When to use each rel value
| rel | Use for |
|---|---|
| sponsored | Ads, affiliate links, paid placements — Google requires it |
| ugc | Links in comments, forums and reviews |
| nofollow | Any link you do not vouch for |
| noopener | Added with target="_blank" so the new tab cannot control your page |
Normal editorial links need no rel attribute. Values can be combined, e.g. rel="sponsored nofollow".
Frequently asked questions
Do nofollow links help SEO?
Google treats them as hints and may still use them for discovery, but they pass little ranking value.
Are affiliate links required to be sponsored?
Yes, Google asks for sponsored (or nofollow) on paid and affiliate links.
Should every new-tab link have noopener?
Modern browsers apply it by default, but adding it is harmless and safer for old browsers.