In search engine optimization, backlinks are one of the metrics that Google uses to determine the authority of your site and to rank your site’s pages.
All backlinks are not the same; they are of different types. Each carries its meaning, and each is different from the other.
The question that is mostly asked by SEO beings is:
What’s the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks, and which one matters most?
As the algorithm of Google is evolving day by day, understanding dofollow and nofollow links and how they work is essential. The following guide must help you know the difference between dofollow vs nofollow backlinks and how to use them in the modern linkbuilding era.
What Are Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow Backlinks
A dofollow backlink is the default link type used in HTML. When one website links to another with a dofollow link, it passes link equity (also called “link juice”), helping the linked page improve its authority and rankings in search engines.
Search engines crawl and follow dofollow links, which means they index the linked pages and treat those links as a sign of trust or endorsement.
Example:
<a href=”https://linkcrafters.com”>Visit Linkcrafters</a>
No special attributes are needed — this is a dofollow link by default.
Nofollow Backlinks
A nofollow backlink includes a rel=”nofollow” tag in its HTML code. This attribute tells search engines not to pass link equity to the linked website.
Originally introduced by Google in 2005 to combat spam (especially in blog comments and forums), nofollow links have evolved. Since 2019, Google treats the nofollow tag as a “hint” — meaning it may choose to crawl and index the page depending on the context.
Example:
<a href=”https://linkcrafters.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Linkcrafters</a>
While these links don’t traditionally help with rankings, they still offer brand exposure, traffic, and diversity in your link profile
Key Differences: Dofollow vs Nofollow
| Feature | Dofollow links | Nofollow links |
| SEO Authority | Pass link juice and boost rankings | Do not pass authority directly (Google may treat it as a hint) |
| Crawlability | Search engines follow and index | May or may not be followed/indexed |
| Best for | Trusted sources, organic editorial links | Sponsored posts, UGC, forums, blog comments |
| HTML Attribute | No attribute needed | rel=”nofollow” |
| Traffic Potential | High if placed on authority sites | Also high, especially if placed on high-traffic platforms |
| Value To Strategy | Essential for SEO growth | Essential for link profile diversity and traffic |
Why Both Matter for SEO
It’s a myth that nofollow links are useless.
Here’s why both link types play a critical role:
Dofollow Links Drive Rankings
They pass SEO authority and are crucial for improving your domain authority, keyword rankings, and trustworthiness in Google’s eyes.
Nofollow Links Offer Brand Exposure & Natural Profile Signals
Even if they don’t pass link juice, nofollow links can:
- Bring targeted referral traffic
- Strengthen brand visibility
- Make your backlink profile look organic and natural
A backlink profile with only dofollow links can trigger Google penalties, as it might look manipulated. Having a mix of both signals enhances authenticity.
When to Use Dofollow vs Nofollow
Knowing when to use each link type is key to ethical and effective link-building
Use Dofollow Links
- When linking to trusted and relevant websites
- For editorial mentions, citations, and organic backlinks
- In guest posts on high-authority sites
Use Nofollow Links
- For sponsored content, paid ads, or affiliate links
- In user-generated content (UGC) like blog comments or forums
- When linking to untrusted or unknown sources
Bonus: Google’s Additional Link Attributes
In 2019, Google introduced new attributes for better classification:
| Attribute | Use Case |
| rel=”nofollow” | Neutral — don’t pass link juice |
| rel=”sponsored” | For paid or sponsored links |
| rel=”ugc” | For user-generated content (UGC) |
How to Check if a Link Is Dofollow or Nofollow
You don’t need to be a developer to find out.
Manual Method:
- Right-click on a link and select “Inspect”.
- Check for rel=”nofollow” in the code.
SEO Tools:
- Ahrefs – Full backlink audit + dofollow/nofollow filters
- SEMrush – Analyze referring domains and link types
- Ubersuggest – Good for beginners checking domain profiles
- Moz – See link authority and tag breakdown
Final thoughts
When it comes to backlinks, it’s not about dofollow vs nofollow, it’s about balance.
Dofollow backlinks help you rank.
No-follow backlinks help you grow your brand and stay Google-compliant.
At Linkcrafters, we focus on building strategic, natural, and high-quality links, both dofollow and nofollow to help your site climb the SERPs without cutting corners.
Ready to Grow?
Need help managing your backlink profile?
Let our experts at Linkcrafters analyze your current links and create a winning strategy tailored to your niche.
👉 Contact Us Now for a free backlink audit.
