Second-tier PPC networks & nofollow link attributes?

[90miLLA]

Good day all,

By now most of us are familiar with using the "nofollow" attribute in paid-links. While I do understand this applies directly to paid blogging, how about second-tier PPC networks and second-tier advertising networks?

I was looking into the possibility of creating campaigns with adwords alternatives such as Adrolls, Buysellads, or any other good alternative. These services do not seem like they would place you banner with a nofollow attribute in your link. Would this cause a conflict with SEO best practice as far as paid-links is concerned?

Thank you for your help with this delicate process.

Carlos

[MickEdwards]

No matter the source a paid for is a paid for and must not be "followed" so link equity could pass through.

If you cannot append the no-follow attribute to those links then something like this is your answer - https://yoast.com/cloak-affiliate-links/

[Andy.Drinkwater]

As Michael said, "paid is paid" and must not be followed. Google has a nasty habit of finding these things out, so I really wouldn't risk it.

Best practice linkbuilding is all about ensuring there is a good reason for your link to exist. Outside of this, I personally wouldn't be comfortable with offering additional advice as this then starts to sit in a very grey area.

If you can't nofollow it, I would advise a service that does.

-Andy

[90miLLA]

Michael & Andy,

Thanks for verifying.

I read the Yoast article but am having some trouble understanding it. Would you guys provide some more detail on the best way to append a no-follow attribute to paid links coming from advertising networks?

Does anyone have any recommendation on an advertising network that facilitates this?

Regards,

Carlos

[MickEdwards]

Have a look at this - https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/66356?hl=en&rd=1

If you can't add the no-follow attribute to the ads then you need to use another mechanism as suggested:

• Redirecting the links to an intermediate page that is blocked from search engines with a robots.txt file

This is something you do your end.

[90miLLA]

Michael,

Can you provide some information on the "intermediate page"? Can the intermediate page be within the same domain or should it be a different domain altogether?

Regards,

Carlos