Dofollow links pass SEO value (link equity) to the page they point to, while nofollow links tell search engines not to pass that value or follow the link. Simple as that, but the impact on your search rankings can be significant.
When it comes to SEO, links aren’t just for navigation; they help search engines understand authority and relevance across the web. That’s where dofollow and nofollow links come into play.
Why These Links Matter
At a glance, dofollow and nofollow links might seem like minor code tweaks. But one tells Google, “This link matters. Count it,” and the other says, “Don’t follow this link or pass authority.”
Understanding what dofollow links are, what a nofollow link is, and how to use them strategically can improve your content performance. Whether managing a blog, a company site, or just diving into SEO, this guide will help you make smarter, search-friendly linking decisions.
What Are Dofollow and Nofollow Links?
When a website adds a link to another site, it can either pass SEO authority or not. That behavior is controlled by something called a link attribute, specifically: rel=”dofollow” or rel=”nofollow”.
What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links are standard hyperlinks that tell search engines to crawl the linked page and pass on “link equity” (also known as PageRank or link juice). This boosts the authority of the page being linked to and can improve its Google rankings.
Most web links are dofollow by default, meaning you don’t have to manually add a rel attribute unless you want to change the behavior.
Example:
<a href=”https://example.com”>Visit Example</a>
The link is dofollow in this case because no “rel” attribute tells Google otherwise.
Benefits of Dofollow Links:
- Help with SEO rankings
- Pass authority to other websites
- Are valuable for link-building strategies
What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links include a rel=”nofollow” tag, which tells search engines not to follow the link or transfer SEO value to the destination page. These links are often used when linking to:
- User-generated content (e.g., blog comments or forums)
- Sponsored or paid content
- Untrusted or unknown sources
Example:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Example</a>
Nofollow links still direct users to another site but don’t influence search engine rankings.
In short:
- Use dofollow links to build authority and help rankings.
- Use nofollow links when you want to link without endorsing SEO value.
How to Check If a Link Is Nofollow
Once you understand the difference between dofollow and nofollow links, the next step is knowing how to spot them, especially when reviewing backlinks or checking your own site for SEO best practices.
Use Browser Inspection Tools
You can manually inspect any link on a webpage by following these steps:
- Right-click the link and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.”
- Look at the HTML in the developer console.
- If the link includes rel=”nofollow”, it’s a nofollow link. If not, it’s likely dofollow by default.
Use SEO Tools
Several SEO platforms can help you identify link attributes at scale:
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Mangools
- Screaming Frog
These tools show which links pointing to or from your site are nofollow vs dofollow, saving you the hassle of checking each one manually.
Knowing how to check if a link is nofollow is key to auditing your link profile, identifying lost opportunities, and ensuring compliance with Google’s linking guidelines.
Key Differences Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links
While both dofollow and nofollow links are standard HTML hyperlinks, they serve very different purposes in SEO. Understanding the distinction helps you control how search engines interpret your content and the sites you link to.
1. SEO Value and Link Equity
- Dofollow links pass along “link juice” or PageRank, which helps boost the destination page’s SEO authority
- Nofollow links do not pass link equity, meaning they don’t directly influence rankings for the linked page
2. Crawling and Indexing
- Search engines follow dofollow links when crawling your site. This helps with indexing and site structure understanding
- Nofollow links are ignored by crawlers (in most cases), signaling that search engines shouldn’t explore or associate the target page with your site
3. Use in Link Building
- Dofollow links are essential for link-building strategies—they provide SEO value and authority
- Nofollow links are commonly used for compliance or risk management, like in sponsored content, affiliate links, or user-generated content
In Summary, here’s what it looks like:
| Feature | Dofollow | Nofollow |
| Passes link equity | Yes | No |
| Affects SEO ranking | Yes | No (directly) |
| Indexed by crawlers | Yes | Often not followed |
| Common use cases | SEO, backlinks, trusted sources | Paid links, comments, forums |
Grasping the difference between dofollow and nofollow links helps you build a smarter, more strategic link profile that supports SEO growth and compliance.
When to Use Dofollow vs Nofollow Links
Knowing the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is one thing—knowing when to use them is where strategy comes in. Choosing the right link type can influence how your content performs, how Google views your site, and even whether you stay compliant with their guidelines.
When to Use Dofollow Links
- You’re referencing a credible, trustworthy source
- You’re linking to internal content within your own site
- You want to pass SEO value to another page (e.g., guest posts or editorial links)
- You’re building a backlink profile as part of your SEO strategy
These links help improve search visibility and PageRank for the pages you link to—and even better if you’re earning them from others.
When to Use Nofollow Links
- You’re linking to user-generated content (e.g., blog comments, forums)
- You’re adding affiliate links, sponsored content, or paid advertisements
- You’re unsure about the credibility or trustworthiness of the linked site
- You want to avoid passing SEO value to a page that could be penalized
By using nofollow, you’re telling Google: “I don’t endorse this page for SEO purposes.”
Why It Matters
Using both types strategically helps you:
- Maintain a natural link profile
- Avoid penalties from Google for paid or spammy links
- Preserve your own site’s authority and reputation
In other words, use dofollow to boost SEO, and use nofollow to protect it. Knowing when to use nofollow links (and when not to) is key to clean, effective link building.
How These Links Impact SEO
Links are one of Google’s most important ranking factors, but not all links carry the same weight. Understanding how dofollow and nofollow links impact SEO helps you avoid missed opportunities and common mistakes in your optimisation strategy.
Dofollow Links and SEO
Dofollow backlinks pass PageRank, also called link equity. When another reputable website links to yours with a dofollow link, it’s vouching for your content. This:
- Improves your domain authority
- Increases your chances of ranking higher in search results
- Helps Google understand which content is valuable and trustworthy
That’s why link building with dofollow links is a core part of SEO strategies—it fuels visibility and relevance.
Nofollow Links and SEO
Nofollow links don’t directly impact rankings, but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. Google may not pass PageRank, but it discovers new pages through these links. They also:
- Diversify your link profile (which looks more natural to search engines)
- Help you avoid penalties when linking to sponsored or low-trust content
- Drive referral traffic, even without SEO value
Google has even hinted that nofollow links might be used as “hints” rather than strict rules, especially after updates to their link attribute guidelines.
In summary:
- Dofollow links = direct SEO value
- Nofollow links = indirect value through traffic, visibility, and profile balance
Smart use of both helps protect your rankings while improving long-term performance.
How to Identify and Audit Dofollow / Nofollow Links
Whether optimising your site or analysing backlinks, knowing how to find dofollow links and spot nofollow attributes is essential for SEO.
Manual Method: Inspect Element
For individual checks, your browser can reveal whether a link is nofollow:
- Right-click on a link and choose “Inspect” (or “Inspect Element”).
- Look in the code for rel=”nofollow.” If it’s there, the link is nofollow.
- If no rel attribute is present, the link is dofollow by default.
This method works best for quick checks on your own website or external sites.
SEO Tools for Full Audits
For a deeper look at your entire site or backlink profile, use tools that identify and classify links at scale:
- Ahrefs: Shows the ratio of dofollow vs nofollow backlinks
- SEMrush: Provides backlink audits and toxicity scores
- Mangools (LinkMiner): Filters links by type and strength
- Screaming Frog: Crawls your site and flags rel attributes in internal and external links
These tools make it easier to manage link strategy, find weak points, and optimise your off-page SEO.
Make link audits a regular part of your SEO routine, especially if you’re doing outreach, accepting guest posts, or managing user-generated content.
Should You Focus on Dofollow or Nofollow Links?
A common SEO question: “Should I focus more on getting dofollow or nofollow links?” The answer depends on your goals, but in most cases, dofollow links carry more direct value for rankings.
Why Dofollow Links Matter More
If your main objective is to improve search engine visibility, dofollow backlinks should be a priority. These links:
- Pass PageRank
- Help increase domain authority
- Contribute directly to keyword rankings
That’s why most link-building strategies focus on earning high-quality dofollow links from trusted websites.
But Don’t Ignore Nofollow Links
Nofollow links still have value, especially when it comes to:
- Driving referral traffic from high-traffic websites
- Building a natural-looking backlink profile
- Maintaining compliance (e.g., with sponsored content or affiliate policies)
Even Google has clarified that nofollow links may serve as “hints” in its ranking algorithm, meaning they’re not completely invisible to search engines.
What’s the Best Approach?
Focus on earning dofollow links for SEO, but don’t shy away from nofollow links, especially if they come from well-known websites or can drive real traffic. A healthy mix of both supports credibility and avoids appearing manipulative in Google’s eyes.
Common Misconceptions
Misinformation spreads fast about dofollow vs. nofollow links. Here are a few common myths and the real facts behind them.
Misconception 1: Nofollow Links Are Bad for SEO
Just because nofollow links don’t pass PageRank doesn’t mean they’re useless. They can still drive traffic, help index, and contribute to a natural backlink profile. Links from major platforms like YouTube, Reddit, or Wikipedia are often nofollow and still valuable.
Misconception 2: Only Dofollow Links Matter
While dofollow links offer the most direct SEO benefit, a link profile of 100% dofollow backlinks can look suspicious to Google. Nofollow links provide balance and can protect your site from penalties associated with manipulative link schemes.
Misconception 3: You Must Manually Add Dofollow to Every Link
Not necessary. All links are dofollow by default, unless you explicitly mark them otherwise with a rel=”nofollow” or similar attribute.
Clearing up these myths helps you make smarter decisions and avoid missteps that could hurt your SEO over time.
Conclusion About Dofollow Vs NoFollow Links
Whether managing content, auditing backlinks, or building authority, your choice of link types can shape how search engines view your website. Use dofollow links to pass SEO value and help a page rank. Use nofollow links when referencing a site without endorsing it, or when dealing with paid placements, comments, or affiliate links.
Best Practices to Follow:
- Maintain a healthy balance of dofollow and nofollow links
- Audit both inbound and outbound links regularly
- Only link to trusted, relevant sources
- Use proper attributes (rel=”nofollow”, rel=”sponsored”, etc.) when necessary
A thoughtful link strategy isn’t just about SEO; it’s also about protecting your site’s credibility and staying compliant with search engine guidelines.
We’re here for you if you’re unsure where to start or want expert help fine-tuning your link profile. Explore our SEO services at Best Marketing and avail of our free strategy session today!
Boost your business today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dofollow Vs Nofollow Links
Is Dofollow Good For Backlinks?
Yes, dofollow backlinks are valuable because they pass SEO authority (link equity) to your site, which can improve your search engine rankings.
How To Check If A Link Is Dofollow Or Nofollow?
Right-click the link, select “Inspect,” and check the HTML for a rel=”nofollow” attribute. If it’s not there, the link is dofollow by default.
Why Use Nofollow Links?
Use nofollow links to avoid passing SEO value to untrusted, paid, or user-generated content, helping you comply with Google’s guidelines.
How To Make Dofollow Backlinks?
You can earn dofollow backlinks by creating high-quality, link-worthy content and building relationships with reputable sites that will link to you without using the nofollow tag.
When To Use Nofollow Tag?
Use the nofollow tag when linking to sponsored posts, affiliate links, comment sections, or any content you don’t want search engines to associate with your site.
