If you have checked your backlink profile in tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, you have probably noticed some links labelled “nofollow” and wondered whether they actually help your website.
The answer is yes. While NoFollow backlinks do not pass direct SEO authority like DoFollow links, they still play an important role in a strong SEO strategy. They help create a natural backlink profile, drive referral traffic, and improve brand visibility across the web.
Experienced SEO professionals understand that a healthy mix of link types looks more trustworthy to search engines and supports long-term rankings. In this guide, you will learn what a NoFollow backlink is, how it works, how it differs from a DoFollow link, and why these links still matter in modern SEO.
Understanding their value can help you build a smarter and more balanced link-building strategy for sustainable website growth online.
What Is a NoFollow Backlink?
A NoFollow backlink is a link from another website to yours that includes a special HTML attribute telling search engines not to pass SEO authority through it. In plain terms, it is a link that points to your site but signals to Google: “Do not count this as a vote of confidence.”
This attribute was introduced by Google in 2005 as a way to fight comment spam. Websites were being flooded with fake comments containing links purely to game search rankings. The NoFollow tag gave publishers a way to link out without handing over any ranking power.
Here is what the HTML looks like in practice:
<a href=”https://yourwebsite.com” rel=”nofollow”>Anchor Text</a>
That single rel=”nofollow” attribute is all it takes to change how a link is treated by search engines.
NoFollow vs. DoFollow: What’s the Difference?
Every backlink you earn falls into one of two broad categories. Understanding the distinction helps you prioritise your link-building efforts correctly.
DoFollow Links
- Pass SEO authority directly to your site
- Are the default link type, no extra attribute needed
- Count strongly toward your search rankings
- Commonly found in editorial articles and guest posts
NoFollow Links
- Include the rel=”nofollow” attribute
- Do not pass direct SEO authority
- Still drive real referral traffic to your site
- Commonly found on social media, forums, and comment sections
A DoFollow link is the default. When a website links to you without any special attribute, it is a DoFollow link and passes full SEO value.
A NoFollow link explicitly instructs search engines to hold back that value.
Where Do NoFollow Links Come From?
NoFollow links appear on a wide variety of platforms. Many websites apply the NoFollow attribute automatically to protect themselves from spam or to comply with advertising guidelines.
1. Blog Comments
Most commenting systems, including WordPress, automatically add NoFollow to links left in comment sections. This was the original use case the tag was designed for.
2. Social Media Platforms
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram all NoFollow their outbound links. Links from these platforms do not pass direct ranking signals, though they can drive significant referral traffic.
3. Forum Posts and Q&A Sites
Sites like Reddit and Quora NoFollow most user-generated links to prevent spam and manipulation of search results.
4. Press Releases
Distributed press releases often carry NoFollow links because search engines treat them as paid or low-editorial-value placements.
5. Paid and Sponsored Links
Google requires that any paid or sponsored links use rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”. Failing to do this can result in a manual penalty.
6. Wikipedia
All external links on Wikipedia are NoFollow by policy, which is why a Wikipedia mention earns credibility and traffic, but not direct SEO authority.
Do NoFollow Links Have Any SEO Value?
This is the most debated question in link building. The traditional view was simple: NoFollow links do not count, so do not bother chasing them. That view has evolved significantly.
In 2019, Google updated its stance and announced that it would treat NoFollow as a hint rather than a strict directive.
This means Google may choose to count certain NoFollow links when evaluating your site, particularly if they come from high-authority, trustworthy sources.
Beyond the technical SEO question, NoFollow links deliver real, measurable value in several ways:
Referral Traffic: A NoFollow link on a high-traffic website still sends real visitors to your site. Traffic is traffic, regardless of the tag attached to the link.
Brand Visibility: Being mentioned on reputable platforms, even with a NoFollow link, builds brand recognition and trust with your audience.
Natural Link Profile: A backlink profile made up entirely of DoFollow links looks suspicious to Google. A healthy mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links signals that your links were earned naturally, not manufactured.
Indirect DoFollow Opportunities: A NoFollow mention on a popular platform can lead other editors and bloggers to find your content and link to it with a DoFollow link. This is sometimes called the link snowball effect.
The New Link Attributes: Sponsored and UGC
In the same 2019 update, Google introduced two new link attributes to give publishers more precision in describing their links.
rel=”sponsored” should be used on any link that was paid for, including affiliate links, sponsored posts, and advertorial placements. Google treats these as NoFollow equivalents and requires this disclosure.
rel=”ugc” stands for User-Generated Content. It is recommended for links in comment sections, forum posts, and community platforms where the publisher has no direct control over what is linked.
How to Check If a Backlink Is NoFollow
Checking whether a specific link is NoFollow is straightforward. Here are three quick methods:
Method 1: Inspect the Page Source
Right-click anywhere on the page containing your link, select “View Page Source,” and use Ctrl+F to search for your URL. Look at the surrounding HTML to see if rel=”nofollow” is present.
Method 2: Use a Browser Extension
Extensions like MozBar highlight all NoFollow links on a page in a different colour, making them immediately visible without touching any code.
Method 3: Use Your Backlink Tool
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Link Explorer display whether each backlink in your profile is DoFollow or NoFollow. This is the fastest way to audit your full link profile at scale.
Should You Actively Build NoFollow Links?
The strategic answer is: yes, as part of a balanced approach. Pursuing NoFollow links exclusively would be a poor use of your link-building budget. But ignoring them entirely leaves real value on the table.
High-quality NoFollow placements, a mention in a major publication, a link from Wikipedia, or a high-engagement social media post, build brand authority, bring targeted traffic, and contribute to a natural backlink profile that holds up under Google’s scrutiny.
Think of NoFollow links as one layer in a multi-layered strategy. They work best when combined with a steady stream of strong DoFollow editorial links earned through guest posting, original research, and genuine relationship building with trusted sites in your niche.
Key Takeaways
- A NoFollow backlink includes the rel=”nofollow” attribute and traditionally does not pass direct SEO authority to your site.
- Since Google’s 2019 update, NoFollow links are treated as hints rather than strict rules, meaning high-quality NoFollow links may still influence your rankings.
- NoFollow links still deliver referral traffic, brand visibility, and contribute to a healthy, natural-looking backlink profile.
- Always aim for a balanced mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links. A profile composed entirely of DoFollow links can appear manipulated to Google.
Conclusion
NoFollow backlinks may not pass direct SEO authority, but they still contribute to a strong and natural backlink profile.
They can drive referral traffic, increase brand awareness, and help search engines view your link profile as more authentic.
Since Google now treats NoFollow links as hints rather than strict directives, high-quality mentions from trusted websites may still provide indirect SEO benefits. Instead of focusing only on DoFollow links, aim for a balanced backlink strategy built on relevance, credibility, and diversity.
A mix of quality links strengthens your website’s long-term SEO performance and online visibility.
Want to grow your rankings faster? Explore more SEO guides and proven link-building strategies to build authority and attract consistent organic traffic.
By earning trustworthy backlinks from reputable sources, you create a sustainable SEO foundation that supports visibility, credibility, traffic growth, and better search rankings naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a NoFollow link help SEO at all?
Yes, indirectly. NoFollow links drive referral traffic, improve brand visibility, and contribute to a natural backlink profile. Since Google’s 2019 update, high-quality NoFollow links may also be used as ranking signals at Google’s discretion.
Should I disavow NoFollow backlinks?
Generally, no. Since NoFollow links do not pass authority, they are unlikely to harm your rankings even if they come from low-quality sites. Disavowing is best reserved for spammy DoFollow links that could trigger a penalty.
Are social media links NoFollow?
Yes. All major social platforms,including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, NoFollow their outbound links. They can still send valuable referral traffic and contribute to brand awareness.
What is the difference between NoFollow and Sponsored?
Both tell Google not to pass ranking authority. The difference is intent: rel=”nofollow” is a general signal, while rel=”sponsored” specifically flags a paid or affiliate link. Google requires the Sponsored attribute for any compensated placement.
How can I tell if my backlinks are NoFollow?
Use a backlink analysis tool like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz Link Explorer. Each link in your profile will be labelled as DoFollow or NoFollow. You can also inspect a page’s source code directly or install a browser extension that highlights NoFollow links automatically.
