The noreferrer attribute is your go-to tool for keeping user privacy intact and boosting website security.
By blocking browsers from sharing referrer data, like session IDs, user activity, or private query parameters, it helps protect sensitive information effortlessly.
Thinking about adding noreferrer to your site? Great news! GetFound has put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you implement it seamlessly. Say hello to better privacy, stronger security, and long-term SEO wins!
Why Implement Noreferrer?
Before diving into the steps to implement noreferrer, it’s important to understand its key benefits:
- Protects Sensitive Data
Prevents the sharing of private user information or internal site URLs with external websites.
- Improves Security
Reduces the risk of data leakage and malicious exploitation.
- Builds User Trust
Demonstrates a commitment to user privacy, fostering loyalty and confidence.
- Supports Compliance
Helps align with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.
By learning how to implement noreferrer, you can create a safer and more privacy-focused browsing experience for your users while protecting your website’s reputation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement Noreferrer
1. Identify Where to Apply Noreferrer
The first step to implement noreferrer is determining which links need the attribute.
Focus on:
- External Websites
Hyperlinks leading to third-party sites, especially ones you don’t control or fully trust.
- Affiliate or Sponsored Content
Any paid or promotional URLs requiring privacy and compliance with advertising guidelines.
- Sensitive Data Exposure
URLs carrying query parameters, session IDs, or confidential information.
- User-Generated Content
Entries in comment sections, forums, or submissions from users.
A thorough audit of your site’s hyperlinks will help you pinpoint where noreferrer is most needed.
2. Add Noreferrer to Links
Once you’ve identified the relevant links, it’s time to implement noreferrer by modifying the HTML of the links.
- Basic Implementation
Add the rel=”noreferrer” attribute to your links. This ensures that referrer data is not shared with the destination website.
- Combine with Other Attributes
Pair noreferrer with noopener for added security. This combination not only hides referrer data but also prevents the linked page from accessing the original page’s context when opened in a new tab.
This combination ensures that the new tab cannot access the original page’s context while also hiding referrer data.
3. Use CMS Tools for Efficient Implementation
If your website is managed through a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, there are plugins and built-in tools to help you implement noreferrer efficiently:
- WordPress Plugins
Plugins such as Yoast SEO can automatically add the noreferrer attribute to external links. Simply configure the plugin settings to include noreferrer where needed.
- E-commerce Platforms
Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce often include SEO settings that allow you to control link attributes, including noreferrer.
Using these tools saves time and ensures consistency across your site.
4. Automate Noreferrer with JavaScript
Managing numerous links on larger websites can make manually adding the noreferrer attribute a daunting task. In such cases, automation through JavaScript can save time and effort. Use a simple script to dynamically add noreferrer to all external links on your site.
For example, you can create a script that scans for links opening in a new tab (those with a target=”_blank” attribute) and automatically applies the noreferrer attribute.
This approach is especially useful for large-scale websites or those with dynamically generated content, ensuring consistent application of the attribute without manual effort.
Also Read: 8 Reasons Why SEO-Friendly URLs Are More Important Than You Think
5. Test Your Implementation
After you implement noreferrer, it’s essential to test your links to ensure they function as expected:
- Browser Developer Tools
Right-click a link, select “Inspect,” and verify that rel=”noreferrer” appears in the HTML.
- Third-Party Tools
Use SEO tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to crawl your website and confirm that the noreferrer attribute has been applied where needed.
- Click Testing
Test your links to ensure they behave correctly and lead users to the intended destinations.
Regular testing ensures that your implementation is accurate and effective.
6. Monitor and Maintain Your Links
Once you’ve successfully added the noreferrer attribute, it’s important to maintain it over time:
- Regular Audits
Periodically review your site to identify new links that may require the noreferrer attribute.
- Update User-Generated Content
If your website allows user-submitted links, ensure they are automatically tagged with noreferrer to prevent data leaks.
- Monitor Changes in SEO Practices
Stay informed about updates to SEO guidelines or browser behavior that may affect how noreferrer is applied or interpreted.
Consistent maintenance ensures that your site remains secure and privacy-focused.
Best Practices for Implementing Noreferrer
To maximize the benefits of noreferrer, keep these best practices in mind:
- Prioritize High-Risk Links
Focus on links to external or untrusted sites that pose the greatest risk of data leakage.
- Combine with Noopener
Use noreferrer alongside noopener for enhanced security and privacy.
- Leverage Automation
For large websites, use plugins or scripts to streamline the implementation process.
- Educate Your Team
Ensure that all team members responsible for website updates understand the importance of noreferrer and how to apply it correctly.
Get in Touch with GetFound for a Personalized Digital Marketing Guide!
Gaining proficiency in implementing noreferrer is key for webmasters, developers, and SEO pros. This simple attribute helps protect user privacy, boost security, and keep your site in line with modern web standards by preventing referrer data from being shared with external sites.
Staying proactive with your implementation not only secures your website but also builds trust and credibility in today’s privacy-focused digital world. Need more SEO and digital marketing tips? Reach out to GetFound and let’s work together to get you climbing the SERPs!
