Difference Between DoFollow and NoFollow Backlinks

When you are learning about SEO, you will encounter two very common terms: DoFollow Backlinks and NoFollow Backlinks. Initially, these words may seem confusing, but once you grasp how they function, it all becomes simpler. Backlinks are an important factor in SEO and search engine ranking.

What Are Backlinks?

Backlinks refer to the links that one site offers to another. These can be considered online recommendations. When a site links to your site, it is, in the simplest terms, a recommendation saying, "I find this content helpful." These links are noticed by search engines like Google, which interpret them as trusting signals. One quality backlink after another will eventually give a site larger authority and better ranking.

What Are DoFollow Backlinks?

DoFollow backlinks are links that facilitate the passing of ranking credit from one site to another. When you receive a DoFollow backlink from a credible site, Google views your site as more valuable, thus it deserves to be among the top search results. These links impact:

• Google rankings
• Domain authority
• Organic traffic

Hence, if a person wants to know what is DoFollow backlinks, you just need to give them the answer in a few words: A DoFollow link passes SEO power to the page it links to.

What Are NoFollow Backlinks?

NoFollow backlinks are links that do not completely transfer the SEO ranking value. They are telling Google, "Don't treat this link in the same manner as DoFollow links." Such types of links are still good for business as they may generate referral traffic, brand awareness, and the like, only they are not able to exert the ranking power of a great magnitude. So if someone asks you what is the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links, then your response should be that:

• DoFollow links = assist in SEO ranking
• NoFollow links = indirectly contribute to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌ranking

Key Differences Between DoFollow and NoFollow Backlinks

Both are backlinks, but differ in how they are treated by search engine algorithms. This table will allow you to grasp the difference between do-follow and no-follow links more clearly:

Both types are important. You do not need only DoFollow links. Instead, you need a natural mix.

• Linking to Trusted and Authoritative Sites

When you link to well-known and reliable websites (like government sites, educational sites, or industry blogs), use DoFollow links. It helps build trust and tells Google that your content is backed by strong sources.

• Internal Linking

Internal links are links that connect pages within your own website. If you want page authority to flow from one page to another, use DoFollow internal links.
Example: Your homepage → DoFollow link → Main product page.
However, if you don’t want certain pages indexed or valued (like login pages or coupon pages), NoFollow links can be used — but only when needed.

• Guest Posts and Editorial Content

If you spend time writing guest posts on another website, aim for DoFollow backlinks. They help boost your SEO and ranking power. Most people write guest content mainly to get high-quality DoFollow links.

• When You Want to Boost SEO of Linked Content

In case of a blog or a page whose ranking you want to improve, a DoFollow link is what will help search engines to trust it quicker.

• Digital PR (Public Relations)

One of the effects of a digital PR campaign can be the acquisition of influential DoFollow backlinks coming from editorial websites, periodicals and top-tier blogs. These links inject domain authority, facilitate the brand getting known, and provide more chances of ranking ​‍​‌‍​‍‌higher.

Common Misconceptions About DoFollow and NoFollow Links

Many beginners get confused about which link type is better. Here are some myths you should not believe:

Myth 1: “NoFollow backlinks have zero value”

Not true. Even if they don’t directly pass ranking power, they can bring traffic, visibility, and brand recognition. Sometimes, big sites like Wikipedia or Quora only give NoFollow links — but they still help with exposure.

Myth 2: “Too many NoFollow links harm your site”

NoFollow links do not harm your site. In fact, having a mix of both looks natural. If your website has only DoFollow links, Google may think the backlinks are fake or bought.

Myth 3: “DoFollow links are always good”

Not exactly. Low-quality DoFollow links from spammy websites can hurt your ranking. So you should always focus on high-quality and relevant sources.