If I mention a client in a blogpost about SEO, do I have to use a rel= no follow link?

[aj613]

I do SEO and webstuff (obviously, that's why I'm here).  I want to write a blog post congratulating my client for getting to #1 in the local listings for a search for "plumber".  When I include my link to my client's site, should it be rel=no follow?  Could they be penalized if I don't?

Thanks,
Adam

[dkeipper]

I'd say it depends on what current external links they have and what your domain authority looks like.  If you've got a great domain authority, you will definitely help him out.  If the client has no or very few external links, it would help them for you to endorse their services.  I don't think they would be penalized for the link.  It's legitimate and not spammy.

[Andy.Drinkwater]

If you just want to congratulate them Adam, then yes, the sensible thing to do is add a nofollow to the link. The alternative would be to form the link as their URL or say at the end "Click here to visit their site". Something that isn't a money keyphrase or that isn't looked upon as an obvious attempt at trying to provide a spammy link.

-Andy

[anthonydnelson]

Did they pay your directly to place the link on your site? No.

Go right ahead and link to them with a followed link. People link to business partners, suppliers, vendors, etc all of the time. That's as natural as it gets. Your companies are connected offline as well as online. As others had mentioned, I'd still play it safe and link to them with their company name, not some KW rich anchor.

[Gavo]

Would second the answers of all responses here, particularly Anthony's.

At the the end of the day, a do-follow link will not hurt your client's site, especially done for reasons such as yours. If that were the case, a lot of sites would be in trouble... as too Google's system.

[aj613]

Thanks everyone!

I really appreciate all of the feedback.