When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), backlinks are one of the most powerful factors in improving your website’s rankings. However, not all backlinks are created equal. The two main types of backlinks are dofollow and nofollow, each serving a different purpose in the eyes of search engines like Google.
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between dofollow vs nofollow backlinks, how they impact SEO, and help you understand which is better for your website’s link-building strategy.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are the default type of backlink. When a website links to your page with a dofollow backlink, it allows search engines to follow that link and pass along link juice or link equity. This process boosts your website’s domain authority and improves your rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs).
These types of backlinks are critical for SEO because they signal to search engines that your website is trusted and authoritative. The more high-quality dofollow backlinks you have, the higher your potential to rank well for targeted keywords.
Key benefits of dofollow backlinks:
- Increase domain authority.
- Improve search engine rankings.
- Drive organic traffic from linking websites.
What Are Nofollow Backlinks?
Nofollow backlinks, on the other hand, are designed to tell search engines not to follow the link. When a website links to your content with a nofollow backlink, Google and other search engines disregard the link when calculating rankings. Essentially, a nofollow link does not pass on any link equity to your website.
However, nofollow links still have value. They can drive referral traffic, help build brand awareness, and generate potential for further dofollow backlinks through increased visibility.
Key benefits of nofollow backlinks:
- Generate referral traffic.
- Build brand credibility and awareness.
- Can sometimes lead to natural dofollow links.
Dofollow vs Nofollow: Which is Better for SEO?
Impact on SEO
When comparing dofollow vs nofollow backlinks, the major difference lies in their impact on SEO. Dofollow backlinks have a direct effect on your website’s SEO because they pass along link equity, which can improve your site’s rankings. Nofollow backlinks, on the other hand, do not pass link equity, so they do not directly influence your rankings.
That said, both types of backlinks are important for a balanced and natural backlink profile. A site that only has dofollow backlinks could appear suspicious to Google, while a site with only nofollow links might not have the necessary authority to rank well.
How Many Dofollow vs Nofollow Links Do You Need?
While dofollow backlinks are more influential for SEO, it’s essential to maintain a natural backlink profile with both dofollow and nofollow links. The best approach is to focus on acquiring high-quality dofollow backlinks while also earning nofollow links through social media shares, comments, and forums.
Do Nofollow Links Contribute to SEO?
While nofollow backlinks do not directly improve your rankings, they can contribute to SEO in several indirect ways:
- Referral Traffic: Nofollow links can still drive traffic to your website from sites with high traffic.
- Brand Exposure: Getting mentioned on reputable sites (even with nofollow links) can increase brand visibility and credibility.
- Opportunities for Dofollow Links: A high-quality nofollow backlink may eventually lead to a dofollow backlink if the website owner finds your content valuable.
In short, while nofollow links don’t pass link equity, they can play an important role in driving traffic and building your site’s reputation.
How to Use Dofollow and Nofollow Links in Your Link-Building Strategy
1. Focus on High-Quality Dofollow Links
For your SEO strategy, prioritize acquiring high-quality dofollow backlinks. This will help increase your domain authority, improve keyword rankings, and generate traffic. You can acquire these links through strategies like guest posting, content marketing, and broken link building.
2. Use Nofollow Links for Traffic and Brand Awareness
In addition to dofollow backlinks, you should also focus on earning nofollow links to drive referral traffic and build brand awareness. Social media platforms, comments, and directories often provide nofollow backlinks, which can still be valuable in building a well-rounded online presence.
3. Don’t Rely Exclusively on One Type of Backlink
A healthy backlink profile includes both dofollow and nofollow backlinks. If your site has only dofollow backlinks, it could appear manipulative to search engines. Similarly, if your site only has nofollow backlinks, you might struggle to rank higher in search results.
4. Disavow Spammy Dofollow Links
Not all dofollow backlinks are beneficial. If you acquire spammy or low-quality dofollow backlinks, they can harm your SEO efforts. In such cases, you can use Google’s Disavow tool to tell Google not to consider these links when calculating your rankings.
Key Differences Between Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks
| Dofollow Backlinks | Nofollow Backlinks |
|---|---|
| Pass link equity to your site. | Do not pass link equity. |
| Directly influence SEO rankings. | Do not directly affect rankings. |
| Boost domain authority. | Still offer referral traffic. |
| Help improve search engine visibility. | Contribute to brand exposure and awareness. |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between dofollow vs nofollow backlinks is crucial for any SEO strategy. While dofollow backlinks directly impact your SEO by passing link equity, nofollow backlinks still provide value in terms of traffic, brand visibility, and potential future link-building opportunities.
The key is to maintain a natural and diverse backlink profile that includes both dofollow and nofollow links. By focusing on earning high-quality dofollow backlinks while also leveraging the benefits of nofollow links, you can improve your website’s SEO and ensure long-term success in search rankings.