Dofollow vs nofollow backlinks means understanding whether a link is a normal link or a link marked with a nofollow attribute. This matters for SEO because link attributes can affect how search engines interpret backlinks, but backlink quality, relevance, and referral traffic still matter.
In this guide, you will learn the difference between dofollow backlinks and nofollow backlinks, when each one matters, and what beginners should prioritize.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are normal links from one website to another. In simple terms, they are follow links that search engines can crawl and may use as ranking signals.
A normal link does not need a special rel=”dofollow” attribute. Google explains that regular links do not require a rel value, while specific attributes are used when you need to qualify the relationship between pages.
Example:
<a href=”https://example.com”>SEO guide</a>
For beginners, dofollow backlinks are often seen as valuable because they may pass link authority. However, the value still depends on backlink quality, topical relevance, anchor text, and the page linking to you.
What Are Nofollow Backlinks?
Nofollow backlinks are links marked with the rel=”nofollow” attribute. This tells search engines that the linking site does not want to fully endorse the linked page.
Example:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>SEO guide</a>
Google says nofollow can be used when you want to link to a page but do not want to imply endorsement. Therefore, nofollow links are common in comments, some forums, user profiles, and links that a publisher does not want to vouch for.
However, nofollow backlinks are not automatically useless. They can still send referral traffic, build brand visibility, and help create a more natural backlink profile.
Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks: Main Differences
Dofollow vs nofollow backlinks are different mainly because of their link attributes. A dofollow link is a normal link, while a nofollow link includes a rel=”nofollow” tag.
| Factor | Dofollow backlinks | Nofollow backlinks |
| HTML attribute | No special rel needed | Uses rel=”nofollow” |
| SEO signal | May pass stronger ranking signals | Treated as a hint |
| Referral traffic | Can send traffic | Can also send traffic |
| Common use | Editorial backlinks, citations, natural links | Comments, untrusted links, some platforms |
| Main value | Link equity and authority | Traffic, visibility, and trust signals |
Google also says nofollow, sponsored, and ugc are treated as hints about which links to consider or exclude in Search. Because of this, beginners should not think of these attributes as a simple “full SEO value” or “zero SEO value” switch.
Are Nofollow Backlinks Good for SEO?
Nofollow backlinks can still be useful for SEO, but not always in the same way as dofollow backlinks. They may not be the strongest source of link equity, but they can support traffic and discovery.
For example, a nofollow link from a relevant industry forum may bring qualified visitors. In contrast, a dofollow backlink from a spammy, unrelated site may bring risk instead of value.
Nofollow links can help with:
- referral traffic
- brand awareness
- content distribution
- audience discovery
- natural backlink profile growth
- future relationship opportunities
- visibility from high-traffic platforms
Therefore, do not reject a link only because it is nofollow. Instead, check whether the link is relevant, useful, and likely to send real visitors.
When Should Links Be Nofollow, Sponsored, or UGC?
Link attributes help explain the relationship between your page and the page you link to. This is important when you create outbound links on your own website.
Google recommends using rel=”sponsored” for ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, or paid placements. It recommends rel=”ugc” for user-generated content, such as comments and forum posts. Meanwhile, rel=”nofollow” can be used when you do not want to imply endorsement.
| Attribute | Best use case |
| No attribute | Normal editorial links you trust |
| rel=”nofollow” | Links you do not want to endorse |
| rel=”sponsored” | Paid links, ads, sponsorships, affiliate links |
| rel=”ugc” | Comments, forums, and user-generated content |
This matters because paid links that pass ranking signals can become a problem. Google’s spam policies warn against link spam, including links intended to manipulate rankings.
Which Is Better: Dofollow or Nofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow vs nofollow backlinks is not about choosing one and ignoring the other. Dofollow backlinks can be stronger for SEO when they come from relevant, trusted, editorial pages.
However, nofollow backlinks can still help if they bring traffic and visibility. A natural backlink profile often includes both dofollow links and nofollow links.
Beginners should prioritize backlink quality over the attribute alone. A good backlink should come from a relevant page, use natural anchor text, and help real readers.
How to Evaluate Backlink Quality
Backlink quality matters more than simply collecting website backlinks. Before you celebrate any link, review the page and website carefully.
Use this checklist:
- Is the website relevant to your niche?
- Is the linking page useful and indexed?
- Does the link help readers?
- Is the anchor text natural?
- Can the link send referral traffic?
- Does the site look trustworthy?
- Is the link part of a spam pattern?
- Are there too many unrelated external links?
For example, an editorial backlink from a niche blog may be better than a random high-authority link from an unrelated site. In addition, a nofollow link from a strong community can still be valuable if it sends useful visitors.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Many beginners chase only dofollow backlinks. However, this can lead to poor link building decisions.
Avoid these mistakes:
- thinking nofollow backlinks are worthless
- buying dofollow backlinks from spammy sites
- ignoring referral traffic
- using exact-match anchor text too often
- rejecting strong brand mentions because they are nofollow
- forgetting sponsored and UGC attributes
- judging SEO backlinks only by link authority
- ignoring topical relevance and link quality
Instead, build a backlink profile that looks natural. Focus on useful content, real relationships, editorial backlinks, and links that make sense for readers.
FAQs About Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks
What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are normal links that search engines may use as ranking signals. Nofollow backlinks use rel=”nofollow” to show that the linking site does not want to fully endorse the linked page.
Do nofollow backlinks help SEO?
Yes, nofollow backlinks can still help through referral traffic, brand visibility, content discovery, and a natural backlink profile. However, they may not work like normal editorial dofollow backlinks.
Are dofollow backlinks better than nofollow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are often stronger for link authority when they come from relevant and trusted websites. However, a high-quality nofollow link can still be better than a spammy dofollow link.
How do I check if a backlink is nofollow?
You can inspect the page source, use your browser’s inspect tool, or check the backlink in SEO tools. Look for rel=”nofollow” in the link HTML.
Should paid backlinks be nofollow?
Paid links, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and ads should be qualified properly, usually with rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”. This helps avoid sending the wrong signal to search engines.
Can nofollow links bring traffic?
Yes, nofollow links can bring referral traffic when they appear on relevant pages with real readers. For example, a nofollow link from a useful forum answer can still send visitors to your website.
Conclusion
Dofollow vs nofollow backlinks is an important beginner SEO topic, but the answer is not “dofollow good, nofollow bad.” Dofollow backlinks can support ranking signals, while nofollow backlinks can still support referral traffic, visibility, and a natural link profile.
For better link building, focus on backlink quality, relevance, anchor text, and user value before worrying about the attribute alone. Then, use nofollow, sponsored, and ugc correctly when you control outbound links on your own site.
Want help reviewing your backlink profile or understanding dofollow vs nofollow backlinks? Join the Scale Xpert community here.
