Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks: Key Differences Explained
When you search for something on Google, the results you see at the top aren’t there by accident. Behind the scenes, search engines rely on hundreds of signals to decide which pages deserve to rank higher. One of the most important signals is backlinks.
Think of backlinks as recommendations. When one website links to another, it’s like saying, “I trust this content, and you should too.” But here’s the catch—not all recommendations carry the same weight. Some links directly boost your site’s authority, while others mainly help with visibility and traffic.
This is where the difference between dofollow links in SEO and nofollow links in SEO becomes important. Knowing how each works—and why both matter—can make or break your SEO strategy.
In this guide, we’ll break down dofollow and nofollow backlinks in simple terms, explain how they affect rankings, and show you how to build a balanced strategy that actually works in 2025.
What Are Backlinks in SEO?
A backlink, also known as an inbound link, is simply a hyperlink from one website to another. Backlinks are fundamental to SEO because search engines like Google use them as part of their ranking algorithms. When a reputable website links to your content, it sends a strong signal that your page is valuable.
Historically, backlinks were the foundation of Google’s PageRank algorithm, which treated links like academic citations. The more high-quality backlinks a page had, the more likely it was to rank higher in search results. While modern algorithms have become far more sophisticated, backlinks remain one of the strongest indicators of trust and authority.
However, with the growth of link manipulation and spammy tactics, Google introduced different link attributes to distinguish between types of backlinks. This is where dofollow and nofollow come into play.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are the default type of links in SEO. When another site links to your website without adding any special attributes, the link is automatically considered dofollow. This means search engines follow the link and count it as a vote of authority for the destination page.
Technical Breakdown
A standard dofollow link looks like this in HTML:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example Website</a>
The rel=”nofollow” attribute prevents the link from transferring PageRank.
Why Google Introduced Nofollow
Before nofollow existed, spammers would flood comment sections, forums, and blogs with links to manipulate rankings. Nofollow was created as a safeguard against such abuse.
Benefits of Nofollow Links in SEO
- Referral Traffic: They can still bring visitors to your website if placed on high-traffic sites.
- Brand Awareness: Being mentioned on reputable sites, even with nofollow links, boosts credibility.
- Diverse Link Profile: Having both dofollow and nofollow links makes your backlink profile look more natural.
Indirect SEO Value
Although nofollow links don’t directly transfer authority, they can still benefit SEO indirectly. For instance, if a nofollow link on a high-traffic site drives relevant visitors, some may share your content or link to it naturally, leading to new dofollow backlinks.
Key Differences Between Dofollow & Nofollow Backlinks
| Feature | Dofollow Links | Nofollow Links |
|---|---|---|
| HTML Attribute | Default (none) | rel=”nofollow” |
| Passes Authority | Yes | No |
| Helps Rankings | Yes | Indirectly |
| Common Use Cases | Editorial mentions, guest posts, PR | Social media, blog comments, sponsored posts |
| SEO Impact | Strong, direct | Indirect, supportive |
In essence, dofollow links directly impact SEO rankings, while nofollow links support your strategy by driving traffic, building brand visibility, and creating a healthy mix of backlinks.
Misconceptions About Dofollow & Nofollow Links
There are several myths surrounding backlinks that can mislead beginners. Let’s clear them up:
Myth 1: Nofollow links are useless.
This is false. While they don’t pass direct authority, they still contribute to traffic, branding, and link diversity.
Myth 2: Only dofollow links matter.
Not true. A backlink profile with only dofollow links looks suspicious and unnatural to search engines.
Myth 3: Nofollow links never influence SEO.
While they don’t pass PageRank directly, Google has stated that nofollow is now treated as a “hint” rather than a strict directive, meaning it can influence crawling and indexing decisions.
The Role of Dofollow & Nofollow Links in Modern SEO
Search algorithms in 2025 no longer look at backlinks in isolation. They consider context, relevance, user intent, and website authority. A natural mix of dofollow and nofollow links signals authenticity.
For example, if a website only has dofollow backlinks from low-quality sites, it raises red flags. In contrast, a site with both dofollow and nofollow links from diverse, reputable sources is more likely to rank well.
Case studies have shown that websites with balanced link profiles not only perform better in rankings but are also less prone to algorithmic penalties.
How to Build a Balanced Backlink Strategy
A sustainable backlink strategy requires focusing on both quality and diversity.
Earning Dofollow Backlinks
- Guest posting on authoritative sites.
- Publishing high-value content like case studies, research, and infographics.
- Digital PR campaigns that attract editorial mentions.
- Building relationships with industry influencers.
Gaining Valuable Nofollow Backlinks
- Active participation on platforms like Quora, Reddit, and LinkedIn.
- Getting cited in forums, communities, and resource directories.
- Leveraging blog comments (thoughtful contributions, not spam).
- Sponsored content with correct attributes.
Tools to Analyze Backlink Profiles
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Moz Link Explorer
- Google Search Console
Using these tools, you can monitor your ratio of dofollow to nofollow links and ensure your backlink profile remains healthy.
Advanced Insights: Beyond Dofollow & Nofollow
In recent years, Google introduced two more link attributes:
- rel=”sponsored” – for paid or sponsored content.
- rel=”ugc” – for user-generated content such as forum posts or comments.
These attributes give webmasters more precise ways to classify links, allowing search engines to better understand link intent.
As search continues to evolve with AI and EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), backlinks will increasingly be evaluated not just by their type but also by the credibility of the source, the expertise of the author, and the context of the content.
Conclusion
Both dofollow and nofollow backlinks are essential in today’s SEO landscape. Dofollow links pass authority and directly influence rankings, while nofollow links contribute indirectly by driving traffic, boosting brand visibility, and creating a balanced link profile.
Instead of chasing only dofollow links, smart SEO professionals build a diverse strategy that leverages both. By focusing on quality content, authentic relationships, and ethical link-building practices, you can achieve long-term SEO success.
If you’re ready to take your SEO efforts to the next level, consider expert guidance. Hire Core Web Vitals Consultants to ensure your technical foundation is strong and your backlink strategy is future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nofollow links don’t directly pass PageRank, but they can still contribute to SEO indirectly through traffic, brand visibility, and potential future dofollow mentions.
Not necessarily. While dofollow links directly impact rankings, nofollow links help create a natural backlink profile and can drive valuable referral traffic.
You can inspect the link’s HTML code or use SEO tools like Ahrefs or Moz to see the link type. Look for the rel=”nofollow” attribute to identify nofollow links.
Yes. Even without passing SEO authority, nofollow links can drive significant referral traffic if placed on high-traffic, relevant websites.
Absolutely. A natural mix of dofollow and nofollow backlinks shows search engines that your site earns links organically, reducing the risk of penalties and improving long-term SEO performance.