Key Takeaways:
- Dofollow links pass link equity (SEO value) to the linked page, while nofollow links do not.
- Both link types have important roles in a natural backlink profile.
- The ideal ratio is typically 70-90% dofollow to 10-30% nofollow links.
- Nofollow links can still drive valuable referral traffic and brand awareness.
- Google uses nofollow as a "hint" rather than a directive since 2019.
When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is crucial. These two types of backlinks significantly impact how search engines perceive your website, affecting rankings and overall authority.
What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links are the standard hyperlinks that pass link equity (also known as "link juice") from one page to another. When a website links to your site using a dofollow link, it's essentially vouching for your content, which can positively impact your search engine rankings.
How Dofollow Links Work:
- Pass PageRank from the linking page to the linked page
- Help search engines discover and index new pages
- Contribute to your site's domain authority
- Are the default link type when no rel attribute is specified
What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links include a special attribute (rel="nofollow") that tells search engines not to pass link equity to the linked page. These links were introduced to help combat spam and paid links, but they still have value in a natural backlink profile.
Common Uses of Nofollow Links:
- User-generated content (comments, forums)
- Paid or sponsored links
- Untrusted content
- Affiliate links
- Widget or template links
Dofollow vs Nofollow: Key Differences
| Aspect | Dofollow | Nofollow |
|---|---|---|
| Link Equity | Passes link juice | Does not pass link juice |
| SEO Value | Direct ranking impact | Indirect benefits |
| Common Sources | Guest posts, resource pages | Comments, forums, sponsored content |
| Ideal Ratio | 70-90% | 10-30% |
Which Is Better for SEO?
The answer depends on your goals. A healthy backlink profile should include both dofollow and nofollow links, as this appears more natural to search engines. Here's how to approach each:
When to Use Dofollow:
- When linking to high-quality, relevant content
- When you want to pass authority to the linked page
- For internal linking between your own pages
- When you fully endorse the linked content
When to Use Nofollow:
- For user-generated content
- When linking to untrusted sites
- For paid or sponsored links (required by Google)
- When linking to sites you don't want to endorse
Important Update:
Since 2019, Google treats nofollow as a "hint" rather than a directive. While it doesn't pass PageRank, Google may still use these links for discovery and ranking purposes.
Best Practices for Dofollow and Nofollow Links
- Maintain a Natural Ratio: Aim for a mix of both link types (typically 70-90% dofollow, 10-30% nofollow).
- Use Nofollow for UGC: Always nofollow links in comments, forums, and other user-generated content.
- Disclose Sponsored Links: Use both nofollow and proper disclosure for paid or sponsored links.
- Don't Over-Optimize: A natural link profile includes both followed and nofollowed links.
- Focus on Quality: High-quality, relevant links (dofollow or nofollow) are always better than low-quality ones.
Conclusion
Both dofollow and nofollow links have their place in a comprehensive SEO strategy. While dofollow links are often seen as more valuable for passing link equity, nofollow links contribute to a natural-looking backlink profile and can drive valuable referral traffic.
The key is to focus on building high-quality, relevant links from authoritative sources, regardless of their follow status. A diverse backlink profile that includes both types of links, along with great content and strong technical SEO, will serve your website best in the long run.