DoFollow vs NoFollow Links: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Kristians Stepins • 20 August 2025
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When people talk about backlinks, they often throw around terms like “DoFollow” and “NoFollow.” But what do they actually mean - and why do they matter for your SEO and Domain Authority?


This guide breaks it down clearly so you can use backlinks the right way.

Quick Answer


  • DoFollow links pass SEO value (a.k.a. “link juice”) and help boost your Domain Authority and rankings.
  • NoFollow links don’t pass SEO value but can still bring traffic, visibility, and brand credibility.
  • Both types of links matter in a healthy backlink profile.


What Is a DoFollow Link?


A DoFollow link is the default type of backlink. When another site links to you without adding any restrictions, search engines treat it as a “vote of confidence.”


  • SEO value is transferred to your site
  • Helps improve your Domain Authority
  • Can directly impact rankings


Example of HTML:


<a href="https://yourwebsite.com">Your Website</a>


What Is a NoFollow Link?


A NoFollow link tells search engines “don’t pass SEO value.”


This doesn’t mean the link is useless - it can still drive real people to your site and strengthen your brand footprint online.


  • No direct SEO value passed
  • Still drives referral traffic
  • Builds trust (used on ads, social media, blog comments)


Example of HTML:


<a href="https://yourwebsite.com" rel="nofollow">Your Website</a>

DoFollow vs NoFollow: Key Differences

Feature DoFollow Link NoFollow Link
Passes SEO value Yes No
Boosts DA/DR Yes No
Google ranking impact Direct Indirect
Traffic potential Yes Yes
Common sources Blogs, news sites, partnerships Ads, comments, social media

Why Both Types Matter


  • A natural backlink profile includes both DoFollow and NoFollow.
  • Too many DoFollow links (especially low-quality ones) can look suspicious to Google.
  • NoFollow links from big sites (e.g. Forbes, Wikipedia, Reddit) can still bring thousands of visitors - even if they don’t boost rankings.


How to Check If a Link Is DoFollow or NoFollow


  • Right-click → Inspect the page (or use View Page Source).
  • Look at the HTML code.
  • If you see rel="nofollow", it’s NoFollow. If not, it’s DoFollow.
  • Use free SEO tools like Ahrefs, MozBar, or Ubersuggest to check link type at scale.


Linking This Back to Domain Authority


As we explained in our Domain Authority guide - DoFollow links are one of the biggest signals for improving your score.

But a smart SEO strategy uses both types to appear natural and trustworthy.


Final Word


  • Don’t ignore NoFollow link - they can bring massive exposure.
  • Prioritise DoFollow links when building authority.
  • Always diversify your backlink sources.

Quick FAQ:

  • Do DoFollow links always increase rankings?

    Not always. Low-quality or spammy DoFollow links can hurt your site. Focus on relevance and authority.

  • Should I avoid NoFollow links?

    No. They may not pass SEO value, but they can still bring traffic and strengthen your brand.

  • How many DoFollow vs NoFollow links should I have?

    There’s no magic ratio. Aim for a natural mix - Google values diversity.

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