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Why use the <noindex> tag and the rel = "nofollow" attribute

Despite the fact that we mention the <noindex> tag and the rel = “nofollow” attribute within one article, they are completely different elements of the site page code and are accordingly used for various purposes. For which ones, read more in the text.

 

Tag <noindex>. Value and conditions of application

Tag <noindex> is a tag placed in the HTML code of the page that prohibits the bot of the Yandex search engine from indexing part of the text (concluded inside it). The noindex Yandex tag was introduced on its own initiative, which until today is shared by only Rambler.

Therefore, when using the noindex tag, Google will not pay attention to it.

If you need to prevent the link from indexing, noindex will not be able to help.


 
In this example, only the “SEO Courses” anchor will be closed from indexing, and the link itself will still be taken into account and the weight will be transferred to it.

By the way, the rel = “noindex” design that is quite common on the network is erroneous, since this is not an attribute, but a tag.

Another point to be prepared is by closing part of the text from the robot, <noindex> leads to the fact that site validation will contain many errors in the code. The reason is the same: among those who understand the noindex tag - Yandex and none of the essential search engines. In addition, this tag is not standardized.

But there is still a way out. In order to exclude errors associated with the use of this tag, there is a version of its writing, which suits absolutely everyone:


 
In this case, the tag will be recognized by Yandex, other search engines will not pay attention to it, and checking the code will not perceive it as an error.

Despite the clear benefits of using the noindex tag, Google never accepted it and did not create anything similar.

Speaking of benefits, here are a few specific situations in which this tag is irreplaceable (we do not forget, this is relevant only for Yandex):

  1.  When you need to hide non-unique textual content.
     
  2.  Close the codes of various counters from the eyes of search robots.
     
  3.  Remove text from indexing that changes too often and adding it to the index is meaningless.
     
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rel = "nofollow. An attribute that "works" with all search engines

In order to give the search engine robot an indication that you do not need to go over and transfer weight over the link, there is an attribute of the <a> rel = "nofollow" tag. It is a standardized element of HTML code and is perceived by absolutely all search engines.

Moreover, its use does not make the link invisible, but only indicates that it does not need to go over and index the page to which it points.

Usage example:


 
Using rel = "nofollow" allows you to:

  1.  Exclude weight transfer on a “bad” (from the point of view of search engines) or a non-thematic site so as not to “spoil” your reputation.
     
  2.  Influence on weight redistribution between the links on the page.
     
  3.  Manage the number of outgoing links to consider on the page.
     
  4.  Close links in comments, for which weight transfer is not expected.

Using the rel = “nofollow” attribute, it is important not to overdo it: if you constantly hide links with it, this can significantly affect the level of search engines trust in your site.

 

Where else are noindex and nofollow used

Also, noindex and its permanent nofollow satellite can be used in a completely different form - as the value of the content attribute in the composition meta tag robots. The latter, in turn, is used in the HTML code of the page to provide search bots with recommendations for indexing pages and clicking on the links placed on them.


 
The example given in the screenshot is interpreted as a desire not to index the contents of the page and not to analyze the links posted on it. Having a similar design in the body of the page code can be a possible reason why not indexed site.

 

Key findings

The use of one of the above elements (or both at once) depends on the conditions that are pursued (covering part of the text, link or the entire page when used with the meta-category robots).

If you need to hide a separate text from the Yandex robot, noindex will do it, but when the link closes, noindex will not help. In this case, select the rel = “nofollow” attribute that does not hide the link anchor.

Now that you have figured out the features of using <noindex> and rel = “nofollow”, do not forget to share this important information with those who may need it!