In SEO, every link acts as a signal. But not all links are equal: some pass weight, boosting the ranking of the target page, while others simply record the fact that it has been mentioned. Dofollow and nofollow are two different attributes that determine how search engines perceive a particular link. This determines whether the transferred weight (link equity) will reach the target page or not. Understanding the differences between them is the basis for competent link building and internal optimization.
By default, all links are considered dofollow unless otherwise specified. This means that they pass on some of the authority of the page they link to. In turn, nofollow tells the search engine: “do not take this link into account when calculating the ranking.” But this does not make it useless. In the context of website promotion, it is important to use both types of links to build a safe and natural profile.
What is a dofollow link
Dofollow is a regular link without any special attributes. It participates in the calculation of page authority and helps form the weight structure. When one page links to another without restrictions, it transfers some of its strength, improving the position of the target URL. These are the links that are most often used in external promotion: the more high-quality dofollow links from trusted sites, the higher the growth potential in search results. Dofollow links work especially well if they are placed on thematically relevant sites, embedded in context, have a clear anchor, and are located in the body of the text. Search engines consider them one of the main SEO signals and rely on them when ranking.
What is a nofollow link
Nofollow is the rel=”nofollow” attribute added to the HTML code of a link. It tells search engines that this link should not pass weight. This does not mean that such links are useless: they contribute to the formation of a natural link profile, help promote the brand, attract traffic, and strengthen associations.
Nofollow is often used:
- in comments, to avoid passing weight to random sites
- in advertising publications where artificial promotion is prohibited
- in external links to resources that are not fully trusted
- to control weight distribution within the internal structure
Even without passing on ranking, such links remain visible to robots and are recorded in analytics. Moreover, Google may consider them as an additional signal — especially if the link is from an authoritative source.
Read also: What is an anchor and how to use it.
How to use different types of links
Using both types of links wisely helps create a balanced and safe profile. Don’t try to make all links dofollow — this can raise suspicion. It’s better to work with a natural mix of both weight-transferring and neutral signals.
For stable results in your link strategy:
- dofollow should be used in guest articles, media mentions, and thematic blogs
- nofollow — in comments, press releases, directories, advertising formats
- internal links should always be dofollow, unless they close technical or duplicate pages
- it is important to ensure that the most valuable pages receive maximum link weight through dofollow
Link types directly affect how search engines see your site’s structure and its connections to the outside world. As part of Search Engine Optimization with Visibility Guarantee, the specialist’s task is not just to get links, but to control their quality, format, and impact on SEO. This is the foundation for confident growth and resilience to any algorithm updates.
Read also: What is an internal link and how does it affect SEO.
A dofollow link is a standard hyperlink that transfers link juice (PageRank) from one website to another. It helps search engines consider the target page when ranking. By default, all links are considered dofollow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Such links play an important role in building an effective SEO strategy. A nofollow link is a link with the rel=“nofollow” attribute, which tells search engines not to pass link juice to the target page. Such links do not directly affect the SEO metrics of the promoted site. They are used to limit the influence of external links, for example in comments or advertising materials. However, nofollow links can bring real traffic. Understanding the difference between these types of links allows you to build a more effective link strategy. Dofollow links enhance SEO, while nofollow links help avoid penalties when publishing commercial materials. The balance between them makes the link profile look natural in the eyes of search engines. Correct use of different types of links strengthens the authority of the site. Yes, despite the lack of link juice, nofollow links can bring valuable referral traffic. They help expand your reach, increase brand awareness, and boost engagement. Search engines can also consider such links as popularity signals. Completely ignoring nofollow links deprives your site of additional growth opportunities. To do this, you can check the HTML code of the link: the presence of the rel=“nofollow” attribute means that the link does not pass weight. There are also special browser extensions and SEO tools that automatically highlight the type of links on the page. Regular analysis of the link profile helps to control the balance between dofollow and nofollow links. It is important to monitor the quality of all links, regardless of their type. Common mistakes include focusing too much on dofollow links, buying low-quality links without attributes, and incorrectly labeling advertising materials. Another mistake is completely ignoring the role of nofollow links in traffic and recognition. Incorrect management of link types can raise suspicions in search engines. A balanced and thoughtful approach to links strengthens the site's position. What is a dofollow link?
What is a nofollow link?
Why is it important to distinguish between dofollow and nofollow links?
Can nofollow links be useful for a website?
How to determine if a link is dofollow or nofollow?
What mistakes are made when working with dofollow and nofollow links?
