
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. Here, we explore their differences, functions, and benefits to determine which is better for your site.
What Are Dofollow Links?
Dofollow links allow search engine crawlers to follow and pass link equity (SEO value) from the linking domain to the target domain. These links are instrumental in improving a site’s authority and rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Key Features of Dofollow Links:
- Pass SEO Value: They transfer “link juice” to the target website.
- Enhance Domain Authority (DA): Boost the credibility of your website.
- Improve SERP Rankings: A higher number of quality dofollow links often correlates with better organic search performance.
What Are Nofollow Links?
Nofollow links include a “rel=nofollow” tag that tells search engines not to pass link equity to the target website. These links are primarily used to prevent spam or influence rankings artificially.
Key Features of Nofollow Links:
- Do Not Pass SEO Value: They do not contribute directly to improving rankings.
- Generate Referral Traffic: They bring visitors to your site even without boosting SEO authority.
- Maintain Credibility: Used to avoid being penalized for unnatural link-building practices.
Key Differences Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Aspect | Dofollow Links | Nofollow Links |
---|---|---|
SEO Value Transfer | Passes link juice to the target domain. | Does not pass link juice to the target domain. |
Ranking Influence | Directly improves search rankings. | No direct effect on rankings. |
Use Cases | Ideal for SEO and authority building. | Useful for reducing spam and generating traffic. |
HTML Attribute | No special tag needed. | Includes rel="nofollow" tag. |
Case Study Insights: Dofollow Links in Action
1. Moz Study: Impact of High-Quality Dofollow Links
In a 2021 study conducted by Moz, researchers analyzed how websites with more high-quality dofollow backlinks ranked compared to those with fewer or lower-quality backlinks. Results showed:
- Sites with dofollow links from domains with DA above 70 saw a 43% increase in SERP visibility.
- The context of the linking page was equally critical, as links from relevant articles had greater impact.
Insight: Building relationships with authoritative sites in your niche and earning contextual dofollow links can significantly boost rankings.
2. Skyscraper Technique Success
A digital marketing agency used the skyscraper technique to build dofollow links for a blog post about SEO tools. By creating high-quality, comprehensive content and reaching out to websites linking to similar articles, they gained:
- 32 dofollow backlinks from websites with DA above 60.
- A 75% increase in organic traffic within 3 months.
- Improved rankings for primary and secondary keywords.
Insight: Content quality combined with targeted outreach can drive valuable dofollow links and elevate organic performance.
Case Study Insights: Nofollow Links in Practice
1. Forbes & Social Media Referral Traffic
Forbes used nofollow links to reference brands in sponsored content. Despite the nofollow attribute, brands saw:
- An average 23% increase in referral traffic.
- 6% improvement in brand searches (indirect SEO value).
Insight: Nofollow links can boost brand awareness and drive targeted traffic when placed in high-visibility platforms.
2. Nofollow Links in Blog Comments
A small e-commerce site added nofollow links in blog comments on relevant industry blogs. While these links did not contribute to SEO rankings, they resulted in:
- 12% increase in referral traffic.
- Improved engagement and community trust from users who clicked and stayed on their website.
Insight: Leveraging nofollow links in appropriate contexts can still contribute to traffic and reputation building.
Which Is Better: Dofollow or Nofollow Links?
Both types of links have unique strengths, and their effectiveness depends on your goals.
Dofollow Links Are Better For:
- SEO Growth: Build authority and improve SERP rankings.
- High-Quality Backlink Campaigns: Focus on links from authoritative domains within your niche.
- Long-Term Organic Traffic: Drive sustainable growth by securing valuable dofollow backlinks.
Nofollow Links Are Better For:
- Brand Awareness: Increase exposure through mentions on social platforms and blogs.
- Spam Prevention: Use for blog comments, forums, or paid links to avoid penalties.
- Referral Traffic: Drive relevant users to your site without direct SEO impact.
Balanced Link-Building: A Winning Strategy
Search engines prioritize natural backlink profiles. A mix of dofollow and nofollow links ensures your site remains compliant while reaping the benefits of both.
Tips for an Effective Strategy:
- Focus on High-Authority Sites: Prioritize dofollow links from sites with high DA and relevance.
- Leverage Social Media: Generate nofollow links from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Quora for brand visibility.
- Use Analytics Tools: Track the performance of backlinks using tools like Ahrefs or Google Analytics.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
Neither is inherently better – the context determines their value.
- For SEO, dofollow links are indispensable, as they directly impact rankings.
- For traffic and visibility, nofollow links excel at attracting users and building awareness.
By balancing both types of links and prioritizing high-quality, relevant backlinks, you can create a robust and sustainable link-building strategy that drives SEO growth and online success.