Rel=sponsored and rel=ugc
A relatively new tool from Google is the introduction of rel=sponsored and rel=ugc. These link attributes contribute to a more transparent Internet. Another well-known attribute that helps improve loading time is rel=nofollow. Link attributes such as those of sponsored, ugc and nofollow are seen as clues by Google. As a result, Google pays better attention to these links on the website. The specific meanings of the three attributes are:
- Rel="sponsored": this is a paid link
- Rel="ugc": This link was posted by a forum member/visitor
- Rel="nofollow": Please do not follow this link
Initially, links with a nofollow attribute were not followed. Nowadays, it's a clue for Google. This is because links with a nofollow attribute were not getting the value they deserved. When they were links from the website owner himself, this is not a problem but this also meant that links from visitors were not followed by crawlers. This means that it is better to use noindex so that a link is not followed.
The 3 link attributes: ugc, nofollow and rel=sponsored
There is a difference between the rel=nofollow and rel=sponsored and rel=ugc attributes. The sponsored and ugc indicate why Google crawlers should index a link in a certain way. The rel=sponsored link type allows you to indicate that the link is a form of sponsorship, such as links linked to an affiliate program or advertisements. This allows Google to see whether the link is intended to earn something or to return the favor.
The rel=ugc link attribute stands for User Generated Content. This link type is so Google sees that the link is not placed by the website owner but by a user. Here you can think of comments by a visitor on the blog on your website. Ugc attributes are thus about the original content posted by users, including the links.
Should you apply your rel=sponsored right away?
Suppose you currently have dozens or hundreds of nofollow links, it doesn't mean you have to worry. In fact, you won't get a penalty right away because nofollow was applied to sponsored links. It is recommended to apply rel=ugc and rel=sponsored links to the new pages. The old pages can be left as they contain too much work to modify. Google itself will be able to quickly recognize what is spam and what is not. As long as you apply rel=ugc and rel=sponsored to the new pages, Google will index it positively.
