Website security and user experience are huge factors in SEO success, and implementing noopener is one simple way to improve both. The rel=”noopener” attribute, used alongside target=”_blank”, is a quick fix to prevent security issues when users open links in new tabs.
But that’s not all – it also boosts your site’s performance and trustworthiness, which can give your SEO rankings a nice little boost too.
Ready to learn more? Great timing! This GetFound guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of implementing noopener, so your site stays secure and in line with the best SEO practices.
Why Implement Noopener?
Before diving into how to implement noopener, it’s essential to understand its benefits:
- Prevents Security Risks
When you use target=”_blank”, the newly opened tab can access the original page through the window.opener property.
This creates a vulnerability where malicious actors could manipulate the original page, potentially redirecting users or injecting harmful content. Adding rel=”noopener” disables this property, protecting your website and users.
- Enhances User Experience
By isolating new tabs, you ensure a smooth and secure browsing experience, which is vital for user engagement and retention.
- Supports SEO Goals
Search engines prioritize secure, user-friendly websites. While not a direct ranking factor, choosing to implement noopener signals to search engines that you follow modern web standards, indirectly boosting your credibility and rankings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement Noopener
1. Identify Links That Need Noopener
To implement noopener, start by identifying all the links on your website that use target=”_blank”. These links open in new tabs and are the ones most vulnerable to the window.opener issue.
- External Links
Links to external websites are the most common use case for target=”_blank” and require rel=”noopener”.
- Internal Links
While less common, internal links that open in new tabs can also benefit from noopener for added security.
Performing an audit of your website’s links ensures you don’t miss any opportunities to implement noopener effectively.
2. Add Noopener Manually in HTML
To implement noopener manually, simply add the rel=”noopener” attribute to your HTML code. This small change ensures that links open in new tabs securely.
For example, a link before adding the attribute might look like this: <a href=”https://example.com” target=”_blank”>Visit Example</a>.
After adding the rel=”noopener” attribute, it becomes: <a href=”https://example.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Visit Example</a>.
This small adjustment isolates the new tab from the original page, which improves both security and performance.
3. Use Noopener in Combination with Noreferrer
In some cases, you might also want to add rel=”noreferrer” along with rel=”noopener”. The noreferrer attribute prevents the new tab from knowing the URL of the referring page.
While not always necessary, combining these attributes provides an additional layer of privacy and security.
4. Leverage Plugins for CMS Platforms
If your website runs on a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, you can implement noopener automatically using plugins or extensions.
- For WordPress
Plugins like Yoast SEO or External Links automatically add rel=”noopener” to all links with target=”_blank”. These plugins save time and ensure consistent implementation across your site.
- For Other CMS Platforms
Look for extensions or modules designed for link management that allow you to set noopener attributes site-wide.
Using plugins is especially useful for larger websites with many links, as manual implementation can be time-consuming.
5. Automate Noopener with JavaScript
For developers who prefer a programmatic approach, JavaScript offers an efficient way to implement noopener across all links dynamically. By using a simple script, you can add the rel=”noopener” attribute to every link with target=”_blank”.
This method is particularly useful for large-scale websites or when you need a quick solution without manually editing each link. It automates the process, ensuring that all external links are secure and consistent across your site.
Also Read: Follow These 8 Steps to Make Your Sitemap SEO-Friendly!
6. Test Your Implementation
Once you implement noopener, it’s crucial to test your links to ensure they function as intended.
- Manual Testing
Click on links to confirm they open in new tabs without any issues.
- Browser Developer Tools
Inspect your links using browser dev tools to verify the rel=”noopener” attribute is present.
- SEO and Security Tools
Tools like Google Lighthouse or Ahrefs can identify links missing the noopener attribute and flag them for correction.
Testing ensures that your implementation is complete and effective.
Best Practices for Implementing Noopener
To maximize the benefits of noopener, follow these best practices:
- Apply to All External Links
Any link to an external website should have rel=”noopener” for security.
- Maintain Internal Links Separately
While not always necessary, adding noopener to internal links with target=”_blank” can improve overall site security.
- Monitor Changes
Regularly audit your site to ensure new links include rel=”noopener”, especially after content updates.
Need Help Implementing Noopener? Look No Further Than GetFound!
Learning how to add noopener to your website is a must for webmasters and SEO pros. It’s a simple move that boosts your site’s security, keeps user data safe, and makes browsing smoother for everyone.
You can add it by hand, use plugins, or even automate the process with JavaScript, whatever works best for you. The effort is minimal, but the rewards? Huge!
Need help along the way? No worries! Just reach out to GetFound, and we’ll guide you through it with ease.
