Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks: What are the Major Differences and Which one to Choose?

Backlinks play a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO), acting as signals that point search engines to your site’s relevance and authority. However, not all backlinks are created equal. Some backlinks directly influence your rankings, while others serve different purposes.

These two types are known as dofollow and nofollow backlinks. Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks is key to crafting an effective link-building strategy.

In this blog, we’ll break down what is dofollow and nofollow backlinks, explore their benefits, and explain what is the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks to help you make the most of your SEO efforts.

What are Dofollow Backlinks?

Dofollow backlinks are standard links that pass on link equity (also known as “link juice”) to the linked website. These links are essential for boosting your site’s domain authority and improving its rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs).

For example, if a high-authority website links to your blog post with a dofollow backlink, search engines recognize this as a vote of confidence, which can positively impact your rankings.

What are Nofollow Backlinks?

Nofollow backlinks, on the other hand, include a specific HTML attribute (rel=”nofollow”) that tells search engines not to pass link equity to the linked site. While these links don’t directly influence your site’s rankings, they still have value, such as driving traffic and building brand awareness.

For example, comments or links on forums often use the nofollow attribute to prevent spam and manipulation of rankings.

Dofollow vs. Nofollow Backlinks: The Key Differences

To understand the backlink dofollow or nofollow debate, let’s break down the distinctions between the two in the table below:

Aspect	Dofollow Backlinks	Nofollow Backlinks
Definition	Dofollow backlinks are standard links that pass link equity (often called “link juice”) from the linking site to the linked site.	Nofollow backlinks contain the rel=”nofollow” attribute, signaling search engines not to pass link equity to the linked site.
Impact on SEO	Directly influences search engine rankings by passing authority from the linking domain to the linked domain.	Does not directly affect search rankings since link equity is not transferred, but it can still indirectly benefit SEO by driving traffic and improving engagement metrics.
Purpose	Helps improve a site’s authority, trustworthiness, and ranking potential in search engine results pages (SERPs).	Prevents manipulation of SEO rankings and protects the linking site’s reputation by signaling that the link should not be used to influence search engine rankings.
How Search Engines Treat Them	Search engines like Google follow these links and transfer ranking signals (e.g., PageRank) to the linked site, positively impacting its SEO performance.	Search engines do not follow these links for ranking purposes, but they may still crawl them for context or indexing.
Example in HTML	<a href=”https://example.com”>Visit Example</a>	<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Example</a>
Common Use Cases	Linking to trusted, relevant sources in articles. Earning backlinks through guest posts or partnerships. Gaining authority through organic link-building.	User-generated content like blog comments or forum posts. Sponsored or paid links to comply with Google’s guidelines. Links to unverified or external sources.
Impact on Referral Traffic	Increases referral traffic by directing users to your site, especially if the backlink is from a high-authority, high-traffic source.	It can also generate referral traffic by encouraging users to visit your site, even though it doesn’t pass ranking signals.
Risk of Penalty	If manipulated or spammed excessively, it can lead to penalties, as Google discourages unnatural link-building practices.	Minimal risk of penalty, as these links are usually added to reduce spam and align with Google’s guidelines.
Ideal for	Improving domain authority, boosting SERP rankings, and gaining more visibility for competitive keywords.	Driving traffic, building brand exposure, and avoiding penalties in cases of paid or user-generated links.

When to Use Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks?

Dofollow Backlinks

Dofollow backlinks are essential when you want to boost your SEO and build your website’s authority. Use them in the following situations:

• Linking to Reliable Sources: When you reference high-quality, trusted websites in your content, use dofollow links to share link equity. For example, if you cite a research study or statistics from a reputable site, a dofollow link adds value to your content while boosting its authority.
• Guest Posts: When you contribute articles to other websites, aim for dofollow links to pass authority back to your site. This strengthens your backlink profile and helps improve rankings.
• Building Partnerships: Use dofollow links in collaborations with other businesses or blogs, where both parties benefit from increased visibility and authority.

Nofollow Backlinks

Nofollow backlinks are useful for maintaining SEO integrity and avoiding penalties from Google. Here’s when to use them:

• Sponsored Content: If you’ve been paid for a link placement, it’s essential to use a nofollow link to comply with Google’s guidelines and avoid being flagged for unnatural link-building.
• Unverified or User-Generated Content: Links in comments, forums, or user-submitted content should be nofollow to prevent spam and protect your site’s reputation.
• External Resources: If you link to a page but don’t want to pass link equity (e.g., untrusted or low-quality sites), use a nofollow attribute to avoid association.

Benefits of Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks

Both dofollow and nofollow backlinks play important roles in building a strong backlink profile. While dofollow links directly boost your SEO by passing link equity, nofollow links support your strategy by driving traffic, improving brand visibility, and ensuring a natural-looking link profile. Together, they create a balanced and effective approach to link building.

Dofollow Backlinks

• Improves SEO Rankings: Dofollow backlinks pass link equity, helping search engines understand your site’s authority and relevance. This boosts your position on search engine results pages (SERPs).
• Enhances Domain Authority: Links from high-authority sites can increase your domain authority, signaling to search engines that your site is credible and trustworthy.
• Drives Organic Traffic: A strong dofollow link profile helps improve your rankings, leading to more organic traffic and greater visibility.

Nofollow Backlinks

• Increases Referral Traffic: While they don’t pass link equity, nofollow backlinks can still drive traffic from external sources. For instance, a link in a popular forum or social media post can bring targeted visitors to your site.
• Builds Brand Awareness: Nofollow links on high-traffic platforms expose your brand to a broader audience, helping you establish a presence in your industry.
• Prevents Spam and Penalties: Using nofollow links in user-generated or paid content protects your site from being flagged by search engines for manipulative link-building practices.

By combining both types of backlinks, you can create a well-rounded strategy that boosts your SEO while maintaining compliance with search engine guidelines.

Common Misconceptions About Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks

Clearing up these misconceptions helps you make smarter decisions about your link-building strategy. When used correctly, both dofollow and nofollow backlinks can work together to drive traffic, improve visibility, and build a strong, natural backlink profile.

1. “Nofollow Links Don’t Help SEO at All”

While nofollow backlinks don’t pass link equity, they can still provide significant indirect benefits. For instance, links on forums, social media, or high-traffic websites can drive referral traffic, improve engagement, and increase brand exposure. These are all positive signals that can indirectly benefit your SEO efforts.

2. “All Backlinks Should Be Dofollow”

It’s a mistake to think all links should be dofollow. A natural backlink profile includes a mix of both dofollow and nofollow links. If all your backlinks are dofollow, it may look suspicious to search engines, potentially leading to penalties.

3. “Nofollow Links Are Useless for Building Authority”

Nofollow links may not directly contribute to domain authority, but they can help you build trust and establish connections within your niche. For example, a nofollow link on a respected industry blog can still enhance your reputation and attract relevant traffic.

4. “Dofollow Backlinks Are Always Beneficial”

While dofollow backlinks are essential for SEO, their quality matters more than quantity. A single dofollow backlink from a reputable site is far more valuable than multiple links from low-quality or spammy sites. Low-quality dofollow links can actually harm your rankings, so focus on earning links from trusted sources.

By understanding these misconceptions, you can create a more effective backlink strategy that leverages the strengths of both dofollow and nofollow links.

How to Check If a Backlink Is Dofollow or Nofollow?

To see if a link is dofollow or nofollow, inspect the HTML code of the page:

• Right-click the link and select “Inspect” or “View Page Source.”
• Look for rel=”nofollow” in the code. If it’s absent, the link is dofollow.

Alternatively, use SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze your backlink profile and identify both types of links.

How to Build a Balanced Backlink Profile

Creating a balanced backlink profile is essential for maintaining healthy SEO performance and avoiding penalties from search engines. A natural backlink profile includes a mix of dofollow and nofollow links from diverse and reputable sources. Here’s how you can achieve this balance:

1. Diversify Your Backlink Sources

Relying on links from a single type of website (e.g., blogs only) can raise red flags with search engines. Aim to build links from a variety of sources such as blogs, forums, news websites, directories, and social media platforms. For example, you could secure a dofollow link from a guest post on an industry blog and a nofollow link from a popular forum discussion.

2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

A single high-quality backlink from a trusted source is more valuable than dozens of low-quality links. Seek out opportunities to earn links from authoritative websites in your niche. For instance, backlinks from recognized news outlets, academic websites, or well-established blogs carry more weight and are less likely to hurt your rankings.

3. Earn Links Naturally Through Great Content

Create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that others will want to link to. Examples include detailed guides, original research, infographics, and unique case studies. When your content provides value, other websites and bloggers are more likely to link to it naturally, helping you build dofollow and nofollow backlinks organically.

4. Leverage Guest Blogging

Guest blogging is a great way to secure high-quality dofollow backlinks while also expanding your reach to a new audience. Contribute articles to reputable websites in your niche and include relevant links to your own content. Ensure your guest posts add value and follow the host site’s guidelines to avoid appearing spammy.

5. Participate in Relevant Communities

Engage in forums, Q&A platforms, and social media communities where your audience is active. Add meaningful contributions to discussions and link back to your site only when it’s relevant. While these links are often nofollow, they can still drive referral traffic and enhance your brand visibility.

6. Fix Broken Links

Identify broken links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement. This technique, known as broken link building, is a win-win for both parties—the site owner gets a functional link, and you earn a valuable backlink. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you find broken links in your niche.

7. Monitor Your Backlink Profile Regularly

Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Moz to track your backlinks and ensure your profile remains healthy. Regularly check for spammy or irrelevant links that could harm your SEO and use Google’s disavow tool if necessary.

8. Avoid Over-Optimizing Anchor Text

Anchor text diversity is critical for a natural backlink profile. Overusing the same exact-match keywords in your backlinks can make your profile look manipulative. Instead, use a mix of branded, generic, and long-tail keywords to keep it balanced.

9. Build Relationships with Influencers and Bloggers

Networking with industry influencers and bloggers can open doors to natural link-building opportunities. Collaborate on content, exchange ideas, or co-author articles that can lead to high-quality backlinks from trusted sources.

10. Balance Dofollow and Nofollow Links

A natural backlink profile includes both dofollow and nofollow links. While dofollow links are essential for passing link equity, nofollow links contribute to traffic and brand visibility. For example, a dofollow backlink from a guest post paired with a nofollow link from a social media discussion creates a balanced and authentic profile.

By diversifying your link sources, prioritizing quality, and following ethical practices, you can build a balanced backlink profile that supports sustainable SEO growth and keeps your site in Google’s good graces.

Find the Right Freelance Backlink Expert on KonKer

KonKer is an excellent platform for hiring skilled freelance backlink experts to enhance your website’s SEO. Whether you need help with dofollow backlink strategies, guest posting, or auditing your link profile, KonKer connects you with professionals who specialize in these services. To find the best match, use the platform’s filters to search for experts experienced in your niche.

Check freelancer profiles, ratings, and reviews to gauge their reliability and skills. Always request a portfolio or samples of previous work to ensure they follow ethical practices. When hiring, be clear about your goals—whether it’s building authority through dofollow links or improving traffic with a mix of backlinks.

KonKer’s user-friendly system makes it easy to compare pricing and services, helping you choose the right expert to execute your link-building strategy effectively and achieve better search engine rankings.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks is essential for building an effective SEO strategy. Both types have their unique roles—dofollow backlinks boost your site’s authority and rankings, while nofollow backlinks drive traffic and improve visibility.

The key is to maintain a balanced mix of dofollow and nofollow backlinks to create a natural, trustworthy link profile. By leveraging both strategically, you can strengthen your site’s SEO and achieve long-term success in search engine rankings. Whether it’s backlink dofollow or nofollow, every link has its purpose—use them wisely!