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Not all backlinks are created equal. Two sites can earn links from the same sources and get completely different SEO results. The reason usually comes down to one thing: dofollow vs nofollow.
If you're building backlinks without knowing this distinction, you're flying blind.
Also Read: How to Write a Blog Post That Ranks (2026)
What's the Difference?
A dofollow link is the default type of hyperlink on the web. When a site links to another without any special attribute, Google follows that link and passes "link equity" to the destination page. This signals trust and authority, which directly influences rankings.
A nofollow link includes a rel="nofollow" attribute in the HTML tag:
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Anchor Text</a>
It tells search engines not to follow the link or pass authority. Google introduced nofollow in 2005 to fight comment spam. In 2019, two more attributes were added: rel="sponsored" for paid links and rel="ugc" for user-generated content like forum posts.
Also Read: How to Do Keyword Research (2026)
How They Affect Your SEO
Dofollow links are the backbone of off-page SEO. When a high-authority site links to yours with a dofollow, it passes ranking power your way. That's why most link building campaigns target dofollow placements. Tools like Ahrefs and GSC let you audit which backlinks are dofollow and how much value they carry.
Nofollow links don't pass direct ranking power. But they're not worthless. A nofollow from a major publication can drive real referral traffic, build brand awareness, and lead to future dofollow links from other sites that discover you through it. Google also treats nofollow as a "hint" rather than a strict rule, so a nofollow from a highly trusted source can still carry indirect influence.
For a closer look at how link quality shapes your rankings, the Extems blog covers backlink audits and technical SEO in plain language.
When to Use Nofollow
Use nofollow in these situations:
- Paid or sponsored links. Google requires these to be marked
rel="sponsored" or rel="nofollow". Skipping this risks a manual penalty. - Affiliate links. These count as paid links under Google's guidelines.
- User-generated content. Comment sections and forums should nofollow outbound links by default.
- Untrusted sources. If you're linking somewhere you don't fully vouch for, nofollow protects your domain.
To check whether a link is dofollow or nofollow, right-click it and inspect the HTML. No rel="nofollow" means it's dofollow. You can also use browser extensions like MozBar or run a full audit through Ahrefs or SEMrush.
A healthy backlink profile includes both types. A profile made entirely of dofollow links can look unnatural to Google. The goal is a balanced mix that reflects real editorial activity, not manufactured link schemes.
If you want help auditing your backlink profile or fixing link-related SEO issues, Extems offers technical SEO services built for small and growing businesses.
Also Read: Google Analytics Setup for Small Business
FAQ Section
Does a nofollow link have any SEO value?
Not in the traditional sense of passing ranking power. But nofollow links can drive referral traffic, build brand visibility, and contribute to a natural-looking link profile, which Google treats as a trust signal.
Should I build nofollow backlinks?
Yes, as part of a balanced strategy. A profile made entirely of dofollow links can look unnatural. A healthy mix of both is normal and expected by Google.
What happens if I don't add nofollow to paid links?
Google can detect paid link patterns. If caught, your site can receive a manual action penalty that tanks rankings until the issue is resolved.
How do I make a link dofollow?
Every HTML link is dofollow by default. Just don't add a rel="nofollow" attribute and it will pass link equity naturally.
Does nofollow still matter in 2026?
Yes. Google treats nofollow as a "hint," meaning source authority still plays a role. A nofollow from a trusted news outlet carries more weight than a dofollow from a low-quality directory.
Ready to build an SEO strategy for your business? ExTems works with small businesses to drive real, measurable organic growth. See Our SEO
David Razvan
David Razvan
Creative content writer crafting engaging blogs, articles, and social media content across niches. Flexible, deadline-driven, and always improving with feedback and trends.
