Not all backlinks are created equal. Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links — and how to build the right mix — is fundamental to any effective link building strategy.
When building a backlink profile, one of the most fundamental distinctions you'll encounter is between dofollow and nofollow links. Understanding what each does — and why your profile needs both — is the foundation of any sound link building strategy.
What Types of Backlinks Exist?
There are many types of backlinks, but the three main categories are dofollow, nofollow, and sponsored. Dofollow links are created when a website links to another without adding a nofollow tag — they are the most common and most valuable for SEO. Nofollow links tell search engines not to pass link juice to the destination. Sponsored links are paid placements and must be disclosed as such.
What Are Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks pass "link juice" — the ranking authority that flows from one site to another. When a high-authority site links to you with a dofollow link, it effectively votes for your page, helping it rank higher in SERPs. Nofollow backlinks, introduced by Google in 2005 to combat spam, carry the rel="nofollow" attribute. They do not pass PageRank in the traditional sense.
Dofollow = ranking power transferred. Nofollow = no direct PageRank transfer, but still valuable for link profile diversity and referral traffic.
Why Nofollow Links Are Underrated
Many SEOs dismiss nofollow links entirely — a mistake. A backlink profile made up exclusively of dofollow links looks unnatural. Real editorial behaviour produces a mix of both. Additionally, Google has hinted that nofollow links are used as signals to assess authority and content relevance, even if they don't directly pass PageRank.
- Nofollow links diversify your profile and make it appear natural
- They generate referral traffic regardless of their SEO attribute
- High-traffic nofollow sources (Wikipedia, Reddit, Quora) still drive significant visitors
- A natural mix of dofollow and nofollow is the safest long-term approach
The Right Balance for Your Profile
There is no universal ratio, but a profile that is 80–90% dofollow with 10–20% nofollow looks credible to Google. Sites that acquire only dofollow links at scale raise algorithmic flags. Incorporate nofollow mentions from forums, Q&A platforms, and editorial mentions naturally — don't force the ratio artificially.
“Build dofollow links for rankings. Build nofollow links because that's what a real internet presence looks like. The goal is a profile that passes the smell test for both algorithms and human reviewers.