Target: blank. Does it make an SEO difference?

[wearehappymedia]

I've notice many sites MOZ included no longer use the target: blank attribute. I think that's what it's called. Basically when a link on your site opens a new tab in the browser as opposed to replacing the browser window you are in.  Given that MOZ think of everything, I would love to hear opinions on this.

[Bryan_Loconto]

From a UX perspective: This allows the visitor to refer to the linked page/info but be able to continue on with the article/page from your site.

From an SEO perspective, IMO This helps your bounce rate from jumping when people engage the links you have on your site.

Check out this previous Q&A posted by our buddy Max Minzer! Hope this helps with your question!!

http://moz.com/community/q/when-is-it-good-to-use-target-_blank

[Highland]

There really isn't any practical difference. Here's the raw HTML so you can see

[Your Link Here](some url) OR Your Link Here

vs

[Your Link Here](some url)

Google's bot will parse the URL and note it as a link.

[AndersS]

Hi!

I don't think this is really SEO-related, but more about user experience. It has been more and more common to let the user decide what is supposed to be happening when clicking links, not making the decissions for her/him.

My 2 cents

Anders