Dofollow VS Nofollow Backlinks: What’s the difference? Here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Dofollow Backlinks vs. Nofollow Backlinks
Dofollow backlinks pass link juice and directly impact a site’s search engine ranking, while nofollow backlinks do not pass link juice and have an indirect impact on rankings.
Both types of backlinks are essential for a balanced and natural backlink profile, with dofollow links contributing to search engine authority and nofollow links diversifying the profile and driving referral traffic.
What Is A Dofollow Backlink?
A dofollow backlink is a valuable treasure in the SEO realm. These are the links that pass “link juice” from the linking site to the linked site, which means they can help improve the search engine ranking of the linked site.
Search engines consider dofollow backlinks as votes of confidence and use them as signals to determine a site’s relevance and authority.
For example, if a high-authority site like Wikipedia links to your site with a dofollow backlink, search engines will interpret it as a positive signal, thus boosting your ranking.
What Is A Nofollow Backlink?
Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin – the nofollow backlink. A nofollow backlink is a link that has a specific HTML tag (rel=”nofollow”) that tells search engines not to pass any link juice to the linked site. In simpler terms, nofollow backlinks do not contribute to a site’s search engine ranking.
Nofollow backlinks were introduced by Google to combat link spam and improve the overall quality of the search results. This way, website owners can link to other sites without affecting their own or the other site’s search engine ranking.
Knowing When to Use a Nofollow Backlink
So, when should you use a nofollow backlink? The answer lies in the purpose and quality of the link. Generally, nofollow backlinks are used in situations where you don’t want to endorse the linked site or when linking to sites with questionable content.
Here are some instances where a nofollow backlink should be used:
- Affiliate links: If you’re promoting a product through an affiliate link, it’s a good idea to use a nofollow tag to avoid passing link juice and to stay in line with search engine guidelines.
- Sponsored links: When you’re paid to include a link on your site, use a nofollow tag to maintain the integrity of your site and the search engine results.
- User-generated content: Comments, forum posts, and other user-generated content may contain links to low-quality or spammy sites. By using nofollow tags, you can prevent these links from impacting your site’s SEO.
Debunking the Myth: Are Nofollow Links Bad?
Nofollow links have gotten a bad rap over the years, primarily because they don’t contribute directly to search engine rankings. However, it’s important to understand that nofollow links are not inherently bad.
In fact, having a diverse backlink profile with both dofollow and nofollow links can make your site appear more natural and trustworthy to search engines. Moreover, nofollow links can still drive valuable referral traffic to your site, increasing brand exposure and helping you achieve your marketing goals.
How to Tell if a Link is Dofollow?
Curious whether a link is dofollow or nofollow? The easiest way to find out is by inspecting the HTML code of the link. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Right-click on the link and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” from the context menu.
- Look for the “a” tag in the HTML code. If the tag contains the attribute rel=”nofollow”, it’s a nofollow link. If there’s no rel attribute or if it’s set to “dofollow”, the link is a dofollow link.
Difference Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dofollow Links | Nofollow Links |
|---|---|---|
| Link Juice | Passes | Does not pass |
| Impact on SEO | Direct impact | Indirect impact |
| Use Cases | Endorsement | Affiliate links, sponsored links, user-generated content |
| Search Engine Consideration | Considered for rankings | Not considered for rankings |
How Dofollow and Nofollow Links Impact SEO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links
As we’ve seen, dofollow links can directly improve a site’s search engine ranking by passing link juice, while nofollow links do not. However, this doesn’t mean that nofollow links have no value. They can still generate referral traffic and help diversify your backlink profile, which in turn can make your site appear more natural and trustworthy to search engines.
Do Nofollow Links Have Any SEO Value?
Yes, nofollow links do have indirect SEO value. Although they don’t contribute to search engine rankings directly, they can play a role in improving user experience, brand exposure, and driving referral traffic. These factors can contribute to better engagement metrics and, over time, positively impact your site’s SEO.
What Is PageRank and How Is it Affected By Dofollow Links?
PageRank is an algorithm used by Google to measure the importance of web pages based on the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to them. Dofollow links play a significant role in determining a page’s PageRank, as they pass link juice and help establish authority in the eyes of search engines.
A higher PageRank typically correlates with better search engine rankings, making dofollow links an essential component in any SEO strategy. However, keep in mind that PageRank is just one of many factors that Google considers when ranking web pages.
Should You Still Use Nofollow Links?
Absolutely! As mentioned earlier, nofollow links can help diversify your backlink profile, making your site appear more natural and trustworthy to search engines. They can also drive valuable referral traffic and support your overall marketing strategy. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a healthy mix of both dofollow and nofollow links in your backlink profile.
How You Can Effectively Build Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Here are some strategies to help you build a balanced mix of dofollow and nofollow links:
- Create high-quality content: Publishing valuable, unique, and engaging content is the most effective way to attract dofollow backlinks from authoritative sites naturally.
- Guest posting: Write guest articles for reputable websites in your niche to gain dofollow backlinks and increase your brand’s visibility.
- Leverage social media: Share your content on social media platforms to generate nofollow links and drive referral traffic.
- Engage in online communities: Participate in forums, Q&A sites, and blog comments to create nofollow links and establish your expertise in your industry.
- Use PR tactics: Reach out to journalists, influencers, and industry leaders to pitch your content or news and earn dofollow links from reputable sources.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively build a diverse backlink profile that includes both dofollow and nofollow links, ultimately improving your site’s SEO performance.
Uncovering the Mystery: How to Find Out Whether a Link is Nofollow
Check the HTML Code (Great for Single Links)
Inspecting the HTML code is a simple method for identifying whether a link is nofollow or dofollow. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the link and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” from the context menu.
- Look for the “a” tag in the HTML code. If the tag contains the attribute rel=”nofollow”, it’s a nofollow link. If there’s no rel attribute or if it’s set to “dofollow”, the link is a dofollow link.
SEO Extensions (Great for Outbound Links)
Browser extensions, such as SEOquake and MozBar, can help you quickly identify nofollow links on any web page. These extensions usually highlight nofollow links with a different color or icon, allowing you to easily differentiate between dofollow and nofollow outbound links.
Backlink Analysis Tools (Great for Inbound Links)
To analyze your site’s inbound links, use backlink analysis tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz’s Link Explorer. These tools can provide detailed information on your backlinks, including whether they are dofollow or nofollow.
A Closer Look: Types of Dofollow Links
- Editorial links: These are natural links earned when other sites mention and link to your content due to its quality and relevance.
- Guest post links: Dofollow links gained by contributing guest articles to other websites in your niche.
- Resource page links: Links from curated resource pages that list valuable content in a specific niche or topic.
- Business listings: Dofollow links from reputable business directories and listings.
- Outreach links: Links gained by reaching out to relevant websites and influencers to share your content or collaborate on projects.
Exploring the Types of Nofollow Links
- Social media links: Links from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest are typically nofollow.
- Blog comments: Links left in the comment section of blogs are often nofollow to prevent spam and maintain the quality of the site.
- Forum links: Links shared in forums like Reddit or Quora are usually nofollow to prevent spam and self-promotion.
- Affiliate links: Links used for affiliate marketing purposes should be nofollow to comply with search engine guidelines.
- Sponsored links: Links gained through paid promotions or sponsored content should be marked as nofollow to maintain the integrity of search engine results.
Best Ratio Between Nofollow and Dofollow Backlinks
There’s no universally agreed-upon ratio between nofollow and dofollow backlinks. However, it’s essential to maintain a natural and diverse backlink profile. A healthy mix of both types of links can make your site appear more trustworthy to search engines.
A good rule of thumb is to focus on earning high-quality dofollow links while also incorporating nofollow links as they arise naturally. This can vary depending on your niche, the type of content you create, and your overall marketing strategy.
Benefits of Nofollow Links
They May Serve as a Hint for Google
Although nofollow links don’t pass link juice, they can still be seen as a hint by Google. This means that search engines may still take them into consideration when assessing your site’s authority and relevance.
They Can Bring You Traffic
Nofollow links can drive valuable referral traffic to your site. This can lead to increased brand exposure, user engagement, and potential conversions.
They Diversify Your Link Profile
A diverse backlink profile with a mix of dofollow and nofollow links appears more natural and trustworthy to search engines. This can help improve your site’s overall SEO performance.
The History of the Nofollow Link
The nofollow link attribute was introduced by Google in 2005 as a way to combat link spam and improve the overall quality of search results. The goal was to give website owners a way to link to other sites without impacting their own or the linked site’s search engine ranking. Since then, nofollow links have become an essential component of SEO best practices.
How to Add Nofollow Links in WordPress
Adding nofollow links in WordPress is easy. Here’s how:
- While editing a post or page, click on the text where you want to insert a link.
- Click on the “Insert/edit link” button (it looks like a chain) in the WordPress editor toolbar.
- Paste the URL you want to link to in the “URL” field.
- Click on the gear icon (Link options) next to the “Apply” button.
- In the Link options popup, check the box labeled “Add rel=”nofollow” to link.”
- Click on the “Update” button to save the link.
The link you’ve added will now include the nofollow attribute, telling search engines not to pass link juice through that link.
An Example of a Nofollow Backlink
Suppose you have a blog post that includes an affiliate link to an online store. To comply with search engine guidelines and avoid potential penalties, you would mark this link as nofollow. The HTML code for a nofollow link would look like this:
<a href="https://www.example.com" rel="nofollow">Visit our affiliate partner</a>
This tells search engines not to pass link juice through the link, effectively making it a nofollow backlink.
Are Nofollow Links Bad?
Nofollow links are not inherently bad. They serve a purpose in maintaining a diverse and natural backlink profile and can bring valuable referral traffic to your site. They should be used in specific cases, such as affiliate links, sponsored content, or user-generated content, to comply with search engine guidelines and maintain the integrity of search results.
FAQs About Nofollow VS Dofollow
What is the difference between dofollow and backlinks?
Dofollow links pass link juice, directly impacting a site’s search engine ranking, while nofollow links do not pass link juice and have an indirect impact on search engine rankings.
What is a do follow link?
A dofollow link is a link that passes link juice, helping to improve a site’s search engine ranking and authority.
Do no follow links help SEO?
Nofollow links indirectly help SEO by diversifying your backlink profile, driving referral traffic, and improving user experience.
Why use a no follow link?
Nofollow links are used to comply with search engine guidelines and maintain the integrity of search results, especially in cases of affiliate links, sponsored content, or user-generated content.
What is the best method of backlinks?
The best method for backlinks is earning high-quality, natural dofollow links through valuable, unique, and engaging content, guest posting, and outreach efforts.
Can you list 3 types of backlinks?
Three types of backlinks are dofollow links, nofollow links, and UGC (user-generated content) links.
Do no follow links count as backlinks?
Yes, nofollow links count as backlinks, but they do not pass link juice and have an indirect impact on search engine rankings.
How to do SEO without backlinks?
You can focus on on-page SEO, including optimizing content, title tags, meta descriptions, and site structure, while also improving site speed, user experience, and mobile-friendliness.
Can backlinks hurt SEO?
Low-quality, spammy, or unnatural backlinks can hurt SEO and lead to penalties from search engines. It’s essential to maintain a high-quality, diverse backlink profile.
What is the benefit of no follow backlinks?
Nofollow backlinks diversify your link profile, drive referral traffic, and improve user experience, indirectly benefiting your site’s SEO performance.
Dofollow Vs Nofollow Backlinks: What’s the difference?
If you know a little about SEO, you are aware of search engines. Especially Google, consider the quality and quantity of backlinks to determine where to show your web page in search results.
Do-follow and no-follow links are the two types of backlinks out there. They tell the search engine two different things and each has a different impact on SEO.
So, what’s the difference between do-follow and no-follow links? How can you be sure you’re using do-follow and no-follow links properly on your website?
I will answer all these questions in this article.
What Is A Do-follow Backlink?
Ok, so what exactly is a do-follow Backlink?
A “do-follow backlink” is a link that points back to your website or blog for Google and other search engines to crawl.
When we talk about acquiring backlinks to help improve your website’s domain authority and page rank, we usually mean “do-follow” backlinks.
Also, strictly speaking, a “do-follow” link isn’t really a thing. do-follow is simply when another website links to yours with a standard (aka do-follow) link.
The image you see here is an example of a normal “do-follow link” in our article about easy ways to get backlinks for SEO.
Here’s what the code looks like behind the scenes:
The more high-quality ”do-follow” links you can get, the more trust and authority search engines will give to your website that helps your content rank higher for its target keywords.
What About No-follow Backlinks?
So, how are no-follow backlinks different?
Unlike ”do-follows,” a ”no-follow” link does not pass authority on to the website it is linking to. If you get a no-follow backlink, it won’t improve your rankings and transfer any PageRank.
As such, no-follow links have limited value from the SEO point of view. You should only use them when you don’t want to pass link juice to the linked website.
This is usually when the content you’re linking to is untrusted, sponsored, user-generated, or paid for.
You might perform a link audit once a year to see whether you are linked to a site that you don’t want to be associated with.
To the average website user, ”do-follow” and ”no-follow” links look exactly the same. However, ”no-follow” links include a small piece of code, called an attribute. That the search engine bots know not to follow the link.
If you wanna check if a link is ”do-follow” or ”no-follow” all you need to do is inspect the link in the browser and check the HTML code.
To do that, right-click on the link in the browser and select “Inspect”. This will bring up the HTML code associated with that link.
If you see rel=”no-follow”, then the link is a no-follow link. If you do not see rel=”no-follow”, then the link is a ”do-follow” link.
How Do You Get Do-follow Backlinks?
Ok, so we’ve taken a look at what ”do-follow” backlinks are, and how they differ from ”no-follow” backlinks
Let’s look at the various strategies you can use to get ”do-follow” backlinks.
#1 Guest posts
The most common way to create ”do-follow backlinks” is to write a guest post for a website that uses do-follow links in its content.
You can secure guest post opportunities by browsing blogs within your niche and outreaching each website.
This is not so straightforward, however, since most website owners are reluctant to link to anyone for free these days.
Most of them will require monetary compensation. The cost of this service typically ranges from $30 to $40 for low-tier sites to several hundred dollars for premium backlinks.
Buying do-follow links is a risky business. You need to properly analyze every link in order to get high-quality backlinks.
It goes without saying that I’d always recommend going with a link-building agency to build your links for you.
If you’d like some do-follow link-building advice, you can also book a free consulting call with us at juliangoldie.com, and we’ll be happy to help you out!
#2 Turn Unlinked Business Mentions Into do-follow Backlinks
Another way to create do-follow backlinks is to turn existing business mentions into high-quality links that pass PageRank value for SEO.
There are two ways to do this:
- You can search for your brand or company name on Google. To find a list of other websites that are mentioning your business.
- You can set up a Google Alert to monitor the internet for your brand or company name and get an email each time Google detects your name being used online.
Once you have a list of the sites that are mentioning your brand, check for unlinked mentions.
After you identify unlinked mentions, you need to reach out to each website mentioning you and ask if they will add a ”do-follow” link to your website.
#3 Get Interviewed
Getting interviewed on a podcast, YouTube video, or in a written publication, will most likely deliver do-follow backlinks.
The hosts and authors of this type of content understand the importance of SEO and link building.
Therefore, it will add a do-follow link to your website in exchange for being interviewed as an expert in your field.
#4 Use HARO (Help A Reporter Out)
I’m a big fan of using HARO as it enables you to land very high DR links for free.
You might also create a story that is somehow connected to your business and share it with journalists hoping that some of them will publish it.
I have a video below, where I explain how I build high-quality do-follow links to my website with HARO.
Do No-follow Links Hold Any SEO Value?
Yes, ”no-follow” links pass no link value at all to your website, but there are other indirect benefits they bring.
No-follow links from high domain authority sites can bring you traffic when people click through to visit your site.
Personally, I wouldn’t turn down a no-follow link from a relevant, high DA site in my niche. That is why we’re doing SEO in the first place, to get the right eyeballs on your products or services.
No-follow links will also help you diversify your links to build a natural link profile. In fact, Google’s Penguin update recognized that it was suspicious for a website to have all do-follow links. (Especially if those links all had the same anchor text!)
My FREE Link Building Mastery Book go.juliangoldie.com also contains about link building, and how to cultivate a backlink profile that appears natural to search engines.
Conclusion
Acquiring high-value ”do-follow” links will help you build PageRank, but no-follow links can also bring valuable traffic and engagement.
Unless you’re an established brand, link building is something you will need to do continuously to make sure your site’s backlink profile is always optimized and healthy.
