Backlinks are one of the most talked-about topics in SEO. But if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between dofollow vs nofollow backlinks, you’re not alone. These two little attributes can make a big difference in how Google views your site and how much authority you earn.
The good news? You don’t need to be a technical SEO to understand them. In this guide, I’ll break down what each type of backlink is, why it matters, and how to use both strategically. We’ll also compare them side by side so you know exactly where each one fits into your SEO playbook.
What Is a Dofollow Backlink?
A dofollow backlink is the default type of link on the web. Unless told otherwise, all links are dofollow.
- What it does: Passes authority (a.k.a. link juice) from the referring site to yours.
- Why it matters: These links help your site rank higher in search engines.
- Code example:
<a href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example</a>
Nothing extra here. That’s a dofollow link by default.
Think of dofollow links as a public endorsement. If a respected site links to you, Google sees it as a strong vote of confidence.
What Is a Nofollow Backlink?
A nofollow backlink includes a small attribute in its code that tells search engines not to pass authority.
- What it does: Doesn’t transfer link juice directly.
- Why it matters: Still drives traffic, builds awareness, and balances your backlink profile.
- Code example:
<a href="https://www.example.com" rel="nofollow">Visit Example</a>
That rel="nofollow" is what makes the difference.
Think of nofollow links as mentions without endorsements. Someone’s pointing your way, but they’re not vouching for you in Google’s eyes.
Dofollow vs Nofollow: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how they differ:
| Feature | Dofollow Backlinks | Nofollow Backlinks |
|---|---|---|
| Passes SEO Authority? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (not directly) |
| Helps Rankings? | ✅ Strongly | ❌ Not directly |
| Referral Traffic? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best Use | Building authority, improving rankings | Driving traffic, diversifying backlink profile |
| Code Attribute | None (default) | rel="nofollow" |
| Examples | Guest posts, editorial mentions, resource pages | Blog comments, social media links, paid ads |
Why Both Are Important
You might be tempted to only chase dofollow links. After all, they’re the ones that boost rankings. But here’s the thing—Google expects a mix of both.
- Dofollow links → build authority and help you rank.
- Nofollow links → create balance, bring referral traffic, and make your backlink profile look natural.
Case in point: A nofollow link from The New York Times won’t pass much link juice, but the exposure could bring thousands of visitors. That’s value you don’t want to ignore.
How to Earn Dofollow Backlinks
Building strong dofollow links takes strategy. Here’s what works:
- Guest Posting
Write high-quality posts for niche sites. Add a contextual backlink that naturally points to your content. - Create Link-Worthy Content
Publish data studies, guides, or tools people want to reference. - Broken Link Building
Find broken links on authority sites, then pitch your content as a replacement. - Digital PR
Share unique stories or insights with journalists to earn editorial mentions.
How to Use Nofollow Backlinks
While they don’t pass direct SEO authority, nofollows are still valuable. Here’s how:
- Social Media: Links from LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube are nofollow, but they build brand visibility.
- Community Engagement: Quora, Reddit, and forum posts can send targeted referral traffic.
- Sponsored Content: Always mark paid or promotional links as nofollow (or
rel="sponsored") to stay compliant.
Pro tip: Since 2019, Google treats nofollow links as “hints.” That means sometimes they may still influence rankings indirectly.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: dofollow links boost your rankings, nofollow links boost your reach. Both matter.
Don’t waste time obsessing over just one type. Instead, focus on building great content, earning natural mentions, and keeping your link profile balanced. Over time, this approach will pay off with stronger rankings, steady traffic, and greater brand authority.
FAQs
Do nofollow links help SEO?
Not directly. But they bring traffic and may serve as hints to Google.
Should I avoid nofollow links?
No. A healthy backlink profile needs both.
What’s the ideal ratio?
There’s no exact formula, but many experts suggest 70–90% dofollow and 10–30% nofollow looks natural.
How do I check if a link is nofollow?
Right-click, inspect the code, and look for rel="nofollow". If it’s missing, it’s dofollow.
Do social media links count as backlinks?
Yes, but they’re usually nofollow. They still drive visibility and engagement.
