A nofollow backlink is a type of hyperlink that includes a special tag telling search engines not to pass authority (or link equity) from the referring page to the linked website.
The tag looks like this in HTML:
<a href=”https://www.yourwebsite.com” rel=”nofollow”>Your Link Text</a>
When search engines see this tag, they still discover and crawl the link, but they don’t count it as a direct ranking signal.
This means that while a nofollow backlink doesn’t transfer SEO authority the way a dofollow link does, it still plays a valuable role in visibility, traffic, and brand awareness.
Understanding this difference is key to building a healthy backlink strategy in 2026, and that’s where the nofollow vs dofollow links debate often begins.
What Are Nofollow Links?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink that tells search engines not to pass ranking authority, also known as link equity, from one website to another. Technically, it’s created by adding a small attribute rel=”nofollow”, to the HTML of the link.
This tag was introduced by Google back in 2005 to combat spammy link-building practices and prevent websites from gaining unfair ranking advantages through paid or unverified links.
In simple terms, a nofollow backlink still connects two websites, but it signals to search engines, “don’t count this link as a vote of confidence.”
That doesn’t mean it’s useless, far from it. Nofollow links still bring valuable traffic, improve brand visibility, and make your backlink profile look more natural and credible.
You’ll often find nofollow links in blog comments, social media posts, online directories, or sponsored content, places where the linking site wants to mention you, but not influence search rankings directly.
Why Do Nofollow Links Still Matter for SEO?
Many marketers overlook nofollow backlinks because they don’t pass direct link equity, but that’s a mistake. While they don’t boost PageRank the way dofollow links do, they influence your site’s visibility, reputation, and traffic in meaningful ways.
Search engines now treat nofollow vs dofollow links as complementary signals rather than opposites. Here’s what that means in practice:
- They Strengthen Brand Awareness: When your website is linked across social media, forums, and major publications (even with nofollow tags), it gets seen by new audiences and builds recognition.
- They Drive High-Intent Traffic: Nofollow links from trusted sites still bring real visitors — and visitors are what matter most for conversions and engagement.
- They Create a Natural Link Profile: A healthy mix of link types looks authentic to Google. Sites with only dofollow backlinks often appear manipulative.
- They Support Future Dofollow Opportunities: A strong mention on a large site (even if nofollowed) can lead to an editor or partner linking to you later with a dofollow link.
So, even though nofollow backlinks may not transfer SEO authority directly, they’re part of a broader strategy that helps your site earn trust, relevance, and long-term discoverability.
Nofollow vs Dofollow Links: The Key Difference
Both link types connect one site to another, but they communicate very different messages to search engines.
- Dofollow links tell Google, “I trust this source; pass on my authority.”
- Nofollow links say, “I’m referencing this page, but not vouching for it.”
You’ll find nofollow backlinks on websites that allow user-generated content or external links that can’t always be verified, like:
- Blog comment sections
- Social media platforms
- Online forums or Q&A sites
- Press releases or sponsored content
In 2026, Google treats these attributes more flexibly than before. Nofollow links can now serve as hints for ranking context, meaning that while they may not pass full authority, they still contribute to your site’s overall reputation and discovery.
How Do Nofollow Backlinks Work?
Search engines use links to discover new pages and understand relationships between websites. When a site adds a nofollow backlink, it signals search crawlers not to pass PageRank from one domain to another.
However, these links still help in several ways:
- They make your content visible to new audiences.
- They create pathways for referral traffic from other platforms.
- They establish brand mentions, which search algorithms now recognize as trust signals.
In simple terms, a nofollow backlink might not directly push your rankings, but it strengthens the ecosystem around your website, which indirectly supports your SEO.
What Types of Links Are Nofollow?
Not every link on the internet is meant to transfer SEO value. Some are intentionally tagged as nofollow backlinks to prevent manipulation, maintain transparency, or meet search engine compliance rules.
Here are the most common types of links that typically carry the nofollow attribute:
- Blog Comments and Forum Posts:
Platforms that allow user-generated content (like blog comments, Reddit, or Quora) often use nofollow links to stop spammers from posting irrelevant URLs for SEO gain. - Paid or Sponsored Content:
Whenever a brand pays for a feature, product mention, or affiliate post, those links are usually marked rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored” to stay compliant with Google’s linking policies. - Press Releases and News Syndication:
News outlets frequently tag external links as nofollow to maintain editorial neutrality while still providing visibility to the mentioned brand or source. - Social Media and Directory Listings:
Links from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and online directories are almost always nofollow, they help with traffic and awareness, but not with passing PageRank. - Public Wiki and Knowledge Platforms:
Sites like Wikipedia or other open-edit encyclopedias automatically apply the nofollow tag to prevent misuse.
These links may not directly influence your rankings, but they build online credibility, increase referral traffic, and make your backlink profile more natural, all of which help search engines trust your website more over time.
4 Benefits of Having Nofollow Links
1. A More Natural Backlink Profile
A healthy SEO profile includes both dofollow and nofollow links.
If all your links are dofollow, it can look suspicious to search engines and trigger algorithmic scrutiny.
NoFollow links balance your backlink profile, making it appear more organic and trustworthy.
2. Increased Referral Traffic
Even without passing link equity, a nofollow backlink can drive valuable visitors to your site.
When placed on high-traffic platforms, like Reddit, Quora, or LinkedIn, it exposes your content to new audiences and potential customers.
This kind of traffic often converts better because it comes from readers genuinely interested in your niche.
3. Stronger Brand Visibility and Mentions
Brand mentions, even when linked with nofollow tags, are now part of how Google evaluates trust.
When your name repeatedly appears across authoritative sites, search engines associate your brand with relevance and authority.
That’s one of the overlooked nofollow link benefits — brand consistency across the web can enhance credibility and long-term discoverability.
4. Protection From Spam and Penalties
Not every backlink is worth having.
By marking unverified or sponsored links as nofollow, you protect your website from potential penalties associated with manipulative linking practices.
For example, a reputable SEO agency in Michigan might use this tag for client promotions or collaborations to stay compliant with Google’s linking guidelines.
In short, nofollow backlinks help maintain quality control — ensuring your link strategy remains safe, clean, and transparent.
Build a Balanced Link Profile With Great Lakes DP
Successful SEO isn’t about collecting hundreds of links; it’s about building the right mix of credibility and reach.
At Great Lakes DP, we help businesses across Michigan strengthen their digital presence through ethical link-building and content-driven strategies.
- Develop backlink strategies that balance dofollow and nofollow backlinks effectively.
- Ensure compliance with Google’s latest linking guidelines.
- Grow visibility through proven SEO services in Michigan tailored for real results.
Ready to build a stronger, safer, and more authoritative backlink profile? Contact Great Lakes DP today to start optimizing your link strategy for 2026.
FAQs About Nofollow Backlinks
1. Are Nofollow Backlinks Bad for SEO?
No. They’re essential for maintaining a natural, balanced backlink profile and improving brand exposure without risking penalties.
2. Should I Focus Only on Dofollow Links?
Not entirely. A strong SEO strategy includes both. Dofollow links build authority; nofollow backlinks build visibility, reach, and traffic diversity.
3. Can Nofollow Backlinks Improve Rankings Indirectly?
Yes. Even though they don’t pass link equity, they increase traffic, engagement, and brand awareness, all of which help your SEO indirectly.
4. Where Can I Get Quality Nofollow Links?
Participate in reputable discussions on platforms like Quora, Reddit, or industry-specific forums. Contribute value first, the visibility will follow.
5. How Many Nofollow Links Should I Have?
There’s no fixed number. The goal is balance. A realistic mix of nofollow vs dofollow links looks natural to search engines and keeps your SEO strategy future-proof.
