Backlinks are a foundational element of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but not all backlinks have the same impact. Two terms you’ll often encounter are dofollow and nofollow links.
Understanding the differences between these link types-and how to use them effectively-is crucial for building a solid SEO strategy, improving search rankings, and maintaining a natural backlink profile.
This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dofollow and nofollow links, their role in SEO, best practices, examples, tools to identify them, and frequently asked questions.
What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links are the standard type of hyperlink that search engines follow. When one website links to another using a dofollow link, it passes “link juice” or PageRank to the destination site. This process signals to search engines that the linked content is valuable and authoritative.
Key Features:
- Pass link equity
- Improve search engine rankings
- Considered an endorsement by the referring site
- Boost domain authority
Example (HTML):
<a href=”https://cleaningtactics.com/”>Visit Site</a>
In this example, no additional attributes are required. The link is dofollow by default.
What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links include a special attribute in the HTML: rel=”nofollow”. This tells search engines not to pass link equity or PageRank to the linked page.
Originally introduced by Google in 2005 to combat comment spam, nofollow links help prevent abuse and ensure better control over outbound link behavior.
Key Features:
- Do not (typically) pass link equity
- Do not help directly with SEO rankings
- Useful for untrusted, paid, or user-generated content
- Still valuable for driving referral traffic
Example (HTML):
<a href=”https://insiderhealthytactics.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Website</a>
Key Differences: Dofollow vs Nofollow Links
| Feature | Dofollow Link | Nofollow Link |
| SEO Benefit | Passes link equity (PageRank) | Typically does not pass link equity |
| HTML Attribute | None | rel=”nofollow” |
| Google’s View | Endorses linked content | Signals no endorsement |
| Use Cases | Editorial links, trusted sources | Sponsored content, user-generated content |
| Indexing | Crawled and indexed | May be ignored by crawlers |
| Traffic | Boosts SEO & traffic | Traffic only, limited SEO impact |
How Dofollow and Nofollow Links Affect SEO
🚀 Dofollow Links
Dofollow backlinks from authoritative sources are one of the most powerful ranking signals in Google’s algorithm. Here’s how they help:
- Improve page rankings in SERPs
- Increase site authority and trust
- Enhance crawlability by guiding search engines through relevant pages
🚫 Nofollow Links
Historically ignored by Google for ranking purposes, nofollow links have evolved:
- In 2019, Google announced it now treats nofollow links as “hints” rather than directives.
- They can help discover new content and may be considered for indexing or ranking, especially if the source is credible.
- Crucial for maintaining a natural link profile.
Want to know Zero-Click Searches: How to Get Visibility Without Clicks
When Should You Use Nofollow Links?
You should apply rel=”nofollow” in the following scenarios:
1. Untrusted Sources
If you’re linking to unknown or unverified content, using nofollow helps avoid associating your SEO value with potentially harmful sites.
2. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Comments, forums, or guest post contributions should use nofollow or rel=”ugc” to prevent abuse.
3. Sponsored or Paid Links
If the link is promotional, use rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow” to comply with Google’s guidelines and avoid penalties.
4. Affiliate Links
To remain transparent with Google, always nofollow affiliate and promotional URLs.
Example:
<a href=”https://affiliate.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Buy Now</a>
Learn here What Is Keyword Research and Why Is It Important for SEO?
Related Attributes: UGC and Sponsored
| Attribute | Use Case |
| rel=”ugc” | User-generated content such as comments or forums |
| rel=”sponsored” | Paid or affiliate links, clearly marking them as ads |
Example:
<a href=”https://forum.com” rel=”ugc”>Forum Comment</a>
<a href=”https://advertiser.com” rel=”sponsored”>Sponsored Ad</a>
How to Identify Dofollow and Nofollow Links
✅ Manual Method:
- Right-click the link → Select “Inspect” (browser dev tools)
- Check the HTML. If rel=”nofollow” exists → it’s nofollow. Otherwise, it’s dofollow.
🔍 SEO Tools:
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Moz
- Screaming Frog
These tools allow you to audit entire backlink profiles and filter links by type.
Best Practices for Link Building
🔹 Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
A few backlinks from authoritative sources carry more weight than dozens of low-quality ones.
🔹 Diversify Your Link Profile
A natural profile includes:
- Editorial dofollow links
- Nofollow links from forums, social media, directories
🔹 Ethical Outreach
Avoid black-hat tactics like link farms, excessive reciprocal linking, or buying links.
🔹 Leverage Referral Traffic
Nofollow links from popular platforms (Reddit, Quora, YouTube) can still generate massive traffic and leads.
🔹 Monitor and Disavow
Use Google Search Console or Ahrefs to monitor your backlinks and disavow spammy ones.
Examples
Dofollow Example:
<a href=”https://trustedsource.com/”>Read the full article</a>
Helps SEO by passing link equity.
Nofollow Example:
<a href=”https://randomforum.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Forum Post</a>
No ranking benefit, typically used for UGC.
Sponsored Link Example:
<a href=”https://sponsor.com/” rel=”sponsored”>Sponsored Link</a>
Complies with Google’s paid content policy.
FAQs
Q1: Can nofollow links help my SEO?
A: Not directly, but they help drive traffic and build a natural backlink profile. Google might count them in rankings if deemed valuable.
Q2: Should internal links be dofollow?
A: Yes. Internal links should be dofollow to aid crawlability and pass value across your website.
Q3: How do I check a link type on my site?
A: Use browser dev tools or an SEO plugin (e.g., Ahrefs SEO Toolbar) to inspect the HTML code.
Q4: Are nofollow links bad?
A: No. They help keep your backlink profile diverse and compliant. They’re useful for referral traffic and managing risk.
Q5: What’s the difference between nofollow, sponsored, and UGC?
A:
- rel=”nofollow” – General disclaimer
- rel=”sponsored” – For paid or promotional links
- rel=”ugc” – For user-generated content
Q6: Do social media links help SEO?
A: Directly, no (they’re mostly nofollow). Indirectly, yes-they increase brand visibility, traffic, and sharing.
Q7: Can Google still crawl nofollow links?
A: Yes. Since 2019, Google may choose to crawl and index nofollow links based on context and value.
Q8: How do nofollow links influence your SEO strategy?
A: Nofollow links don’t pass PageRank directly, but they help with traffic, brand visibility, and link profile diversity-important for SEO health.
Q9: How to check if a link is dofollow or nofollow-quick guide
A: Right-click → Inspect → look for rel=”nofollow”. If absent, it’s dofollow. Or use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or browser extensions.
Final Takeaways:
- ✅ Use dofollow for trusted editorial content
- ❌ Use nofollow for sponsored, UGC, and untrusted links
- 📈 Build a diverse, high-quality backlink profile
- 🧠 Stay updated with Google’s evolving link policies
In the long run, a well-rounded approach will enhance your website’s trustworthiness, visibility, and performance in search results.
