Quick Answer
Dofollow links may pass ranking signals and help search engines discover pages, while nofollow links indicate that a link should not be treated as a conventional endorsement. Google considers nofollow a hint rather than a strict directive and may choose to interpret it differently. Both types can bring referral traffic and visibility, so link quality, relevance, and context matter more than the attribute alone.
Have you ever come across a backlink marked as nofollow and wondered whether it is worth having at all? When it comes to dofollow vs. nofollow links, many website owners focus only on getting dofollow backlinks, assuming they are the only ones that matter for SEO. But the reality is more nuanced—some nofollow links can bring valuable visitors, improve brand visibility, and introduce your content to people who might otherwise never find it.
So, should you prioritise dofollow links, or can nofollow links also play a useful role in your SEO strategy? The answer depends on how search engines interpret these attributes and what each link offers your website. Let’s break down the differences, explore when each type is useful, and show you how to evaluate backlinks without chasing the wrong metrics.
What Are Dofollow and Nofollow Links?
Dofollow Links
A dofollow link is the common SEO term for a standard hyperlink without a rel=”nofollow” attribute. HTML does not have a separate dofollow attribute.
For example:
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-guide”>SEO guide</a>
Search engines can use standard links to discover pages and understand relationships between websites. Depending on the context, these links may also contribute to ranking signals. However, receiving a standard link does not guarantee better rankings.
A relevant link from a trustworthy website can be more valuable than several links from unrelated sources. Understanding the different types of backlinks helps you assess links by their source, purpose, and placement.
Nofollow Links
A nofollow link includes the rel=”nofollow” attribute. Website owners may use it when they do not want to imply a conventional endorsement of the linked page.
For example:
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-guide” rel=”nofollow”>SEO guide</a>
Google treats nofollow as a hint when determining how to consider a link. It does not guarantee that the link will be ignored. Visitors can still click it, explore the destination, and discover the website.
Other useful link attributes include:
- rel=”sponsored”: Identifies links created through advertising, sponsorships, or compensation.
- rel=”ugc”: Identifies links in user-generated content, such as forum posts and comments.
Use these attributes according to the relationship behind the link rather than as a ranking tactic.
Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links: Key Differences
The main distinction is how search engines may interpret each link. Neither attribute guarantees a particular SEO outcome.
| Comparison factor | Dofollow link | Nofollow link |
| HTML attribute | No nofollow attribute | Includes rel=”nofollow” |
| Ranking signals | May contribute ranking signals | Treated as a hint by Google |
| Page discovery | Can help search engines discover pages | May also support discovery |
| Referral traffic | Can bring visitors | Can bring visitors |
| Brand visibility | Depends on source and placement | Depends on source and placement |
For example, a digital marketing website might link to your technical SEO guide. A standard link may contribute ranking signals, while a nofollow link can still bring interested readers to the page.
A broader understanding of link building in SEO helps put these differences into perspective: the goal is to earn relevant links that benefit users, not simply accumulate backlinks.
Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links: Which Is Better for SEO?
Dofollow links may contribute more directly to ranking signals, but that does not mean every standard backlink improves rankings. The value of a link depends on its relevance, context, source, and purpose.
A sustainable backlink strategy focuses on creating useful content, earning genuine references, and building relationships with relevant publishers. It avoids manipulative practices, such as buying links to influence search rankings.
When Dofollow Links Can Be More Valuable
Standard links can be particularly useful when relevant websites reference content because it provides value to their readers. For example, an industry publication might cite original research or link to a detailed guide explaining a technical SEO issue.
These editorial links can support SEO when they are naturally earned and contextually relevant. Prioritise links that:
- Come from websites covering related subjects.
- Appear naturally within useful content.
- Direct readers to relevant resources.
- Reference original research, practical guides, or helpful tools.
A link from an irrelevant page or one created to manipulate rankings may offer little benefit and could violate search engine spam policies.
When Nofollow Links Are Still Worthwhile
Nofollow links can introduce your website to relevant audiences through forums, news mentions, industry platforms, and other online publications. Visitors may explore your content, enquire about your services, or share useful resources.
These opportunities form part of broader off-page SEO techniques that help businesses build visibility beyond their own websites.
A nofollow link may be worthwhile if it:
- Sends relevant visitors to your website.
- Introduces your brand to a suitable audience.
- Helps users discover useful information.
- Supports enquiries or conversions.
Do not reject a useful link simply because it is nofollow, and do not pursue a dofollow link solely because of its attribute.
How to Check Whether a Link Is Dofollow or Nofollow
You can inspect a link’s HTML directly in your browser to identify its attributes.
Step 1: Open the Page
Visit the webpage containing the backlink and locate the link you want to examine.
Step 2: Inspect the Link
Right-click the link and select Inspect. Find the anchor element in the browser’s developer tools.
Step 3: Check the HTML
A standard link may look like this:
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-guide”>SEO guide</a>
A nofollow link may look like this:
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-guide” rel=”nofollow”>SEO guide</a>
If nofollow is absent, the link is commonly described as dofollow. You may also see sponsored or ugc in the rel attribute.
Understanding anchor text in SEO can help you evaluate how the clickable words describe the destination page and whether they make sense in context.
Step 4: Verify the Link
Backlink analysis tools can help you review multiple links, but their data may be delayed or incomplete. When accuracy matters, inspect the live page and confirm that the link still exists and points to the intended destination.
Remember that identifying an attribute is only the first step. The referring page’s relevance, link placement, and audience also matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dofollow links better than nofollow links for SEO?
In the dofollow vs. nofollow links comparison, dofollow links may contribute more directly to ranking signals. However, their value depends on relevance and quality, while nofollow links can still provide referral traffic and visibility.
Do nofollow links help with SEO?
Yes, nofollow links can support SEO indirectly by introducing content to relevant audiences and generating website visits. However, a ranking improvement is not guaranteed.
How can I check whether a backlink is dofollow?
Inspect the link’s HTML and check its rel attribute. Backlink analysis tools can also help you review link attributes across multiple referring websites.
Should I build nofollow backlinks?
Yes, when they offer genuine value. Researching top backlinking websites can help you identify relevant platforms, but prioritise audience fit and referral opportunities over link attributes alone.
Conclusion
Dofollow links may contribute ranking signals, while nofollow links can still bring visitors and improve brand visibility. A sustainable approach to dofollow vs. nofollow links focuses on relevance, trust, and genuine audience value rather than treating one attribute as universally superior. For readers who want to strengthen their SEO knowledge, a digital marketing course in Kolkata at the Academy of Digital Marketing can provide a foundation for understanding link building and other digital marketing practices.
