DoFollow and NoFollow in SEO: In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), backlinks are critical in driving organic traffic and improving search rankings. However, not all links are created equal. Enter DoFollow and NoFollow links attributes that can make or break your link-building strategy. This article dives deep into what these link attributes mean, how they work, and how you can use them to optimize your SEO efforts.
| Aspect | DoFollow Links | NoFollow Links |
| Definition | Pass link equity (SEO value) to the linked site. |
Do not pass link equity to the linked site.
|
| HTML Attribute | Default link type with no special attribute. |
Includes rel=”nofollow” in the HTML code.
|
| SEO Impact | Contributes to search engine ranking of the linked page. |
Does not directly affect the ranking of the linked page.
|
| Purpose | Used for endorsing a website and sharing authority. |
Used for links that are untrusted, paid, or user-generated.
|
| Common Use Cases | – Guest blogging – Editorial links – Resource pages. |
– Blog comments
– Social media links – Forum discussions. |
| Search Engine Crawling | Search engines follow the link to crawl the destination page. |
Search engines may see the link but typically do not follow it.
|
| Anchor Text Influence | Anchor text contributes to the ranking signal. |
Anchor text has no direct SEO benefit.
|
| Example Code | <a href=”https://example.com”>Example</a> |
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example</a>
|
What Are DoFollow Links?
DoFollow links are the default type of hyperlinks that pass on link equity, or “SEO juice,” from one website to another. When a reputable website links to yours using a DoFollow link, search engines like Google recognize it as a vote of confidence, which can boost your domain authority and improve your search rankings.
Examples of DoFollow links:
- Links in blog posts.
- Hyperlinks in resource pages.
- Editorial links from authoritative sites.
DoFollow links are essential for building credibility and improving your visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
DoFollow and NoFollow in SEO Popular Tools
| Tool Name | Features | Pricing | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | Backlink analysis, identifies DoFollow/NoFollow links, link-building suggestions. | Starts at $99/month | Ahrefs |
| SEMrush | Backlink audits, detailed DoFollow/NoFollow link reports, toxic link detection. | Starts at $129.95/month | SEMrush |
| Moz Link Explorer | Backlink research, link equity metrics, identifies link attributes (DoFollow/NoFollow). | Free & Paid ($99+/month) | Moz |
| Google Search Console | Free tool to check backlinks and identify which links contribute to rankings. | Free | Google Search Console |
| Ubersuggest | Backlink analysis with DoFollow/NoFollow classification, domain score tracking. | Starts at $29/month | Ubersuggest |
| Screaming Frog | Crawls websites to identify DoFollow/NoFollow links and other technical SEO issues. | Free & Paid (£149/year) | Screaming Frog |
| NoFollow Chrome Extension | Highlights NoFollow links on any webpage for quick identification. | Free | Chrome Web Store |
How to Identify DoFollow Links Using Tools
- Using Ahrefs:
- Go to Backlink Profile > Backlinks.
- Filter for DoFollow links to see which links are passing link equity.
- Analyze the domain authority and traffic metrics of referring domains.
- Using SEMrush:
- Open Backlink Analytics.
- Select the DoFollow/Nofollow filter to categorize links.
- Identify opportunities for acquiring more DoFollow links.
- Using Google Search Console:
- Navigate to Links > Top Linking Sites.
- Check linked pages and assess the type of links using third-party tools.
- Using Screaming Frog:
- Crawl your website.
- Check the External Links tab and filter by link type to find DoFollow links.
What Are NoFollow Links?
NoFollow links, on the other hand, include a specific HTML attribute (rel=”nofollow”) that instructs search engines not to pass link equity to the target website. This type of link is often used in cases where the linking website wants to avoid endorsing the content or prevent potential SEO manipulation.
Common use cases for NoFollow links:
- Sponsored posts or advertisements.
- Links in blog comments or forums.
- User-generated content with unverified information.
Although NoFollow links don’t directly boost your rankings, they still provide valuable referral traffic and diversify your backlink profile.
How to Identify NoFollow Links Using Tools
- Using Ahrefs:
- Open Backlink Profile > Backlinks.
- Filter for NoFollow links to see the non-equity-passing links to your site.
- Assess their traffic and relevance to your niche.
- Using SEMrush:
- Access Backlink Analytics.
- Filter links using the NoFollow attribute.
- Evaluate their role in driving referral traffic or brand visibility.
- Using NoFollow Chrome Extension:
- Install the extension.
- Visit any webpage to see NoFollow links highlighted in red for quick identification.
- Using Screaming Frog:
- Run a crawl of your website.
- Go to the External Links tab and look for links marked as NoFollow.
Key Differences Between DoFollow and NoFollow
Here’s a quick comparison to understand the distinction:
Attribute DoFollow NoFollow
Link Equity Passes link equity to the target Does not pass link equity
HTML Tag No special attribute is needed. rel=”nofollow”
Usage Endorse trusted content Prevent SEO manipulation
SEO Impact Improves rankings and authority Indirect impact through traffic
Both types of links serve unique purposes and should be used strategically in your SEO campaigns.
Importance of NoFollow Links in SEO
While NoFollow links may seem less powerful, they are far from useless. Here’s why they matter:
- Diversified Backlink Profile: A healthy mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links helps maintain a natural backlink profile, reducing the risk of Google penalties.
- Referral Traffic: High-traffic platforms like social media or forums often use NoFollow links, driving significant referral traffic to your site.
- Brand Exposure: Even without passing link equity, NoFollow links can boost brand visibility and recognition.
For example, a NoFollow link from a popular blog can lead to increased visits and potential conversions, even if it doesn’t directly improve rankings.
How to Identify DoFollow and NoFollow Links
To determine whether a link is DoFollow or NoFollow:
- Inspect the HTML code:
- Right-click on a webpage, select “Inspect,” and check the link’s rel attribute.
- Use SEO Tools:
- Tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush can automatically identify and categorize links.
- Browser Extensions:
- Chrome extensions like NoFollow Scanner highlight NoFollow links on any webpage.
Optimizing Link Strategies with DoFollow and NoFollow
A balanced approach to using DoFollow and NoFollow links is key to effective SEO. Here are some tips:
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize acquiring DoFollow links from authoritative websites.
- Leverage NoFollow Links for Traffic: Share content on platforms that use NoFollow links, such as Quora or Reddit, to gain visibility.
- Avoid manipulative practices: Using paid DoFollow links or engaging in link schemes can result in Google penalties.
When and Why to Use NoFollow Links
NoFollow links are best used in the following scenarios:
- Paid Content: To comply with Google’s guidelines, all sponsored links should include the rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored” attribute.
- Untrusted Sources: Use NoFollow for links to sites that haven’t been verified for trustworthiness.
- User-generated Content: Prevent spammy links from affecting your SEO by applying NoFollow to links in comments or forums.
Common Misconceptions About NoFollow Links
- “NoFollow Links Don’t Help SEO”: While they don’t pass link equity, they contribute to referral traffic and brand awareness.
- “All Links Should Be DoFollow.” A natural backlink profile requires a mix of both DoFollow and NoFollow links to avoid penalties.
- “NoFollow Links Have No Value”: Google has clarified that NoFollow links may be treated as “hints” for crawling and indexing.
Google’s Guidelines on Link Attributes
In addition to DoFollow and NoFollow, Google recognizes two more attributes:
- UGC (User-Generated Content): For links in forums or comments.
- Sponsored: For paid or affiliate links.
Using the correct attributes ensures compliance with Google’s policies and prevents penalties.
Real-Life Examples
- DoFollow Link Success: A blog gets a DoFollow backlink from a high-authority site, boosting its rankings significantly.
- NoFollow Link Value: A business receives a NoFollow link from Reddit, driving significant referral traffic and increasing conversions.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links?
DoFollow links pass SEO value (link equity) to the linked website, contributing to its ranking. In contrast, NoFollow links do not pass link equity and are used for untrusted or paid links to avoid manipulating search engine rankings.
2. Why are NoFollow links important for SEO?
NoFollow links help create a natural backlink profile, prevent search engine penalties, and can drive referral traffic from high-traffic websites, even without passing SEO value.
3. How can I check if a link is DoFollow or NoFollow?
You can inspect the HTML code of the link or use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or browser extensions like NoFollow Chrome Extension to identify the link type.
4. Can NoFollow links improve my website’s ranking indirectly?
Yes, NoFollow links can improve visibility, generate referral traffic, and drive user engagement, which may indirectly contribute to SEO performance by increasing traffic and brand mentions.
5. When should I use DoFollow and NoFollow links in my website content?
- Use DoFollow links to endorse trusted websites or share authority.
- Use NoFollow links for untrusted sources, paid partnerships, or user-generated content to comply with Google guidelines.