Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is essential for building a strong SEO strategy. While both types of backlinks serve a purpose, knowing when and how to use them can dramatically improve your site’s authority, visibility, and trustworthiness.
✅ What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links are standard hyperlinks that pass PageRank (Google’s link equity) from one site to another. These links tell search engines: “I trust this site, and you should too.”
Example: If a high-authority blog links to your Free Backlinks List with a dofollow link, it boosts your SEO by signaling credibility.
🚫 What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links include a rel="nofollow" attribute, which tells search engines not to pass link equity. These links are often used in:
- Blog comments
- Forum posts
- Sponsored content
- Social media profiles
While they don’t directly improve rankings, they still:
- Drive referral traffic
- Diversify your backlink profile
- Help avoid spam penalties
🧠 When to Use Dofollow Links
Use dofollow links when:
- Linking to trusted, high-quality sources
- Citing authoritative research or guides
- Building internal links between your own pages
🧠 When to Use Nofollow Links
Use nofollow links when:
- Linking to user-generated content (e.g., comments)
- Referencing untrusted or promotional sites
- Avoiding Google penalties for paid links
Example: If you mention a third-party backlink service in your Free Backlinks Guide, use a nofollow link to stay compliant with Google’s guidelines.
🔍 How to Check Link Type
Use browser extensions like:
- MozBar
- Ahrefs SEO Toolbar
- Detailed SEO Extension
These tools highlight dofollow vs nofollow links on any page, helping you audit your backlink profile.
📈 Final Thoughts
Both dofollow and nofollow links play a role in a healthy SEO strategy. Dofollow links build authority, while nofollow links support trust and traffic. The key is balance—use each type strategically based on context, audience, and SEO goals.
Want to learn how to build backlinks using Reddit, Quora, and forums? Check out our upcoming guide: How to Build Backlinks with Reddit, Quora, and Forums.