What is DoFollow and NoFollow in SEO? Explained

So, if you are stepping into SEO then you have most likely come across the concepts of DoFollow and NoFollow links. But, wait, what do they mean? And why, more importantly, should you care about them? So, buckle in because I’m going to break down these terms, explain why they matter and how they influence your site’s performance in terms of SEO.

What is a NoFollow and DoFollow Link?

First, let’s get the basics out of the way. In other words, DoFollow and NoFollow are the tags that are added to links and tell search engines how to handle these links.

Back in the day when I started out with SEO, I used to be confused by the names. I believed links were all created equally, but nothing was further from the truth. It’s the sad truth that not all links serve to rank your site equally. Dofollow Links are like the VIP pass to the SEO kingdom, and NoFollow links? Well, they’re like a courteous handclasp, with no quid pro quo. Let me explain.

 DoFollow Links: The Boosters of SEO

The DoFollow is the one you want to chase. These are called dofollow links, which means they pass link juice   a fancy way of saying they transfer a bit of SEO value from one website to another. Basically, a DoFollow link is an instruction to Google where you are saying – “Hey, this is an amazing page and you should trust it”. In other words, when a website links to yours with a DoFollow link, it essentially adds a few points to your site’s score in Google.

 

It’s like this: If you’re in a crowded room and someone important stands up and points at you while saying “This person knows what they’re talking about,” everyone in the room takes notice. The whole room starts to pay attention, and next thing you know, you’re the expert. That’s just a power of a DoFollow link for your website.

 

NoFollow Links: The Mute Bystander

NoFollow links, on the other hand, don’t pass along any of that delicious SEO link juice. They’re basically a way for the website owner to say, “I’m not vouching for this site, but I’m linking to it anyway.” You know how when someone is talking about you, and the person who is mentioning you doesn’t exactly say anything positive? That’s a NoFollow link.

 

It’s essential to know that NoFollow links don’t damage your SEO as such, but they also don’t boost it as DoFollow links do. Nonetheless, that does not imply NoFollow links are completely pointless. I’ll explain why these links still matter at some point, but here’s a closer look at the difference between the two.

The Role of Links in SEO

 We now understand what DoFollow and NoFollow links are, so let’s discuss why they play a crucial role in SEO. If links are the currency of the web, then obtaining them (and enough of them) is what it takes to rank your site on Google. They’re like votes or recommendations, telling Google that your content deserves attention.

When one website links to another one, it’s like saying, “I trust this site enough that I’m linking to it.” These links, in turn, help Google determine which pages are more trustworthy and authoritative. The more good links you have on your page, the better your page will rank on engines like Google. 

But here’s the rub: not all links have the same value. The difference of DoFollow and NoFollow links is all about Google’s perception. A DoFollow link helps in passing your authority, a NoFollow link doesn’t help much in terms of SEO but might still be valuable for referring traffic.

The Importance of Knowing DoFollow vs. NoFollow for SEO

As a newbie, I didn’t think much about DoFollow and NoFollow link difference. However, as I started digging into the nuances of SEO, I discovered just how critical they are for creating a healthy, balanced link profile. You see, Google evaluates your link profile, which is essentially the collection of every link directing to your site. Google may find it a bit suspicious if all of your links are DoFollow. That could make you sound as if you’re trying to do something shady, such as gerrymander search rankings.

 

A balance of both types of links appears more natural in your link profile. It’s similar to when you’re working on friendships   you don’t want to have people around you who just celebrate you consistently. A handful of critical voices or NoFollow links based on data up to October 2023 will help build credibility, as it shows that you’re not trying to game the system.

But how do you assess which link is the one to work on? Sure, but it’s all about balance. DoFollow links will boost your place in the search engine listings, but NoFollow links can still point the way to your company’s success, primarily because of referral traffic and brand awareness. Sure, these do not pass link juice so do not simply dismiss them as being irrelevant because they still serve a purpose within your overall SEO strategy.

 

Let’s put it in perspective: if you were constructing a house, you’d require a solid foundation, correct? Here’s one: Your SEO strategy is the house; your links are the bricks. Read this to understand the difference DoFollow links (strong bricks that make the SEO house stand) are to NoFollow links (smaller, decorative bricks that fill the gaps of the house to make it look well-rounded).

Here’s a Simple Comparison:

Link Type	SEO Impact	Traffic Impact	When to Use
DoFollow	Passes link juice, boosts SEO rankings	Boosts search visibility and brings organic traffic	To improve SEO, build authority, and increase rankings
NoFollow	Does not affect SEO rankings directly	Can still drive referral traffic, useful for brand visibility	In paid ads, comments, or places where you don’t want to pass SEO value

Read more in Part 2 of the article where we will explore more about DoFollow links, how they can take your SEO strategy to another level & why your link building efforts must target them!  But for now, I hope this breakdown clarifies the key difference between DoFollow and NoFollow in SEO. This is one of the first steps you need to take in SEO training and SEO to make your mark on the internet. Store these terms in your SEO toolbox   you’ll be thanking yourself later!

 

The Role of Links in SEO

Now, let’s get into why links are such a big deal in SEO. You may have heard that links are basically votes on the internet, but I think of them as road signs. Consider this: when other websites link to yours, it’s as if they’re directing traffic towards you and saying, “Hey, you should check this out! It’s worth your time.” For the search engines, these links create a map of the web, therefore the more “road signs” you have pointing to your site, the more people find you as well as search engines.

 

Why Are Links Important for SEO?

 When I was first learning about SEO, I had a hard time grasping why links were so important. After all, content was king, I thought, right? But as I explored further, I understood links as the fuel that runs the SEO engine. If not, your content could end up lost in the vast wilderness of the Internet.

 Consider how search engines like Google function. They spend their time crawling sites looking for the most valuable, relevant pages to display in the search results. One way link based validation   Google is trying to provide users the type of content they actually want, and in that pursuit, links are one of the indicators of your authority in that niche. A page has some links into it because somebody believes it is a significant page. This helps search engines determine where to rank content.

 I get it, you’re probably wondering “Alright, if links are that important, what’s the difference between a DoFollow and NoFollow link?” Good question! Let’s dive into that.

 

The Power of DoFollow Links

 There Are Fresher DoFollow Links For SEO VIPs DoFollow links from other sites pass part of their SEO strength to your site. It’s like a vote of confidence that reads, “This website is trustworthy and authoritative.” These are the links you care about because they pass something known as link juice which helps boost your ranking in the search engines.

When I was first building my website, I was working hard to get DoFollow links. Guest blogging is one of the best ways to go and get them. When you write a guest post for a popular blog in your niche, for instance, they will probably link to your site with a DoFollow link. This increases your credibility in Google’s eyes as well, and it helps you to rank higher in search results.

 

So a DoFollow Link from any High Authority site is like Gold like in the Case of it. When I got my first DoFollow link from a reputable industry site, I thought I had won the lottery! It not only drove traffic to my site but gave my page an SEO boost.

 

What About NoFollow Links?

Alright, now let’s discuss NoFollow links. These are the links that don’t pass any SEO juice. When a site links to you with a NoFollow tag, it’s saying to search engines, “Hey, I’m not vouching for this site, but I’m still giving them a shout-out.” It is simple as this, NoFollow links will not affect your Google rankings as they don’t pass any link juice.

But don’t be too quick to dismiss them! So that NoFollow links aren’t super awesome for SEO, but they still haven’t lost their value. They can provide traffic to your site and assist with brand awareness. For example, I once got a NoFollow link from a big-name blog, and while it sure didn’t move the needle as far as rankings, I did see some more visitors to my site. Those visitors spent time on my content, signed up to my newsletter, and even bought. NoFollow links might not directly benefit your rankings, but they can lead to real business results   traffic, conversion.

 

Difference Between DoFollow and NoFollow Links

The assumption would be that the Holy Grail is DoFollow, and NoFollow somehow worthless? But that’s not entirely true. Both link types play their role in a balanced SEO program. Too many backlinks with DoFollow can actually cause a red flag in Google and look unnatural. The balanced link profile both DoFollow and NoFollow should be the direction.

 Here’s a simple comparison of the two types of links:

Link Type	SEO Impact	Traffic Impact	Best For
DoFollow	Passes link juice and helps with rankings	Can drive high-quality traffic	Building authority and improving rankings
NoFollow	Does not impact SEO rankings directly	Can drive traffic, boost brand visibility	Links in comments, social media, or ads
Both	Important for a natural link profile	Can bring referral traffic and brand awareness	Achieving balance in your link-building strategy

Why Both Matter for SEOWhy Both Matter for SEO

Over the years, I’ve found that a link building strategy is unlikely to work in the long-term if it’s overly dependent on a particular type of link. Having all your links DoFollow can appear suspicious to Google. It could look as if you are going a bit overboard to game your rankings. However, the oversaturation of NoFollow links, on the other hand, may leave you with nothing to help bump you to the top of search results.

That’s why a good balance of the two things is essential. DoFollow links will provide you with the SEO juice to climb the rankings, and NoFollow links will help generate traffic and develop your brand.

 

Why a Balanced Link Profile Makes a Difference

However, building a balanced link profile is like growing a garden with the proper composition of socle plant types. And just like planting a garden, information from our staking plan varies, and we need different types of plants, some grow high (DoFollow links for SEO), and some spread (NoFollow links for traffic and brand visibility), also hold and create a good base. Without the balance of a variety of microbiomes, your garden cannot flourish.

For me, DoFollow links are excellent when it comes to SEO and ranking but NoFollow links should not be ignored at all. They have their own value, both in terms of referral traffic and brand awareness, and when we combine these two common forms together, it creates a balanced and natural-looking link profile.

Finally, keep this in mind: The ultimate goal is to create a link profile that is as natural as possible. While NoFollow links may not pass link juice, they can help with traffic and building your online presence, while DoFollow links will help improve the SEO of your site. Combine both these tactics strategically, and you’ll be on your way to long-term SEO success for your site!

 

DarRel is the head of digital marketing at 2B Marketing.

When it comes to your SEO game, my friends, it’s getting your head around the distinction between DoFollow and NoFollow links that can make the difference. Two kinds of links are instrumental, but the way you leverage them can either catapult or stagnate you.

 When I was first starting out, I had no concept of how these back-links might affect the ranking as well as the overall visibility of my site. I was writing an article and trying to get as many links as I could, since more is always better, right? But it didn’t take long to figure out that SEO isn’t about quantity   it’s about quality and balance. That’s when I realized that I need a mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links in my strategy. And it is not only about the typelinks you get, but how you use them.

 For your SEO strategy, why you need both DoFollow and NoFollow links.

So, here’s the thing – DoFollow links are great for search engine ranking, but NoFollow links have their significance too. They add in referral traffic and increase brand awareness and make your link profile look natural. Think you are trying to grow a portfolio or business. If you are only using one type of link, it means you are putting all the eggs in one basket.

Suppose you are just gathering DoFollow links, for example. But while this appears beneficial for SEO, Google may begin to doubt whether your link-building efforts are simply too aggressive or unnatural. You can throw in NoFollow links to show that you aren’t just about boosting rankings, but are there to partake in discussions at other places, be it your social streams or comment sections or forums. Having a combination of both kinds of links makes for a more organic profile, and that’s what Google craves.

 

How DoFollow Links Work in Your SEO Strategy

Let us explore DoFollow links a bit more. So, these are the links that actually transfer link juice – or, in layman’s terms, SEO value – from the page that links to your site. It’s similar to receiving a referral or recommendation from a friend you trust. If a well-known site links to yours with a DoFollow link, Google takes this as a sign that you are also reliable. The better DoFollow links you get, the better chance you have of ranking high in search results.

 But how does one achieve these golden DoFollow links? Well, it’s about exceptional content that merits linking. For instance, when I write comprehensive guides, case studies, and research articles, people are more likely to reference your content organically. Another opportunity to gain these links is through guest blogging. If the site you write for is pretty popular in your niche, there’s a high chance they’ll link to you with a DoFollow link, providing a nice posts boost to your site.

 

Why NoFollow Links are Important in Your SEO Strategy

However, NoFollow links are still extremely useful for establishing a solid foundation for SEO. While these links do not directly affect your search rankings they encourage traffic and brand exposure. Provided you get a NoFollow link from a reputed site or platform, it deserves a boost because traffic generation is as significant as improving your ranking.

 

I learned this the hard way. When I first started I was so crazy about DoFollow links and I believed they were only links that count. Then I received a NoFollow link from a site I respected, and my traffic hit the roof, even though my rankings were unchanged. As it turns out, NoFollow links are still a very real part of any healthy and balanced SEO strategy.

 

The other one to keep in mind is that NoFollow links help you keep a natural link profile. Google does not want to notice that you are artificially inflating your link profile only with DoFollow links. With a mix of NoFollow links belonging to areas such as comments, Social Media posts or ads, you have a well-rounded portfolio that looks organic, and it is the kind of stability Google is rewarding.

 

A Mix Of DoFollow And NoFollow Links In Your Link-Building Plan

 

The true secret of a good SEO strategy is balance. An overabundance of DoFollow links can give the impression your site is spammy, while too many NoFollow links can impede the speed of your SEO efforts. It’s all about moderation.

 There’s one great way I’ve learned to balance those two: quantity is important, but quality matters even more. DoFollow links should come from an authority in your niche. The same applies to NoFollow links. While they don’t pass on SEO value, they’re important for driving traffic and teaching Google that your site is referenced in multiple spaces.

 

And of course we must not forget that NoFollow links can still provide indirect benefits. A prime example of this being NoFollow social media links which still give your brand a good amount of visibility. More importantly, if someone clicks on the link, seaches your site and shares your content it could possibly lead to a lot more DoFollow links in the future. So don’t neglect NoFollow links   they are part of the ecosystem.

 

Create a Natural Link Profile

A natural link profile includes both DoFollow and NoFollow links. I always try to see it as building a healthy social network. You wouldn’t only associate with people who are directly useful to your career or your goals, would you? You want to have some diversity   some are probably social connections, while other groups are more influential.

 

The same idea with SEO, using DoFollow and NoFollow links indicates that your site is linked to many different sources. Some links will actually increase your rank, others will only grant you the traffic and exposure you need. Striking this balance makes your profile more credible and organic, and is something Google loves to see.

 

Let me break it down in a quick table:

Link Type	SEO Impact	Traffic Impact	Where to Use
DoFollow	Passes link juice and boosts rankings	Can bring high-quality traffic	Focus on guest posts, resource pages, and top-tier content
NoFollow	Doesn’t affect rankings directly	Drives traffic and improves visibility	Use in social media, comments, and paid ads
Both	Essential for a well-rounded link profile	Create brand exposure and traffic flow	Aim for balance in your strategy

This leaves us with the last type you can collect   DoFollow

If your site is only collecting DoFollow links, then Google can ping you for manipulating the search results. The trick is to not be unduly aggressive with one kind of link. Since you create both DoFollow and NoFollow links in your profile, your profile will be more genuine and organic which prevents google from penalizing your site for spammy behaviour.

Quietly, one of the best SEO strategies I had ever used was a combination of links from both sides. So DoFollow links are a must-have for the SEO boost while NoFollow links could be beneficial for your brand awareness and you need to have a mix of both to maintain a healthy link profile. This is about coming up with a long-term solution rather than a short term win.

 

Stick to Your Guns About Your Link-Building Strategy

At the end of the day, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Having a strong link profile with a diversity of both DoFollow and NoFollow links will assist you in gradually building your website’s authority and exposure. Like real-life relationships, it’s all about balance, trust, and long-term value.

 

DoFollow and NoFollow Links: Best Practices for Your SEO Strategy

I remember back when I started out in SEO, I quickly came to understand that having a strong link profile is one of the most important elements of ranking higher in search engine results. But it wasn’t merely a matter of acquiring links it was necessary to gain an understanding of the kinds of links and how to leverage them wisely. This is where DoFollow and NoFollow links come into the picture. They are the salt and pepper of your link-building strategy   both are important, just in different ways.

Here are some best practices I learned in a deeper breakdown of how to use DoFollow and NoFollow links to your SEO advantage for the long game!

 

Optimizing for quality dofollow links

If you’re looking to improve your SEO, DoFollow links are your best friend. These links help pass link juice to your website, which is the SEO juice that helps your website rank higher! But here’s the caveat DoFollow links must originate from authoritative and relevant sites in your domain. Otherwise, they won’t hold as much value.

They are things I have, like, ‘Oh, I got a DoFollow link from a low-grade directory that said it was an SEO powerhouse.’ I thought, “Great! This is a win!” but it was not traffic-wise and did not do any meaningful rank improvements. Moral of the story: always pay attention to the quality of the properties you are obtaining DoFollow links from. Domain authority will be the key to providing SEO value

 to your site and those that are around the same niche as you.

 

Build NoFollow LinksTo Diversify Your Link Profile

DoFollow links are important for SEO; you cannot ignore NoFollow links. They are just as important in maintaining a healthy link profile. This means that if you only focus on DoFollow links, you could be viewed as trying to game the system by Google. This can have a negative effect on your rankings in the long run.

Remember NoFollow links in a way as the heroes of your strategy. They can contribute to a more natural and diverse link profile   just the sort of thing that Google will be looking for. In the beginning, I was super obsessed about only getting DoFollow links as there was this myth going around that they were the only ones that count (they don’t). When I started getting some NoFollow links from social media, comment sections, and forums, I noticed my traffic was actually more natural, and my rankings were more consistent.

So, while DoFollow links will give you an SEO boost, NoFollow links are more about balance, helping prevent any suspicion from Google that you are attempting to game the system. They are the secret sauce of a balanced SEO strategy.

 

Nofollow Social Media Links Are Not to Be Feared

 

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a lot of time on social media. Perhaps you publish your blog articles, publish content or respond to your favorite influencers’ posts. These links are NoFollow, but far from useless.

One of the biggest myths I believed was that NoFollow links didn’t contribute anything. However, over the years, I came to the understanding that NoFollow links from social media platforms   especially Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram   are still capable of sending significant traffic to your site. These types of sites have millions of users; people can click on your link and either share it or discuss your content. Eventually this will result in more DoFollow links in the future.

So, do not disregard the NoFollow links from social media. Not only does this assist in exposing your brand to a wider audience, it can open up a ticket of new content sharing and partnership opportunities.

 

Consider the User Experience, Not Only Link Building

Keep in mind that SEO is about people at the end of the day. You could build the best link profile on the planet, but if your content doesn’t really, truly serve the needs of your audience, it’s not going to do a damn thing for your rankings. So I learnt the hard way that that’s the case. In the early days, I was so obsessed with getting as many links as I could, I didn’t always take a moment to determine if my content was interesting or useful.

I realized that if I could just write useful, high-quality articles that answered the questions of users or solved their issues   linke building woud be smoother. If my content was good, people don’t need me to tell them to link to it. They didn’t link because I told them to or offered them a freebie, they linked because they liked what I had to say.

On the contrary, some links, like NoFollow links, are technically earned   usually through user interaction comments or on social media. Because the more people share your content, the more links you will receive (including NoFollow) and eventually, through time, you will earn even DoFollow links to your site.

 

Mix Up Your Link Sources

One more best practice I’ve learned is to ensure you’re rather getting links from a mix of sources. Instead, diversify your efforts across platforms and content types. It also seems unnatural if all of your connections come from the same kind of website. Google prefers variety.

Well, I looked through my 13K backlinks and I’ve been working on getting links from many different sources   guest posts, resource pages, directories, comments, social media, and discussion forums. These types of sources encompass different forms of value, and a diverse, authentic link profile.

It’s like dating   if you only encounter people at one kind of party, your social life gets stale. But if you shake it up a little bit and go to a variety of events, you diversify your network. This applies to link-building too.

 

Keep an Eye on Your Link Profile

Once you’re onto getting DoFollow and NoFollow links, then you need to have the lookout on your link profile. I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t track your links, you may end up with some toxic backlinks that will hurt your SEO. Routinely monitoring your link profile makes it easy for you to identify potential problems and ensures that your links are coming from trusted sources.

Backlinks: I track backlinks from tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush. These tools allow you to look at who is linking to your site, what type of them they are, and whether they are positive or negative. If you notice any of these low-quality or spammy links, and their count is high, it is better to disavow them to not hamper your SEO.

 

Steer Clear of Spammy Link-Building Strategies

This part is critical   do NOT resort to spammy link-building techniques to climb in the rankings quickly. These might include purchasing DoFollow links or involving yourself in link farms. Google considers these as black-hat practices and can give you heavy penalties that are very difficult to recover from.

Instead of this, work on creating links that are natural and organic. It does take time, but it pays off in the end. You already know that quality is better than quantity.

 

Finding Balance Between DoFollow and NoFollow Links

When I originally began really getting into SEO, I didn’t really understand the relevance to have both DoFollow and NoFollow. However, I now understand that having both is vital for achieving success. Each performs a completely different but complementary role in enhancing your search rankings, boosting traffic and ensuring a sustainable link profile.

 

Here’s a quick table to recap the best practices for each type of link:

Link Type	Best Practices	Key Takeaways
DoFollow	Focus on quality, authoritative sites in your niche.	Boosts SEO rankings and authority.
NoFollow	Don’t overlook links from social media, comments, etc.	Drives traffic, exposes your content to new audiences.
Both	Create a diverse and natural link profile.	Mix both links to avoid suspicion and improve rankings.

How DoFollow and NoFollow Links Impact Your SEO Strategy

When I began exploring SEO those many moons ago, I was rusty on exactly how DoFollow and NoFollow links would impact my site’s rankings. I was so preoccupied with generating quality content and acquiring links that I failed to pause and consider how different links served different functions in my SEO strategy. However, the more I learned, I realized the huge impact these links have on my website’s authority and visibility.

Here I would like to share my knowledge about how these two types of links complement each other to form a picture of how your site performs in the SERP (Search Engine result page). But if you understand how they work, you can make a big difference when building your website’s credibility.

The Power of DoFollow Links in Building Authority

 Now, let’s begin with DoFollow links   these are the links that directly impact your SEO rankings. I was really excited when I heard that DoFollow links were passing link juice. This “link juice” is a type of SEO currency, which helps Google determine which pages (or site) is important. Do Follow links pass your site more link juice, thus giving your site more authority.

 But the thing that a lot of people (myself included at first) overlook is that not all DoFollow links are created equal. A backlink from a high authority site like TechCrunch or The New York Times is a game changer. However, a link from some random directory site or low-quality blog isn’t at all comparable. Be strategic and target high-quality DoFollow links from trusted, relevant sites in your niche. Over time, such high-quality links indicate to Google that your site can be trusted and is considered authoritative.

 The Hidden Gem: NoFollow Links

Now, before we dive into the NoFollow links. During my early SEO days, I never cared much about NoFollow links. I thought they didn’t contribute anything because they don’t pass link juice. But over the years I found these relationships to be more meaningful than I thought. Links as NoFollow do not affect your SEO ranking directly but play a huge role in maintaining your overall health of the link profile.

 

One such example is NoFollow links can give you traffic to your website. Even if they cannot subscribe to your rankings due to their NoFollow nature, real people do click on NoFollow links, which can lead to visibility and visitors on your site. A lesson I remember back in the day when I received a few NoFollow links from different social media channels including Instagram and Facebook. It wasn’t so much about the SEO juice, it was about the exposure and engagement I’d receive by being in front of a much larger set of eyes.

 

Another benefit of NoFollow links is their potential to create a more natural-looking link profile. If all your links were DoFollow, Google might find that suspicious   like you’re trying too hard to influence your rankings. But by balancing out with these NoFollow links, you help your link profile gain more natural and diverse looks. This avoids any potential for negative consequences and proactively keeps your SEO strategy in line.

 

Controlling the Influx of Dofollow and Nofollow Links

 The best SEO strategy is not to pay attention only to one type of link, as I came to understand   it’s about balancing things out. Focusing only on DoFollow links can work for a while if you are looking for a quick ranking boost, NoFollow links but are far more important for long term results. They contribute to a diverse, balanced link profile that is organic and long-lasting.

 For example, I have always had better results when I focused on a mix of DoFollow links from guest posts, press mentions, quality directories and NoFollow links from social media, comments sections and forums. This approach helped me build an organic looking profile that felt native to Google and eventually moved my sites up in rankings, traffic etc.

 

Social Media and Forums Have SEO Authority

One area where I’ve found that NoFollow links are especially useful is social media. While these do not directly impact your company’s rankings, they offer a lot of visibility. Social networks such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can bring a considerable amount of organic traffic to your site. 

I’ve literally had NoFollow links from a Twitter post or a Reddit discussion to send me a traffic spike. People clicked through, read my blog post, shared it, or commented on it. Even if these were NoFollow links, the resulting engagement created a positive ripple. It received new traffic, and more DoFollow links naturally came from trusted sources. Organic growth through this kind of referral is invaluable for creating a long-term, sustainable SEO strategy.

 

Why a Variety of Links Is Critical for SEO Success

 

Not exactly a mystery, Google wants natural and organic link profiles. It could flag a red flag, for example if your links look too “perfect” (all DoFollow and come from the same type of source). That’s why you need a healthy balance of DoFollow and NoFollow links.

I’ve found it beneficial to have links from multiple types of sources   social media, blogs, directories, press releases, forums, and guest posts   to create a well-rounded and natural link profile. This variety sends a signal to Google that your website is being linked to by a wide variety of trusted sources, everyday users, and high-authority websites alike. It is used to build trust in Google and credibility.

 

Link Type	Impact on SEO	Best Use
DoFollow	Passes link juice, improves rankings	Get them from high-quality, relevant sites
NoFollow	Doesn’t pass link juice, drives traffic	Use for social media, blogs, and comments sections
Balanced Links	Creates a natural link profile	Combines both DoFollow and NoFollow for diversity

Conclusion: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Both Link Types

In the case of SEO, my biggest learning point has been to work for quality, not quantity. We do not need hundreds of links   DoFollow or NoFollow, but the correct kinds of links. The best strategy is to cultivate a varied link profile and to create high-quality content that organically attracts the links   be they DoFollow or NoFollow.

I’ve always preferred a more natural and balanced link profile approach as it has resulted in long-term growth, improved rankings, and increased overall engagement. So if you remember and use these subjects with strategic thinking, you will harness the benefits of both DoFollow and NoFollow links in your SEO strategy.

How DoFollow and NoFollow Links Impact Your SEO Performance 

However, the more I ventured into the world of SEO, the more I understood that DoFollow and NoFollow links are not only responsible for ranking, they are also a must-have for any long-term, sustainable SEO strategy. I recall the first time I came to grips how these kind of links could hurt my site. It was one of those lightbulb moments where all the pieces fall into place. DoFollow links are important in that they can improve your ranking directly, but NoFollow links are equally essential for having a balanced, healthy backlink profile. Now, I will guide you through each type of link and its impact on the bigger picture of SEO performance.

How DoFollow Links Lead Towards Your SEO Success

Repeat after me DoFollow links are a potent tool for SEO. And, they serve as a vote of confidence for your website. When a reputable website mentions your website and attaches a DoFollow attribution, this is a signal to Google that your page offers value and should gain higher rankings. Such links are at the heart of success in the world of SEO.

 Let me give you an example: I once got a DoFollow link from a popular blog in my niche. In the beginning, there were no visible differences but after a few weeks, I realized that my rankings started to increase. The DoFollow link passed its link juice to my site, enhancing its authority. That DoFollow link was more than just a link; it was a chance to establish more authority with Google.

 

How NoFollow Links affect SEO Performance

 In my opinion, NoFollow links are given far less attention than they deserve. Yes, they don’t pass link juice like DoFollow links, but they still play a crucial role in your SEO health. The biggest lesson I’ve taken away from all of this is that NoFollow links can produce real site traffic, which is a behavior that Google is very fond of seeing. If nofollow link leads people to your content on social media, for instance, they may link to you with dofollow links later.

 But there’s more to it. The truth is that NoFollow links produce a natural link profile. Having all your backlinks as DoFollow might seem suspicious to Google. Incorporating NoFollow links into your mix shows that your link-building efforts are genuine toward your audience rather than manipulative. This avoids any penalties and keeps your search engine optimization strategy on track.

The Importance of DoFollow and NoFollow Links in Creating a Natural Link Profile

It took me some time to understand, that SEO is not only DoFollow links   it’s a matter of proportion. When I started building links, I was over the moon with every DoFollow link I received, as if they were a golden ticket. However, after a lot of research, I started to understand the true importance of NoFollow links for a healthy, balanced link profile.

 Treat your website’s link profile like a pizza. It’s not as appealing if all the toppings are the same.” Having an equal proportion of DoFollow and NoFollow links is just like a pizza having different toppings that harmonize with each other and make it delectable! It’s this equilibrium that renders your website look more reliable to search engines like Google and others.

 

Both Types of Links Are Required for Long-Term SEO Growth

Initially, I couldn’t see the point of anyone paying attention to NoFollow links. And they didn’t appear to have as much effect on rankings. However, as I progressed, I understood that it would be unnatural to have only DoFollow неlinks. To illustrate, if every website on the internet linked to yours with a DoFollow link, it would look like you were doing something funny with your SEO. 

On the other hand, having a healthy link profile is a lot more natural when your link profile contains some NoFollow links. Google has become very aware of unnatural link-building practices over the years. If all your links are DoFollow, Google could mark you for link schemes. But when you mix DoFollow links with NoFollow links then you create a profile that mirrors real-world linking behavior (people linking to your site because they actually find it helpful, not because you begged them to link to it).

 

Tracking the Effectiveness of DoFollow and NoFollow Links

Tracking the impact of DoFollow and NoFollow links on your website’s SEO performance is something I highly recommend doing. I’ve found that tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are great for understanding how these links impact your rankings and traffic.

Here’s what I’ve learned from tracking the effectiveness of these links:

• DoFollow links usually contribute to better rankings for the linked page.
• NoFollow links might not directly boost rankings, but they often lead to increased traffic and social engagement, which in turn can result in more DoFollow links over time.
• Having a diverse mix of both types of links gives a more natural and holistic link profile, which can protect you from potential penalties.

Link Type	Impact on SEO	Best Strategy
DoFollow	Passes link juice and improves rankings	Focus on quality, authoritative sources
NoFollow	Does not pass link juice, but drives traffic	Focus on social media, blogs, forums, and mentions
Balanced Links	Combines both types for a natural profile	Maintain a healthy mix for long-term growth

Conclusion: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Both Link Types

When I look back at my journey with SEO, one of the biggest takeaways is understanding the power of DoFollow and NoFollow links. In the beginning, I thought DoFollow links were the only ones that mattered, but now I realize that NoFollow links are just as important for building a well-rounded and effective SEO strategy.

So, when you’re building your own link profile, remember this: the secret isn’t just about gathering DoFollow links—it’s about finding the right balance. By mixing both types, you create a link profile that feels organic and trustworthy, which ultimately benefits your SEO performance in the long run.

What’s the main difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links?

The primary difference is that DoFollow links pass link juice (SEO value), helping your website rank higher in search engine results, whereas NoFollow links do not pass link juice, but they still drive traffic and help maintain a natural link profile.

Can I use NoFollow links for SEO?

Yes, NoFollow links are still valuable for your SEO. They don’t directly boost rankings but are important for creating a balanced, natural link profile and can help you build a sustainable SEO strategy.

Does Google consider NoFollow links for ranking?

Google uses NoFollow links to understand the overall web structure and to see how content is shared and mentioned across the internet, but they don’t directly contribute to ranking.

Should I ignore NoFollow links when building links?

No, ignoring NoFollow links is not a good strategy. NoFollow links can bring valuable traffic, help improve your brand visibility, and contribute to a natural-looking link profile.

How do NoFollow links help with brand visibility?

When people share your content through NoFollow links—like on social media, forums, or reviews—they can lead to a wider audience and potential visitors who may later create DoFollow links to your content.

Are NoFollow links completely useless for SEO?

Not at all. NoFollow links are still part of a well-rounded SEO strategy, and they help diversify your link profile, which is a positive signal to Google and other search engines.

Can too many NoFollow links hurt SEO?

Having a lot of NoFollow links by itself won’t hurt your SEO. The key is maintaining a balanced mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links for the most effective strategy.

Can I convert NoFollow links to DoFollow links?

No, you cannot convert a NoFollow link into a DoFollow link unless you have control over the link. However, you can request the website owner to change it to DoFollow.

DoFollow links always help with SEO?

DoFollow links usually help with SEO because they pass link juice, but their quality matters more than the quantity. High-quality DoFollow links from authoritative sources are the most beneficial.

What happens if my website has only DoFollow links?

If your website only has DoFollow links, it may look suspicious to Google, as it could seem like you’re manipulating your link-building efforts. A natural mix of both DoFollow and NoFollow links is recommended.

Are NoFollow links bad for SEO?

No, NoFollow links are not bad for SEO. They help maintain a natural link profile, contribute to traffic generation, and can indirectly lead to more DoFollow links over time.

How do I know if a link is DoFollow or NoFollow?

You can check whether a link is DoFollow or NoFollow by inspecting the source code of the page. Look for the rel=”nofollow” tag in the HTML of the link to determine if it’s NoFollow.

How do I get high-quality DoFollow links?

You can acquire high-quality DoFollow links through strategies like guest posting, creating valuable content, building relationships with influencers, or getting mentions in authoritative publications.

Does the anchor text affect DoFollow links?

Yes, the anchor text used in DoFollow links plays a significant role in SEO. Relevant, descriptive anchor text can make the link more valuable and help improve the ranking of the target page.

Can I have both DoFollow and NoFollow links on the same page?

Yes, you can have both types of links on the same page. In fact, it’s recommended to have a natural mixture of DoFollow and NoFollow links for a more balanced SEO strategy.

DoFollow links improve domain authority?

Yes, DoFollow links from high-authority websites contribute to the improvement of your domain authority, as they pass link juice to your site.

Are backlinks with the NoFollow attribute still worth getting?

Absolutely. While NoFollow backlinks won’t directly improve rankings, they are valuable for generating traffic, brand awareness, and maintaining a natural link profile.

Is it bad to get too many DoFollow links?

Getting too many DoFollow links in a short period could raise red flags with Google. It’s important to acquire them organically over time, with a balanced strategy including NoFollow links.

What is the impact of NoFollow links on organic traffic?

While NoFollow links don’t pass link juice, they can still drive organic traffic by increasing visibility on platforms like social media, blogs, and forums.

Should I focus on DoFollow or NoFollow links?

You should focus on both. DoFollow links help with direct ranking improvements, while NoFollow links help maintain a natural, diverse backlink profile and drive traffic.

How do I get NoFollow links?

You can earn NoFollow links by participating in forums, commenting on blogs, engaging in social media, and getting mentions in news articles or reviews.

What’s the relationship between DoFollow links and link building?

DoFollow links are at the core of link building because they directly contribute to improving your website’s rankings. Effective link-building strategies focus on acquiring quality DoFollow links from authoritative sources.

How do NoFollow links influence search engine crawlers?

Although NoFollow links don’t pass link equity, they help search engine crawlers understand the structure of the web, the popularity of content, and how it’s shared across the internet.

Can NoFollow links appear in Google Search Console?

Yes, you can see NoFollow links in Google Search Console if Google has crawled them. However, they will not appear as DoFollow links that pass link equity.

Should I aim for NoFollow links for social media?

Yes, NoFollow links from social media are valuable. They may not pass link juice, but they can bring traffic, brand exposure, and help spread your content across different platforms.

How many NoFollow links should I have?

There’s no set number. The key is to have a natural mix. A website with only DoFollow links can look unnatural, so incorporating NoFollow links is essential for a balanced SEO profile.

Are NoFollow links ignored by Google?

No, NoFollow links are not ignored by Google. While they don’t contribute directly to rankings, Google still uses them for understanding web content and traffic sources.

Can NoFollow links help with building authority?

Yes, NoFollow links can indirectly help build authority by driving traffic, enhancing brand awareness, and possibly encouraging users to share your content further.

Can I track NoFollow links in Google Analytics?

While you can track NoFollow links in Google Analytics for traffic data, you won’t see their SEO impact as you would with DoFollow links that pass link juice.

Conclusion

 In this article, we have delved into the concept of DoFollow and NoFollow links in SEO. Below is a guide to the different types of links, what they are and how they work when it comes to search engine ranking. We know that DoFollow links can help improve your rankings by passing link juice and that NoFollow links help keep your link profile natural and healthy. Combined, they make up the basis of an effective SEO strategy.

It is important to note that when looking for link building opportunities, you should consider more than just DoFollow links. Having NoFollow links in your backlink profile assures that you aren’t trying to manipulate search engines and thus will keep you among the good books of Google. By adopting a diverse approach to link building and doing both of the above, you will establish a sustainable, organic link building strategy that can survive the tests of time.

If you are working on improving your SEO performance, you want to get as many high-quality DoFollow links as possible, but at the same time, build NoFollow links as well through Social Media, Comments, User-Generated Content, etc. This type of balanced approach will set you up for success in the long term. Now you just need to get out and implement these strategies. Regularly check your backlinks and make sure they are in accordance with your SEO goals. Continue developing, continue growing, and see your rankings climb!