DoFollow vs. NoFollow Links – Which One Matters More for SEO?
Backlinks play an important role in SEO, but not all links are made the same. You must have heard of Dofollow and Nofollow links, but do you know how they affect your SEO? In this guide, we will break down the differences, SEO implications, and strategic use of these links.
1. What Are Dofollow Links?
A Dofollow link is a hyperlink that transmits link equity (or “link juice”) from one site to another. These links help to improve the site’s authority and search rankings.
Benefits of Dofollow Links:
- Boost SEO ranking by transferring authority.
- Help with indexing as search engines follow these links.
- Increase domain authority when obtained from high-authority sites.
- Drive referral traffic from authoritative sources.
🔍 Example of a Dofollow Link:
By default, all hyperlinks are Dofollow unless specified otherwise.
2. What Are Nofollow Links?
A Nofollow link instructs search engines not to pass link equity to the destination page. Google introduced this attribute to combat spammy link-building strategies.
❌ When to Use Nofollow Links:
- Paid or sponsored links (to comply with Google’s guidelines).
- User-generated content (UGC) (e.g., blog comments, forums).
- Links to low-quality or untrusted sites.
- Social media and press release links.
🔍 Example of a Nofollow Link:<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example</a>
This tells Google not to pass authority to the linked site.
3. Dofollow vs. Nofollow: Which Is More Important?
Both types of links are important in SEO, but Dofollow links are more valuable since they contribute to domain authority and rankings.
| Feature | Dofollow Link | Nofollow Link |
|---|---|---|
| Passes link juice? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Affects SEO ranking? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (directly) |
| Indexed by search engines? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (but no equity passed) |
| Best for backlink profile? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (for diversity) |
| Common Use Cases | Guest posts, natural backlinks, press reviews | Paid links, sponsored content, social media |
4. Correct Balance: Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Google values a natural and diverse backlink profile. Having too many Dofollow links can appear manipulative, so incorporating Nofollow links helps maintain an organic strategy.
🎯 Best Practices for a Healthy Link Profile:
- Earn high-quality Dofollow links from authoritative websites.
- Use Nofollow links for paid content, user-generated content, and untrusted sources.
- Avoid over-optimization – a natural mix of both types is ideal.
- Leverage Nofollow links for referral traffic and brand exposure.
5. Does a Nofollow Link Have SEO Value?
Even though Nofollow links do not pass link equity, they can still be valuable in indirect ways:
- Drive referral traffic from high-traffic websites.
- Build brand awareness (mentions from authority sites).
- Help Google index content and add credibility.
- Can be changed to Dofollow if a website updates its attributes.
Final Thoughts: Which Link Should You Prioritize?
For SEO success, focus on obtaining high-quality Dofollow links but don’t ignore Nofollow links. A balanced backlink profile looks natural to Google and enhances credibility.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Dofollow links help improve SEO rankings and domain authority.
✅ Nofollow links do not pass SEO value but still help with traffic and branding.
✅ A mix of both link types creates a natural backlink profile.
📢 What is your backlink strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
