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Resolving 'Nofollow Attribute' Errors from the GDPR Cookie Compliance Plugin

10 threads Sep 16, 2025

Content

If you're using the GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin and a tool like Semrush is flagging thousands of links with a nofollow attribute, you're not alone. This is a common issue reported by users, where the plugin's 'Powered by' link is automatically assigned this attribute. This article explains why this happens and provides the most effective solutions to resolve the audit errors.

Why This Happens

The 'GDPR Cookie Compliance – Cookie Banner, Cookie Consent, Cookie Notice – CCPA, DSGVO, RGPD' plugin previously included a 'Powered by' link in its cookie banner that pointed to its WordPress.org page. For various technical and security reasons, this link was often output with a rel="nofollow" attribute. SEO audit tools like Semrush scan for this attribute on external links and flag them as a potential issue, as it can be an indicator of low-quality or sponsored content that shouldn't be followed by search engine crawlers.

How to Fix It

There are two primary methods to resolve this issue. The recommended and simplest solution is to remove the link entirely.

Solution 1: Remove the 'Powered by' Link via Plugin Settings (Recommended)

The most straightforward fix is to disable the branding text from within the plugin's settings. This is the solution often suggested by the 'GDPR Cookie Compliance' team.

  1. In your WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to GDPR Cookie Compliance > General Settings.
  2. Find the setting labeled "Powered by GDPR".
  3. Locate the "Default label" text field and delete any text that is in it, leaving it completely blank.
  4. Save your settings.

This action will remove the link from your cookie banner, which will consequently remove the nofollow attribute error from your site-wide audit.

Solution 2: Update the Plugin

Based on user reports and official responses, the plugin's development team has addressed this specific issue in newer versions. In one thread, a user was told: "We updated our plugin and removed 'no-follow' attribute. Please update our plugin used on your site to the latest version."

Ensure you are running the latest version of the plugin, as this may resolve the issue without requiring further action.

  1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins in your WordPress admin.
  2. Find "GDPR Cookie Compliance" in the list.
  3. If an update is available, you will see a notification. Click the "Update Now" link.

Conclusion

The nofollow attribute warnings are typically triggered by the plugin's branding link. By either updating to the latest version of the plugin or removing the link through the settings panel, you can quickly clear these errors from your next SEO audit. For most users, clearing the 'Default label' field in the General Settings tab is the fastest and most effective solution.

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