DoFollow and NoFollow Backlinks: Definition, Differences & SEO Impact

Backlinks are still a big deal in SEO. They tell Google which websites are trusted and which ones are not. The more trusted websites link to your page, the better your chances of showing up higher in search results. But here is something many people don’t realize – Google doesn’t treat every link the same. There are two main types of link attributes you need to know about, DoFollow and NoFollow Backlinks.

• DoFollow links pass SEO value (also called “link juice”) to the page they point to.
• NoFollow links tell Google not to pass SEO value through that link.

In the past, Google ignored NoFollow links completely. But now, it looks at them as signals. Not strong signals, but still something worth noticing. Both link types are important – but for different reasons.  If you have been chasing backlinks without knowing the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow Backlinks, this blog will clear things up.

What are DoFollow links?

A DoFollow link is just a regular link. It is the default type you get when you add a hyperlink to a webpage. No special tags. No extra code. And yes – it passes SEO value from one page to another.

Here’s how it looks in HTML –

<a href=”https://example.com/”>Dofollow link example</a>

That is it. No need to add anything else to make it “DoFollow.” If you don’t say otherwise, Google treats it this way by default.

Why DoFollow links matter

These links tell Google, “I trust this page. You should, too.” So, when a high-authority site links to your page with a DoFollow link – it passes some of its SEO power to your site. That can help you:

• Improve your rankings
• Build domain authority
• Get crawled and indexed faster
• Appear more trustworthy to search engines

It is one of the strongest ranking signals in Google’s algorithm.

Where do you usually find DoFollow links?

You will mostly see them in:

• Editorial mentions (when someone links to your blog as a source)
• News articles on reputable sites
• Guest posts (as long as the link isn’t marked NoFollow)
• Resource pages or “best of” lists
• Organic mentions where people naturally talk about your brand

But remember – Not all DoFollow links are good. If they are spammy, low-quality, or paid without disclosure, Google may ignore or even penalize them.

So the goal is not to get just any DoFollow link. It is to earn high-quality ones from trusted + relevant websites.

What are NoFollow links?

A NoFollow link is a link that tells Google, “Don’t count this link for SEO.”

It looks just like a regular hyperlink, but with one small change – a rel=”nofollow” tag is added to the code.

Here’s what it looks like –

<a href=”https://example.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Nofollow link example</a>

That rel=”nofollow” part tells search engines not to pass link juice. In simple words – this link doesn’t help the other page rank better.

Why use NoFollow links?

NoFollow was introduced by Google to fight spam and keep people from trying to trick the algorithm. It was a way to say, “We are linking to this, but we don’t vouch for it.”

Where you will commonly see NoFollow links

• Blog comments
• Forum posts
• User-generated content (like Quora answers or Reddit threads)
• Sponsored content and affiliate links
• Paid advertisements

Basically, anywhere that is either user-controlled or involves money changing hands – that’s where NoFollow is used.

Quick note

NoFollow doesn’t mean “bad.” These links can still bring traffic + build awareness + diversify your backlink profile. You just don’t get direct ranking benefits from them like you would with a DoFollow link.

We will talk more about how NoFollow links still help in a later section. But for now, just remember – NoFollow = No SEO value passed (but that is only part of the story).

New Google rel attributes – Beyond NoFollow

Back in the day, there was only one way to tell Google not to count a link – rel=”nofollow.”

But in 2020, Google rolled out two more link attributes to give site owners more control –

1. rel=”sponsored”

Use this when a link is part of a paid promotion, sponsored post, or advertisement. It tells Google,

“This is a paid link – don’t treat it like an organic endorsement.”

 Example:

<a href=”https://example.com/sponsored-article” rel=”sponsored”>Check out this sponsored post</a>

2. rel=”ugc”

UGC stands for user-generated content. This is for links that appear in comments, forums, or any space where users post content on your site.

 Example:

<a href=”https://example.com/user-comment-link” rel=”ugc”>View user comment</a>

This helps Google know the link wasn’t placed by you – the site owner.

So, when should you use each one?

• Use nofollow for untrusted links or when you are unsure.
• Use sponsored for paid or affiliate links.
• Use ugc for comments, forums, or guestbook-type content.

You can even combine them, like this –

And one more thing…

Google used to completely ignore NoFollow links. But since 2020, it treats all these rel tags – including nofollow, sponsored, and ugc – as “hints” instead of hard rules.

That means Google might still crawl or index those links if it thinks they are helpful.

So yes – even tagged links can have some indirect SEO impact now.

DoFollow vs NoFollow – Key differences

DoFollow vs NoFollow links comparison

Now, you know what DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks are. But when should you use which? And what actually makes them different?

Let’s make it crystal clear.

1. Link juice

• DoFollow – Yes. It passes SEO value (aka link juice). This helps the linked page rank better.
• NoFollow – No. Google ignores it for ranking signals, though it might still crawl the page.

2. Ranking power

• DoFollow – Direct impact. Helps the linked page show up higher in search results.
• NoFollow – Doesn’t pass PageRank directly, but may still influence SEO indirectly (like if the link drives traffic or builds brand awareness).

3. Crawling

Both DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks can be crawled by Google.

• DoFollow links pass authority.
• NoFollow links don’t pass ranking credit.

4. When should you use them?

5. HTML code comparison

DoFollow (default)

• <a href=”https://example.com”>Example</a>

NoFollow

• <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example</a>

How to remember the difference

• DoFollow = Trust this link. Give it SEO power.
• NoFollow = Don’t pass SEO value, but still acknowledge the link.

So if you are linking to something you trust and want to help – use DoFollow (which is the default anyway).

If it is a paid link, affiliate URL, or user-submitted content you don’t fully control – go with NoFollow to stay safe in Google’s eyes.

Are NoFollow links still valuable for SEO?

Yes, they are – just not in the way most people think.

Back in the day, Google would completely ignore NoFollow links. If a link had rel=”nofollow”, it passed zero value. No PageRank. No ranking power. Nothing.

But that changed.

In 2020, Google announced that it now treats NoFollow links as “hints.”

What does that mean?

It means Google might still count them – if it thinks the link is useful, relevant, or trustworthy. It is no longer a hard “don’t follow this link.” Instead, it is a gentle nudge.

So what can NoFollow links still do?

Even if they don’t pass direct SEO value, they can help in other important ways:

1. Referral traffic

People still click NoFollow links. If you are mentioned on a high-traffic site like Reddit, Medium, or Quora, you can get real visitors. And more traffic means more chances to get noticed or linked again elsewhere.

2. Link diversity

A natural backlink profile has a mix of DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks. If all your backlinks are DoFollow – it can look manipulative to Google. Having a few NoFollow links from trusted sources keeps your link profile balanced.

3. Brand awareness

NoFollow links still put your name out there. A link from Wikipedia or YouTube might be NoFollow, but the visibility you get? That’s worth gold in the long run.

4. Indexation support

This one is debated, but some SEOs believe NoFollow links on popular pages can help get your new content crawled and indexed faster. Especially when the link is on a page that Google visits often.

So no, you shouldn’t ignore NoFollow links. They may not always boost rankings directly, but they bring real value.

When and where to use NoFollow links?

Not every link on your website should pass SEO value. Some links need a little extra caution – and that’s exactly where NoFollow works.

This tag helps you tell Google –

“I’m linking to this, but I am not vouching for it.”

Here is when you should use it –

1. Paid or sponsored links

If you are being paid to add a link – whether it is a product review, sponsored blog post, or partnership – use NoFollow.

It keeps you safe from Google penalties and keeps you compliant with FTC guidelines.

If it is a paid placement, it shouldn’t pass link juice.

2. Affiliate links

Affiliate links often lead to product pages with tracking parameters. These aren’t editorial recommendations – they are tied to commission.
Marking them NoFollow (or using rel=”sponsored”) helps avoid issues with Google. It is a signal that says, “This is a promotional link.”

3. Blog comments

Most CMS platforms (like WordPress) add NoFollow to links in blog comments automatically. And that is a good thing. You can’t control what users post – and spammers love comment sections.

NoFollow keeps those random links from hurting your site’s reputation.

4. Forums or untrusted sources

If you are linking out in a forum post, guestbook, or any user-generated content, always use NoFollow – unless you manually review every link (which, let’s be honest, you probably don’t).

Same goes for outbound links from untrusted sites. If you are unsure about the content – NoFollow is your safe option.

5. Links you don’t want to endorse

Let’s say you are linking to a news story – but the site has shady practices. Or maybe you are quoting a source you don’t agree with.

NoFollow lets you link for context – without giving them a “vote of trust” in Google’s eyes.

Quick example

<a href=”https://shadyproduct.com” rel=”nofollow”>View Product</a>

This way, you can share the link – without risking your own SEO reputation.

Bottom line? Use NoFollow when there is money involved, user input, or uncertainty. It protects your site while still allowing you to link freely.

How to check if a link is DoFollow or NoFollow?

Not sure if a link is DoFollow or NoFollow? Good news – it is very easy to find out.

Here are a few simple ways to check –

1. Manual method (inspect in browser)

This takes less than 10 seconds.

• Right-click on the link
• Select “Inspect” (or “Inspect Element” in some browsers)
• Look at the link’s HTML code

If you see this –

<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>

…it is a NoFollow link.

If there is no rel=”nofollow” tag, it is a DoFollow link by default.

This method works on any website, anytime. No tools needed.

2. SEO browser extensions

Want a quicker way? Try these free SEO plugins –

• MozBar (by Moz) – Highlights NoFollow links in red.
• SEOquake (by Semrush) – Offers link attribute overlays on any page.
• Ahrefs SEO Toolbar – Good for checking link types + authority metrics.

These tools work right in your browser and save tons of time.

3. Online tools (zero coding required)

If you don’t want to inspect code or install plugins – just paste a URL into one of these – 

• Link Publishers’ DoFollow–NoFollow Checker Tool
• SEMrush Backlink Audit Tool
• SE Ranking Backlink Checker

These platforms will show you whether each backlink pointing to your site is DoFollow or NoFollow – plus other helpful data like referring domain + anchor text + link quality.

Here’s an example of how you can use Link Publishers’ DoFollow–NoFollow Link Checker Tool.

Just head over to the tool page, paste the URL you want to check, and click on “Check Status.” In a few seconds, you will see whether the links on that page are DoFollow or NoFollow.

Link Publishers’ DoFollow–NoFollow Checker Tool

These are the results.

DoFollow-No-Follow link results

Why should you care?

Knowing the type of link helps you –

• Spot high-quality backlinks
• Avoid SEO penalties from paid or shady links
• Keep your backlink profile natural and safe

A healthy mix of both DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks is key – and tools like these help you stay on top of it.

What is the ideal DoFollow vs NoFollow ratio?

Let’s clear up a common myth right away –

There is no such thing as a “perfect” DoFollow to NoFollow ratio.

SE Ranking and other top SEO tools agree – Google doesn’t rank sites based on some fixed percentage. So if you are chasing an exact number like 70:30 or 80:20, stop right there.

What actually matters?

Your backlink profile needs to look natural.

What you should avoid

• 100% DoFollow backlinks. That looks suspicious. Google might see it as an attempt to game the system.
• Too many NoFollow spam links. While NoFollow links aren’t bad – too many from low-quality or unrelated sites don’t help either.

What you should aim for

• A healthy mix of DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks
• Backlinks from different types of sources – blogs + news sites + directories + social platforms
• Links that come in naturally over time – not all at once

For most websites, DoFollow links make up 60 to 80% of their profile – but again – that is not a rule. It is just what looks “normal” in many healthy websites.

Quick tip

Focus less on the ratio and more on where the links are coming from.

Would you rather have –

• 50 spammy DoFollow links from random sites, Or
• 10 NoFollow links from Forbes, YouTube, Quora, and Reddit?

Easy choice, right?

In the end, your goal should be this –

That mindset will always keep your ratio in the right place.

Expert tips for a balanced link profile

Building backlinks is not about chasing numbers anymore. It is about building a natural-looking + high-quality profile that Google trusts. Here are some expert backed tips to help you do exactly that…

1. Prioritize relevance and quality (not just quantity)

According to Morningscore – one strong + relevant backlink from a trusted website is more valuable than dozens of random ones.

So ask yourself –

• Does this link come from a site in my niche?
• Would I be proud to show this link to a client or customer?

If the answer is yes – that’s the kind of link you want.

2. Don’t ignore NoFollow links

It is a mistake to skip NoFollow opportunities – especially from big-name sites.

Platforms like Wikipedia, YouTube, Reddit, Medium, and Quora all use NoFollow by default – but the brand exposure and referral traffic are still gold.

And remember, Google now treats NoFollow links as hints – so some value might still get passed.

3. Mix up your link sources

A healthy profile has variety, not just guest posts or directories. Try mixing these –

• Guest posts on niche blogs or industry sites
• Digital PR (get featured in roundups, interviews, or expert quotes)
• Brand mentions with or without links — these build trust
• User-generated content (UGC) like case studies + testimonials + forum engagement

Each of these brings different kinds of links – and that is a good thing.

Pro tip

Don’t just think about “getting” links.

Create content people actually want to link to.

Original research + tools + infographics + detailed how-to guides attract natural links without asking.

Common myths about DoFollow and NoFollow

When it comes to backlinks – there is no shortage of bad advice floating around. So let’s bust some of the most common myths – and give you the truth based on what actually works.

Myth 1. NoFollow links have no SEO value

Many people still believe NoFollow links are useless for SEO. That is just not true anymore.

Since Google’s 2020 update – NoFollow is treated as a “hint,” not a hard rule.

According to Mangools – NoFollow links might not affect page ranking but they can surely help improve traffic and visibility.

Also, NoFollow links can boost your site in other ways – like traffic + brand exposure + link diversity. They are part of the bigger SEO picture.

Myth 2. You should disavow all NoFollow spam links

No, you don’t need to panic over every weird NoFollow link pointing to your site.

Google is smarter now.

Semrush confirms that Google ignores most low-quality NoFollow backlinks automatically. Unless you are seeing clear negative SEO attempts or toxic DoFollow links, disavowing is not needed.

In short – Don’t waste time disavowing every random NoFollow comment or forum link. It won’t hurt your rankings.

Myth 3. Only DoFollow links help build authority

It is true that DoFollow links pass ranking signals – but authority is not just about passing PageRank.

Being linked by trusted websites (even with NoFollow) builds credibility.

Let’s say your brand gets a mention on Wikipedia, Reddit, or YouTube – all NoFollow platforms. Still think that has no impact?

These links don’t just help SEO – they build trust + improve your reputation + send valuable signals across the web.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you have made it this far – you are already ahead of most people who are still chasing backlinks without knowing how they really work.

Here is the truth:

Both DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks matter. And in 2025, Google sees the full picture, not just the tags.

DoFollow links pass SEO power and help boost your rankings.

NoFollow links may not pass PageRank directly, but they support brand visibility + referral traffic + trust signals. They are part of a balanced strategy.

So don’t focus on just one type.

Instead, focus on this:

• Get links from relevant + trustworthy websites
• Mix link types naturally (DoFollow + NoFollow)
• Avoid shortcuts – because Google’s smarter than ever

The goal is to build a link profile that looks organic and actually helps your audience.

Also read:

• How to Do an SEO Audit in 10 Steps (A Complete Guide)
• The Role of Content Quality in SEO Rankings
• What is SaaS Link Building
• Technical SEO Checklist: Boost Your Site’s Performance