawling tool to identify non-compliant links
  • Update links with the appropriate attribute
    These optimizations can be technical. Engaging a specialized SEO agency could ensure optimal and error-free implementation.