Bootstrap Search Engine Optimization

We don’t usually share information of this nature, but given the summer doldrums, we hope our readers appreciate a little spice to light their SEO efforts. 

Recently we discovered that a major online classified directory that allows free classifieds automatically adds the ‘rel no follow’ attribute to any hyperlinks?  It does this unbeknownst to posters, despite labeling itself as an open resource.  What is even less known is that there is an easy work around to this that allows you to conver the no follow to a do follow link.  

We won’t divulge the name of the resource here since the operators of the site might “fix” this oversight.  The resource in question allows postings (e.g., for services, selling homes, etc.) to remain online for a period of time, after which the postings are taken down but stored.  Users have the option to “repost” those listings for an additional period of time.  During the reposting process, you will see a screen where raw HTML code of the original posting is included.  In that screen, you can edit the code (unlike when you are creating a posting.  Notice that the hyperlinks have the rel no follow attribute included within them?

Simply delete the rel no follow attribute and proceed with the posting.  The new hyperlinks will be do follow links! 

Since we are not posting the actual identity of the site, be sure that you check the terms of service of any site to see if this is a violation.  Good luck!

Following is a list of forums with high pagerank that do not publish “rel no follow” tags (Visit our SEO Glossary to learn what rel no follow means).  Use with care – many have anti-spam policies regardless, so don’t go bananas and start posting millions of links.  Use best practices with link building via forums: post threads or replies that are truly helpful and contribute to the community. 

List courtesy of Arthemia.