In SEO, not all links are created equal. Links from other sites, known as backlinks, play a key role in how search engines evaluate a site’s credibility and relevance. But understanding the difference between dofollow vs. nofollow links can be the difference between a robust link-building strategy and one that lacks direction. This guide will explain the role of each link type, how they impact SEO, and when and why you should use them. You’ll also learn how to check for dofollow and nofollow links to understand what kinds of links point to your site.
What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links are standard links that allow search engines to follow the link and pass authority, often called “link juice,” from the source to the target site. This transfer of link equity strengthens the target site’s authority, helping it rank higher in search engine results.
Dofollow links are commonly used when the linking site wants to endorse or give credit to the target site. When authoritative sites link to yours with a dofollow link, search engines view it as a signal of trust, which positively influences your site’s rankings. Dofollow links are critical for SEO because they are direct indicators of quality content, and obtaining them is an effective way to improve domain authority and page rank.
Example of a Dofollow Link
The HTML code for a standard (dofollow) link looks like this:
<a href=”https://example.com”>Example Site</a>
Without the rel=”nofollow” attribute, this link automatically becomes a dofollow link, meaning it will pass authority to the linked page.
What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links contain the rel=”nofollow” attribute, which instructs search engines not to pass link equity to the target site. These links do not directly influence SEO rankings. However, they have other important roles. Nofollow links are commonly used in situations where the linking site doesn’t want to endorse the linked content or when links are generated by users or paid sponsors.
Example of a Nofollow Link
Here’s how a nofollow link appears in HTML:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example Site</a>
The rel=”nofollow” attribute prevents this link from passing SEO value, so it won’t directly influence the target page’s ranking.
Why Dofollow Links Matter for SEO
Dofollow links are valuable for a few key reasons:
- Higher Search Rankings: Dofollow links are a primary ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. When reputable sites link to yours, it signals that your content is trustworthy and valuable, which can lead to higher rankings.
- Enhanced Domain Authority: Dofollow links from authoritative websites boost your site’s domain authority. This authority increase can help all your pages rank better, not just the linked page.
- Improved Link Profile: High-quality dofollow links improve the quality of your link profile, which is an important part of any effective SEO strategy.
However, securing dofollow links requires strategic effort, as they’re often earned through high-quality content and organic outreach.
How Nofollow Links Support Your SEO Strategy
While nofollow links don’t directly influence search engine rankings, they have indirect SEO benefits:
- Increased Referral Traffic: Nofollow links placed on popular sites or social media platforms can drive significant referral traffic. This traffic helps your site gain visibility and engagement.
- Brand Awareness: Nofollow links contribute to brand awareness by exposing your site to new audiences. When users see your content referenced on multiple reputable sites, it builds trust.
- Link Diversity: A natural backlink profile includes a mix of dofollow and nofollow links. Having a diverse profile is beneficial because search engines may flag a site with too many dofollow links as manipulative.
In recent years, Google has shifted its perspective on nofollow links, now considering them as “hints” rather than definitive instructions. This means that, in some cases, Google may use these links as a positive signal, further emphasizing the need for a well-rounded link profile.
When to Use Dofollow Links vs. Nofollow Links
Choosing between nofollow vs. dofollow links depends on the context and purpose of each link. Here’s a quick guide on when to use each:
- Use Dofollow Links:
- When linking to credible, high-authority sites that add value to your content.
- In organic backlinks earned through valuable content or media mentions.
- For internal links, as they help transfer authority across your site.
- Use Nofollow Links:
- In sponsored content, affiliate links, or any paid placements to avoid Google penalties.
- For user-generated content, such as comments or forum links, where you don’t control link quality.
- On social media or third-party platforms where link quality varies.
The goal is to maintain a balanced link profile that appears natural and genuine. A healthy mix of both link types keeps your SEO strategy in line with best practices.
Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links: Key Differences and Similarities
Understanding the differences between these links is crucial for a balanced SEO approach:
| Attribute | Dofollow Links | Nofollow Links |
| Pass Link Equity | Yes | No |
| SEO Impact | Directly improves search rankings by transferring link juice | Indirectly supports SEO through referral traffic and visibility |
| Common Uses | Editorial links, organic backlinks | Paid links, comments, sponsored posts, user-generated content |
| HTML Code | <a href=”URL”>Link Text</a> | <a href=”URL” rel=”nofollow”>Link Text</a> |
While dofollow links are highly sought-after for direct SEO benefits, nofollow links help create a balanced, natural link profile, which Google’s algorithms favor.
The Role of UGC and Sponsored Links
Google also introduced two additional link attributes, UGC (User-Generated Content) and sponsored, to help webmasters classify links more accurately:
- UGC (User-Generated Content): Use this attribute for links created by users, such as in comments or forum posts.
Example: <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”ugc”>User Content Link</a>
- Sponsored Links: Use this attribute for links in paid or sponsored content.
Example: <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”sponsored”>Sponsored Content</a>
Using these attributes accurately can help search engines better understand the context of your links and support a transparent, SEO-friendly profile.
How to Check for Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Knowing how to identify dofollow and nofollow links is crucial for evaluating your link profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide on checking link types:
- Manually Inspect HTML Code
- Right-click on the link in your browser and select “Inspect” or “View Page Source.”
- Look at the HTML code. If you see rel=”nofollow” or rel=”ugc” or rel=”sponsored”, it’s a nofollow link. If there’s no attribute, it’s a dofollow link.
- Using Browser Extensions
- NoFollow Simple (Chrome Extension): This extension highlights nofollow links on a webpage, making it easy to spot them.
- Link Analyzer (Firefox Extension): This tool categorizes links on the page as dofollow or nofollow, making analysis quick.
- SEO Tools
- Ahrefs: Offers backlink analysis with details on dofollow and nofollow links, plus additional metrics on link authority.
- SEMrush: Provides in-depth backlink reports, allowing you to see the types of links pointing to your site.
- Moz Link Explorer: Analyzes your link profile and displays dofollow/nofollow status for each link.
Using these methods and tools helps you monitor and manage your link profile for better SEO performance.
Best Practices for a Balanced Link Profile
Here are some practical tips for creating a healthy, Google-friendly link profile:
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on obtaining high-quality, relevant dofollow links from trusted sites in your industry.
- Use Nofollow Links Where Appropriate: Always use nofollow or sponsored attributes for paid links to avoid Google penalties.
- Monitor and Audit Regularly: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to track new backlinks, check for spammy links, and maintain a balanced profile.
- Aim for Natural Link Diversity: A mix of dofollow and nofollow links from different sources (blogs, forums, directories) will make your link profile look natural.
- Engage in Organic Link-Building: Earn dofollow links through valuable content, guest posts, and collaborations, rather than relying on manipulative tactics.
In conclusion, dofollow vs. nofollow links each play essential roles in SEO. Dofollow links directly impact rankings by transferring link authority, while nofollow links contribute to a natural link profile and drive valuable referral traffic. A balanced approach using both link types will help you build a trustworthy and resilient link profile that supports long-term SEO success.
By following the strategies and best practices outlined here, you can optimize your link profile to improve search engine rankings, increase traffic, and build lasting authority in your niche.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do nofollow links help with SEO?
Yes, nofollow links contribute to SEO indirectly. They drive referral traffic, build brand awareness, and add to your link profile diversity, which is essential for a natural-looking link profile.
Q2: Are dofollow links always better than nofollow links?
Not necessarily. While dofollow links pass authority and improve rankings, a profile with only dofollow links can appear unnatural. Nofollow links are valuable for balance and indirect benefits like traffic.
Q3: Can nofollow links hurt my SEO?
Generally, no. Since nofollow links don’t pass link juice, they don’t harm SEO directly. Google doesn’t penalize sites for nofollow links from low-quality sources.
Q4: How do I know if a link is dofollow or nofollow?
You can inspect a link’s HTML code to see if it includes the rel=“nofollow” attribute. Additionally, tools like Ahrefs and Moz allow you to analyze the types of links pointing to your site.
Q5: Should I aim for a specific ratio of dofollow to nofollow links?
There’s no exact ratio, but a natural mix of both types is ideal. Prioritize high-quality dofollow links while using nofollow links in appropriate situations, such as sponsored content or user-generated links.