no-follow refers to a method used to tell search engines not to follow a particular link, implying that the hyperlink should not influence the link target's ranking in the search engine's index.
Example: A B2B company might engage in a partnership where they exchange articles with another business for mutual promotion. If one of the companies decides to use a no-follow link when linking back to the other company's website, this means the link provided will not contribute to the partner’s website search engine ranking. This approach can be used to retain link equity within one's own site or when linking to external sites without endorsing them in terms of SEO.
Understanding no-follow helps businesses strategically manage their online presence, ensuring they make informed decisions about linking practices that align with their SEO goals.