How Do Dofollow Links Work?
Dofollow vs Nofollow Links work differently and understanding that difference is important for SEO. A dofollow link transfers SEO value also known as link equity from one page to another. It tells search engines they can trust the linked page and follow the link.
The majority of the links on the internet are dofollow links. Unless a website owner adds a special tag every link counts as a dofollow link by default. That’s exactly why dofollow backlinks matter so much—they boost your backlink authority and help your site climb search rankings over time. When another site links to you without using the rel attribute Google treats it as a genuine recommendation. This passes link juice which can increase your page’s authority. The more high-quality dofollow backlinks you earn the stronger your ranking signals become.
Understanding Both Link Types
One of the most common examples of dofollow linking is when a blogger or forum mentions your article and links to it. Guest posts on good sites also frequently come with dofollow links – but only if they are not paid or for any reason Google does not consider to be in violation of its guidelines.
In PART 2 (What Are Nofollow Links + Types) you will learn about the Nofollow Links and their types.
What Is Nofollow Links?
A nofollow link is a specially coded link that prevents search engines from propagating juicy links. Owners of websites put rel=”nofollow” on the links that they do not wish to be counted towards their site’s ranking.
This attribute was first added to the protocol by Google several years ago as a way to combat spam and manipulative link schemes. To date the nofollow link is still very useful. They assist websites in abiding by the requirements for compliance and connect to sources that they cannot fully assure.
Types of Nofollow Attributes
Google currently recognizes three different tags for this purpose. Rel=”nofollow” works for general links you’d rather not endorse rel=”sponsored” is meant for paid placements or ads and rel=”ugc” applies to content created by users like blog comments or forum discussions.
Nofollow Link Examples
Nofollow tags are frequently encountered in comment references social media profiles and links on press releases. A common example is Wikipedia as almost every link that goes out from Wikipedia is the nofollow type.
Both backlink types
There is only one thing that is different between dofollow and nofollow links and that is link equity transfer. Dofollow links give you ranking power. In a traditional sense nofollow links do not convey that power although Google might use them as a suggestion.
Consider dofollow links as a solid handshake of trust. Nofollow links are much like a very courteous reference with no endorsement. Both play an important role in a healthy backlink profile and relying too much on just one type can come across as unnatural to search engines.
Let’s quickly compare dofollow and nofollow backlinks side by side.
When backlinks are dofollow they gain you immediate authority and gradually enhance PageRank signals. Nofollow backlinks contribute to your link building strategies and add diversity to the link. Backlinking with nofollow links increase brand visibility referrals and diversify your link building strategies. A natural backlink profile usually contains a healthy mix of both link types.
When Should You Use Nofollow Links?
Avoid using links when you don’t know the site that is being linked to. Use rel=”sponsored” on paid links rel=”ugc” for user comments and rel=”nofollow” for links on external sites that you don’t trust. This helps to prevent your webpage from being associated with spammy or bad quality web pages.
There are many site owners that think that nofollow links are not helpful to them in any way. Well not quite Despite the lack of link equity all three of these advantages are benefits of nofollow links: More Exposure More Website Traffic and More Brand Recognition.
There are two types of links to build: white hat and black hat. There are two types of links to build: white hat or black hat.
Quality white hat link building won’t shun nofollow links. Rather it incorporates attributes of links naturally and appropriately. Search engines will reward websites that link responsibly and won’t give every follow they can.
The Relevance of These Links to SEO Ranking
Dofollow links are more influential for your SEO ranking factors since they pass link juice. But nofollow links are still relevant. They help build a natural backlink profile and can help attract genuine traffic to your site.
Your link profile matters a lot for search engines and they don’t just pay attention to each and every link. Authenticity is signaled by a combination of internal links external links dofollow backlinks and nofollow backlinks. It is considered a dofollow site when it contains only dofollow links and generally these are perceived as “manipulated” or “artificially constructed”.
Build a Balanced Backlink Profile by Focusing on Quality Over Exact Numbers
Prioritize earning links from relevant authoritative websites in your niche. Don’t stress over getting a perfect ratio of dofollow to nofollow links. The real rule is simple: keep website authority relevance and reader value at the top of your priority list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nofollow Links Work No Longer?
No nofollow links definitely aren’t a waste of time. They still bring in referral traffic build brand recognition and give you a more natural-looking backlink profile — one that search engines trust more than a profile made up entirely of dofollow links.
Will Nofollow Links Still Boost My Rankings?
Yes indirectly. Nofollow links do not transfer link equity as they are used to in the past but Google has announced that it will be able to use them as ranking signals. They also help in driving traffic which can help in improving engagement metrics that help in SEOs.
How Do You Know If a Link Is Dofollow or Nofollow?
The easiest way to check is by right-clicking the link selecting “Inspect” and looking for a rel=”nofollow” tag. You can also use free browser extensions that automatically highlight dofollow and nofollow links on any webpage.
Should You Avoid Nofollow Backlinks When Building Links?
No you shouldn’t shy away from them. A natural backlink profile includes both link types. Relying only on dofollow backlinks can actually backfire over time and raise red flags with search engines.
Dofollow and nofollow backlinks : Which Is Better for SEO?
There’s no clear right or wrong answer here. Dofollow links pass more direct authority while nofollow links add diversity and trust signals to your profile.
Both types are part of the healthiest SEO strategy and are used in natural link building.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand how both link types work together you gain far more control over your SEO strategy. Dofollow links pass on valuable link equity while nofollow links help maintain balance and protect your website’s credibility.
Don’t pick one or the other try to have a balance of both. Stick to acquiring links from reputable and relevant websites and your backlink profile will improve each month.