Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks: What's the Difference?
Share
If you're building backlinks to improve your website's search rankings, you've probably come across the terms dofollow and nofollow backlinks. While both are hyperlinks that point to your website, they serve different purposes in SEO.
Understanding the difference between dofollow vs nofollow backlinks is essential for creating a healthy backlink profile and developing an effective link-building strategy.
In this guide, we'll explain what are dofollow backlinks, what nofollow backlinks are, how they affect SEO, and whether you should focus on one over the other.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
A dofollow backlink is a standard hyperlink that allows search engines to follow the link and pass authority (often referred to as "link equity" or "link juice") from one website to another.
When a trusted website links to your page with a dofollow link, it can help search engines understand that your content is valuable and authoritative.
Most links on the web are dofollow unless a specific attribute tells search engines otherwise.
What Is a Dofollow Backlink?
Simply put:
A dofollow backlink is a link that search engines can crawl and use as a ranking signal.
These backlinks are among the most valuable for SEO because they contribute to your website's authority and can improve search rankings over time.
What Are Nofollow Backlinks?
A nofollow backlink includes an HTML attribute that tells search engines not to treat the link as a traditional endorsement for ranking purposes.
Originally introduced to combat spam, nofollow links are commonly used for:
- Blog comments
- Forums
- Sponsored content
- User-generated content
- Paid advertisements
- Social media platforms
Although nofollow links may not pass authority in the same way as dofollow links, they can still provide significant value.
Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks
The primary difference lies in how search engines interpret the links.
| Dofollow Backlinks | Nofollow Backlinks |
|---|---|
| Pass SEO authority | Typically do not pass authority in the traditional sense |
| Help improve rankings | Primarily provide referral traffic and link diversity |
| Default type of hyperlink | Uses the rel="nofollow" attribute |
| Important for authority building | Important for maintaining a natural backlink profile |
Both types of backlinks play different roles in an effective SEO strategy.
Why Are Dofollow Backlinks Important?
Dofollow backlinks remain one of the strongest signals used by search engines when evaluating website authority.
Benefits include:
Improved Search Rankings
Quality dofollow backlinks help important pages rank for competitive keywords.
Increased Domain Authority
Backlinks from trusted websites strengthen your overall backlink profile.
Faster Content Discovery
Search engines can use backlinks to discover and crawl new pages more efficiently.
Greater Organic Visibility
Higher authority often leads to improved rankings and increased organic traffic.
Why Nofollow Backlinks Still Matter
Many beginners mistakenly believe nofollow links have no SEO value.
In reality, they offer several important benefits.
Referral Traffic
Visitors can click nofollow links just like any other hyperlink.
If the linking website has an engaged audience, these links can generate valuable traffic.
Brand Exposure
Mentions on popular websites—even with nofollow links—can increase visibility and brand recognition.
Natural Link Profile
A healthy backlink profile contains a mix of both dofollow and nofollow links.
Having only dofollow backlinks may appear unnatural.
Potential Future Opportunities
Nofollow mentions can lead to partnerships, media coverage, and additional editorial backlinks over time.
Which Backlinks Should You Focus On?
The answer isn't simply "dofollow."
The strongest backlink profiles contain a natural combination of:
- Dofollow backlinks
- Nofollow backlinks
- Editorial mentions
- Brand citations
- Relevant referring domains
Rather than chasing only dofollow links, focus on earning backlinks from authoritative, relevant websites.
A natural backlink profile is more sustainable than one built around a single link type.
How to Get Dofollow Backlinks
Here are some of the most effective white-hat strategies.
Guest Posting
Publish valuable articles on reputable industry websites.
Digital PR
Earn editorial mentions through original research, expert commentary, and newsworthy content.
Broken Link Building
Help website owners replace broken links with useful resources from your website.
Resource Page Outreach
Get featured on curated lists of recommended tools, resources, or educational content.
Linkable Assets
Create content people naturally want to reference, including:
- Statistics pages
- Industry research
- Free tools
- Templates
- Ultimate guides
Common Myths About Nofollow Backlinks
Let's clear up some common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Nofollow Links Have No Value
False.
They can generate referral traffic, improve brand visibility, and contribute to a natural backlink profile.
Myth 2: Only Dofollow Links Matter
False.
A website with only dofollow backlinks may appear unnatural.
Search engines expect a balanced backlink profile.
Myth 3: Every Link Should Be Dofollow
False.
Many trusted websites intentionally use nofollow attributes for comments, sponsored content, and user-generated links.
Myth 4: Nofollow Links Cannot Lead to SEO Benefits
False.
Nofollow links can indirectly support SEO by increasing exposure, attracting visitors, and creating opportunities for additional editorial backlinks.
Common Link Attributes
Besides dofollow and nofollow, search engines also recognize other link attributes.
Sponsored
Used for paid placements and advertisements.
UGC (User-Generated Content)
Applied to links created by users in comments, forums, or community discussions.
Using the appropriate attribute helps search engines better understand the nature of a hyperlink.
Best Practices for Building a Healthy Backlink Profile
To build sustainable SEO authority:
- Prioritize high-quality editorial backlinks.
- Earn links from relevant websites.
- Create valuable, link-worthy content.
- Diversify your referring domains.
- Maintain a natural mix of dofollow and nofollow backlinks.
- Avoid spammy link-building tactics.
- Monitor your backlink profile regularly.
Long-term SEO success depends more on backlink quality than quantity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding dofollow vs nofollow backlinks is an important step toward building a successful SEO strategy.
While dofollow backlinks remain valuable for improving rankings and authority, nofollow backlinks contribute to referral traffic, brand visibility, and a natural backlink profile.
Instead of focusing exclusively on one type of backlink, aim to earn high-quality links from relevant, trustworthy websites. A balanced backlink profile supported by valuable content and ethical link-building practices will deliver the strongest long-term SEO results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are dofollow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are standard hyperlinks that allow search engines to crawl the link and use it as a ranking signal, helping transfer authority from one website to another.
What are nofollow backlinks?
Nofollow backlinks contain a rel="nofollow" attribute that tells search engines not to treat the link as a traditional endorsement for ranking purposes.
What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks generally pass SEO authority and can influence rankings, while nofollow backlinks primarily provide referral traffic, brand exposure, and contribute to a natural backlink profile.
Are nofollow backlinks good for SEO?
Yes. Although they may not pass authority in the traditional sense, nofollow backlinks can generate referral traffic, improve visibility, and support a balanced backlink profile.
Should I only build dofollow backlinks?
No. A healthy SEO strategy includes both dofollow and nofollow backlinks from relevant, authoritative websites.
How can I get more dofollow backlinks?
You can earn dofollow backlinks through guest posting, digital PR, broken link building, resource page outreach, creating original research, and publishing valuable content that naturally attracts links.