Backlinks are the backbone of any solid SEO strategy. They’re like a vote of confidence from one site to another, helping search engines determine the quality and relevance of your content. But not all backlinks are created equal—and that’s where the distinction between do-follow and no-follow links comes in. If you want to build a winning backlink strategy, understanding their differences is essential.
Let’s explore what makes do-follow and no-follow links unique, how they affect SEO, and how to strike a balance for maximum results.
What Are Do-Follow and No-Follow Backlinks?
Every link that connects one page to another on the internet carries certain attributes. These attributes tell search engines how to treat that link. The two most common types of backlinks are do-follow and no-follow.
Definition of Do-Follow Links
Do-follow links are the standard type of hyperlink. They pass on authority, often referred to as “link juice,” from the linking site to the linked site. This transfer of authority helps improve the linked site’s rankings in search engine results.
For example, if a high-authority site links to your page with a do-follow link, search engines interpret this as a sign that your content is trustworthy and valuable.
Definition of No-Follow Links
No-follow links, on the other hand, include a specific attribute in their HTML code: rel=”nofollow”. This tells search engines not to pass authority or link juice to the linked page. From an SEO perspective, no-follow links don’t directly impact rankings.
Though no-follow links may seem less valuable on the surface, they serve specific purposes. They’re often used for:
- Sponsored or paid content
- User-generated content (UGC), like blog comments
- Preventing spam by restricting authority passed to low-trust links
Why Both Types Exist
The no-follow attribute was introduced in 2005 to combat spam and promote responsible linking practices. For example, many blog comment sections became havens for spammers looking to boost SEO by flooding posts with low-quality links. No-follow links gave website owners a way to share links without worrying about SEO manipulation.
Do-follow and no-follow links play complementary roles, helping users discover content while allowing search engines to maintain fair ranking systems.
How Do-Follow and No-Follow Links Impact SEO
Now that you know the difference, how do these link types affect your SEO efforts?
SEO Benefits of Do-Follow Links
Do-follow links are highly sought after in the SEO world because they directly contribute to your website’s rankings. When you earn a do-follow link from a credible and authoritative site, it’s like winning a golden recommendation.
Here’s how they impact your site:
- Higher Search Rankings: By passing authority, do-follow links tell search engines that your content is trustworthy.
- Improved Domain Authority: High-quality do-follow links build your domain’s credibility over time.
- Referral Traffic: Besides SEO value, these links can also drive traffic from the referring site.
Indirect Benefits of No-Follow Links
While no-follow links don’t directly boost your rankings, they come with their own set of advantages. Here’s how no-follow links contribute to your overall strategy:
- Brand Visibility: Links on major platforms like social media, forums, or Wikipedia often use the no-follow attribute. These links can still attract new audiences and drive traffic.
- Relationship Building: No-follow links can lead to partnerships, audience engagement, and potential do-follow backlinks in the future.
- Balanced Link Profile: A natural mix of do-follow and no-follow links helps avoid suspicion from search engines and reduces the risk of penalties.
The Role of a Balanced Backlink Profile
Search engines love natural link profiles. If every single backlink to your site is do-follow, it raises red flags and might look like you’re manipulating SEO metrics. A mix of both link types is the best way to keep your backlink strategy authentic.
Aim for a 60-70% do-follow to 30-40% no-follow ratio for a well-rounded profile.
How to Identify Do-Follow and No-Follow Links
If you’re building backlinks, it’s important to know which type you’re getting. Luckily, distinguishing between the two is easy with the right tools.
Using Browser Tools and Extensions
Most web browsers offer developer tools that let you examine the underlying code of a page. Right-click on a link, click “Inspect,” and check if the rel=”nofollow” attribute is present. If it’s not, the link is do-follow by default.
For a faster solution, browser extensions like NoFollow or MozBar highlight no-follow links directly on the page.
Leveraging SEO Tools
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest can analyze your website’s backlink profile. These platforms show you which links are do-follow, no-follow, and even provide insights into their quality and source.
Best Practices for Building Do-Follow and No-Follow Links
The key to SEO success isn’t just about getting one type of link—it’s about building both strategically.
Strategies for Do-Follow Backlinks
- Guest Posting: Write quality content for other sites in exchange for a do-follow backlink.
- Outreach Campaigns: Reach out to influencers and bloggers in your niche and ask for backlinks especially for broken links and unlinked brand mention.
- Create Shareable Content: Unique, valuable content naturally earns do-follow links from others.
- Partner with Websites: Form partnerships with authoritative sites or journalists (PR), offering mutual benefits.
Where to Get No-Follow Backlinks
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram use no-follow attributes, but links from these sites can drive significant traffic.
- Blog Comments: While many sites keep comment links as no-follow, they’re useful for engaging with your audience.
- Forums and Communities: Share your expertise in relevant forums with no-follow backlinks to your site.
- Sponsored Content: Use no-follow links for paid promotions to stay compliant with search engine rules.
Maintaining a Healthy Link Ratio
A natural backlink profile includes a variety of sources, anchor texts, and link types. Regularly audit your backlinks using tools like Google Search Console or backlink analysis platforms. Remove or disavow any spammy or toxic links that could harm your site’s reputation.
Conclusion
When it comes to backlinks, it’s not about choosing between do-follow and no-follow—it’s about understanding how both work together. Do-follow links are your ticket to higher rankings, while no-follow links improve traffic and visibility while keeping your backlink profile balanced.
Craft a strategy that targets quality over quantity and incorporates both types of links. Whether you’re building relationships, creating awesome content, or monitoring your profile, a balanced approach will set you up for long-term SEO success.
