Should I Implement ‘Nofollow’ for External JavaScript Links?

2 responses to “Is adding ‘nofollow’ to external JS links to official websites necessary?”

1. When dealing with external JavaScript libraries that include links to their official website, it’s important to consider the implications of these links on your website’s SEO strategy. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide whether to use nofollow or create a local copy of the JavaScript library:

   Understanding ‘Nofollow’

   The nofollow attribute is used to instruct search engines that a hyperlink should not influence the ranking of the link’s target in the search engine’s index. Here are some considerations:

   1. SEO Impact:

      • By default, links to external sites from your pages could potentially pass “link juice” or authority, which generally aids in improving their site ranking.
      • Excessive external linking may dilute your site’s authority, particularly if the links are not relevant, as your resources are extensive (400,000 URLs).

   2. Use of nofollow:

      • Adding rel="nofollow" to these links will prevent search engines from passing authority to the Acme website via these links.
      • Consider using nofollow if these links do not provide value to your users or site, or if preserving your website’s authority is a priority.

   Considerations for Local Copy

   1. Performance and Control:

      • Hosting a local copy can improve performance by slightly reducing the dependency on external servers and possibly reducing page load times, depending on current caching and CDN status.
      • You will have more control over link attributes and the possibility of customizing the library if necessary.

   2. Maintenance and Updates:

      • Regular maintenance is needed to ensure your local copy is updated for security patches or performance improvements provided by the library developers.
      • If the library is relatively infrequently updated, maintaining a local copy might be manageable.

   Recommendations

   1. Using Nofollow:
   2. Add rel="nofollow" to the link if you decide to keep using the external library. This will avoid passing authority from your pages to the linked site.

   3. Example: <a href="http://acmewebsite.com" title="My wonderful JS library" rel="nofollow">Acme</a>

   4. Creating Local Copy:

   5. Consider copying the JavaScript library to your server only if you’re confident in managing updates and keeping the library current.

   6. Monitoring:

   7. Implement a mechanism to periodically review and compare the local library’s version against the most recent one to ensure you update it timely.

   4

   Reply

2. Your post raises a thought-provoking question about the need to implement `nofollow` attributes for external JavaScript links, particularly when integrating third-party libraries. It’s essential to recognize that search engines interpret `nofollow` tags as a signal to not pass link equity, which can be crucial if you’re concerned about your own site’s performance in search rankings.

   However, before deciding to host a local copy of the JavaScript library and adding `nofollow`, consider the potential benefits of the external link. For instance, linking to an official website can add credibility to your content, especially if the library has good authority in your niche. This can indirectly enhance your SEO by associating your site with reputable sources.

   If you choose to host the library locally, weighing the trade-off between link equity and user experience is vital. If users visit your page seeking information about the library or its developer, a visible link could improve user engagement. Additionally, consider that many reputable sites do not apply `nofollow` to their external JavaScript links and may have the same considerations regarding link equity.

   In short, it may not be necessary to add `nofollow`, especially if the external link can provide value to your users. Ultimately, focus on a balanced approach that prioritizes both user experience and your site’s SEO goals. Engaging your audience while maintaining a healthy link profile can often lead to the best results. What are your thoughts on the impact this might have on user engagement?

   Reply