Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks: What’s the Difference and Why It Counts
What Are Dofollow Backlinks? If you have been learning about SEO, you have probably heard the terms dofollow and nofollow tossed around. Backlinks are the backbone of off-page SEO, but not all backlinks carry the same weight. Some links pass authority and boost your rankings, while others are treated differently by search engines.
Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks is crucial if you want to build a strong link-building strategy. In this guide, we will break down what dofollow backlinks are, how they compare with nofollow, and why both types matter for your SEO success.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
A dofollow backlink is the standard type of link that passes authority from one site to another. When a trusted website links to you with a dofollow link, search engines treat it as a vote of confidence. That vote, often called “link equity” or “PageRank,” helps improve your rankings in search results.
Technically, there is no special “dofollow” attribute in HTML. A regular link without any additional tags is automatically dofollow. For example:
<a href=”https://example.com”>Example Website</a>
This link would be treated as dofollow, meaning it passes ranking value.
What Are Nofollow Backlinks?
A nofollow backlink is a link with a specific attribute added to its HTML code:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example Website</a>
When search engines see the rel=”nofollow” tag, they understand that the linking site does not want to pass authority to the destination site. Nofollow links were originally introduced by Google to combat spam, especially in blog comments and forums, where users would drop links just to get SEO benefits.
Websites often use nofollow links in user-generated content, sponsored posts, or paid advertisements, where passing link equity might not be appropriate.
Dofollow vs Nofollow: The Key Differences
At first glance, both types of backlinks look the same to users. They are clickable and can drive traffic. The difference lies in how search engines treat them.
- Dofollow backlinks: Pass SEO authority, improve rankings, and strengthen your site’s authority.
- Nofollow backlinks: Do not pass link equity directly, but still bring referral traffic and help diversify your backlink profile.
For SEO purposes, dofollow links are more powerful, but that does not mean nofollow links are useless. A healthy backlink profile usually contains a mix of both.
Why Dofollow Backlinks Matter for SEO
Search engines view dofollow backlinks as signals of trust. If many reputable websites point to your content, it tells Google that your page is valuable and authoritative. This can result in higher rankings, more visibility, and more traffic.
Dofollow backlinks are also one of the strongest SEO ranking factors. They are part of what sets apart top-ranking sites from those buried on page two. Beyond rankings, they also bring targeted referral traffic. If you get a dofollow backlink from a site with an engaged audience, those readers are more likely to click through and explore your content.
How to Identify Dofollow and Nofollow Links
If you want to see whether a link is dofollow or nofollow, you can inspect the HTML code of the page. Right-click on the link, select “Inspect,” and look at the code. If you see rel=”nofollow” or related attributes like rel=”sponsored” or rel=”ugc,” the link is not passing authority.
If you prefer easier methods, SEO tools and browser extensions can do this for you. Plugins like MozBar or Ahrefs SEO Toolbar highlight dofollow and nofollow links so you can check at a glance.
How to Build High-Quality Dofollow Backlinks
Getting dofollow backlinks takes effort, but there are proven strategies that work:
Guest Posting
Write valuable articles for trusted sites in your niche. Most will allow you to include a dofollow backlink in your bio or within the content.
Skyscraper Technique
Find content in your industry that has many backlinks, create a better and more detailed version, and reach out to the sites linking to the original.
Resource Page Link Building
Many sites have resource pages that list helpful guides and tools. Pitch your content as a useful addition to these lists.
Digital PR
Create newsworthy studies, surveys, or unique content that journalists and media outlets want to cite. Media backlinks are usually dofollow and carry high authority.
Competitor Backlink Analysis
Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to see where your competitors are getting backlinks. Reach out to the same sources with better content or offers.
The key is to focus on quality and relevance. A few strong dofollow backlinks from trusted sites will do far more for your SEO than dozens of weak ones.
Are Nofollow Links Useless?
Not at all. While nofollow links do not pass authority directly, they still provide value. They can bring referral traffic, increase brand visibility, and drive engagement. In some cases, nofollow links from high-traffic sites can bring in more visitors than dofollow links from low-traffic sites.
Nofollow links also help keep your backlink profile natural. If every single link to your site is dofollow, it may look suspicious to search engines. A healthy mix of both types is usually a sign of organic growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Dofollow Backlinks
Many beginners make errors when chasing dofollow backlinks. One mistake is buying links from low-quality sites. Paid links from spammy directories or link farms can harm your SEO instead of helping it.
Another mistake is over-optimizing anchor text. If too many dofollow links use the same exact keyword, Google may flag it as unnatural. Anchor text should be diverse and natural.
Finally, some site owners ignore nofollow links completely, focusing only on dofollow. This can make your backlink profile look forced. Remember, nofollow links still have value and should not be dismissed.
How Many Dofollow Backlinks Do You Need?
There is no fixed number of dofollow backlinks that guarantees rankings. The right number depends on your niche, your competitors, and the quality of the links you earn.
For example, a local business site may only need a handful of strong dofollow backlinks from local directories and blogs to rank well. On the other hand, a competitive e-commerce site may need hundreds of high-authority links to compete nationally or globally.
Quality and relevance always matter more than raw numbers. A single backlink from an authoritative site in your industry can outweigh dozens of weak backlinks from unrelated sites.
Final Thoughts
Dofollow backlinks are the backbone of SEO success. They pass authority, improve rankings, and bring valuable referral traffic. While nofollow links have their place, focusing on building strong, relevant dofollow backlinks will have the biggest impact on your SEO.
The best strategies involve creating valuable content, building relationships, and earning links from trusted sources. Avoid shortcuts like buying low-quality links, and always aim for a natural, balanced backlink profile.
If you want expert help building high-quality backlinks, Click Typhoon’s SEO in Calgary services can give your site the advantage it needs. Our team specializes in backlink audits, competitor analysis, and link-building strategies that deliver real results. Get in touch today and start building backlinks that count.
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