Google uses links to understand your website better. This article breaks down how nofollow links play a role in search rankings and online traffic.
Nofollow links do not pass SEO value, but they can still send traffic to your site.
Having both dofollow and nofollow links looks more natural to search engines.
Nofollow links bring other benefits like brand visibility and social signals.
You can check if a link is nofollow by viewing the page source code.
Using both link types helps build a stronger SEO plan.
Nofollow links tell search engines not to pass authority to another page. They are helpful in showing which links should not influence search results.
A nofollow link is a special kind of hyperlink. It includes a small tag that tells search engines not to pass on any SEO power. This means it won’t help the linked page rank higher in search results. These links were created to help websites stop passing credit to spammy or paid links.
While nofollow links don’t directly help with rankings, they can still send people to your website. When placed on high-traffic websites, they can bring in visitors and raise brand awareness. That’s why using nofollow links the right way still matters.
Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links helps shape your SEO plan.
| Type of link | What it does | SEO impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dofollow | Passes on link authority | Helps with search rankings |
| Nofollow | Tells search engines not to pass authority | Doesn’t directly help rankings |
Dofollow links show that a website trusts the page it’s linking to. These links can improve a page’s ranking in search engines. Nofollow links are used when you don’t want to endorse the content you’re linking to. This often happens with blog comments or paid links.
You can find out if a link is nofollow by checking its code. Right-click a page, click "View Page Source," then search for "nofollow."
Checking if a link is nofollow is easy and useful for planning SEO.
Open the webpage and right-click anywhere.
Choose “View Page Source.”
Use Ctrl+F or Command+F to search "nofollow."
Look at the link tag. A nofollow link will include rel="nofollow".
You can also use tools like Moz or SEMrush. These show which links are nofollow and help track your link profile over time.
Some experts think nofollow links don’t help rankings. Others believe they support SEO in other ways.
Some people say nofollow links don’t matter for SEO. They argue that if a link does not pass authority, it has no ranking power. But others say nofollow links still matter.
Nofollow links can bring visitors to your site. More visits can lead to shares, sales, and even natural backlinks. These are all helpful for SEO. Many marketers believe in using a mix of both link types.
Moz found that nofollow links can boost traffic. More visits often lead to better SEO over time.
Google says nofollow links do not pass authority. But tests show they can still play a role when part of a mixed link profile.
Marketing experts agree that nofollow links can drive traffic, improve brand awareness, and even lead to dofollow links later. These indirect benefits help your site grow.
Nofollow links can still support your SEO even if they don’t directly help rankings.
Yes. They can lead to more visitors, which shows that people are interested in your site. This can bring engagement, social shares, and brand mentions. These signs of interest can support your site’s visibility online.
Also, if people find your site through nofollow links and share it elsewhere, you could earn dofollow backlinks in the future. This builds authority over time.
Nofollow links can help with:
Traffic: They can send people to your website.
Brand exposure: They make your name more visible online.
Social signals: Shares and mentions can help build trust.
Referral sales: Visitors from nofollow links might become customers.
Using nofollow links on popular sites can help small business owners reach new audiences.
Having both link types makes your site’s backlink profile look natural. It’s a healthy mix that search engines expect.
Using only dofollow links can look suspicious to search engines. A mix shows your site gets attention from a range of sources. This makes your site appear more trustworthy and balanced.
Here’s how to use nofollow links in your SEO plan:
Use them in blog comments or forums to avoid spam.
Add them to affiliate links to stay compliant with search engine rules.
Share them on social media to drive traffic and brand awareness.
Mix both types of links in your content.
Track performance to see what traffic they bring.
Build partnerships, even if the links are nofollow.
Keep anchor text clear, so users know where the link goes.
Target reputable websites for nofollow backlinks.
Stay up to date with search engine updates.
Nofollow links do not pass authority, but they still matter. They can bring traffic, increase visibility, and support your SEO efforts in other ways.
A good SEO plan includes both nofollow and dofollow links. This creates a strong, natural backlink profile. Small business owners should not overlook the benefits of nofollow links. Used well, they help build a better online presence.
Nofollow links don’t pass PageRank directly, so they won’t immediately boost your rankings. But they can still bring traffic, brand visibility, and engagement—all of which support your SEO strategy over time.
Right-click the link and choose “View Page Source.” Search for rel="nofollow" in the link code. If it’s there, the link is nofollow—if not, it’s likely dofollow. You can also use tools like Moz or SEMrush to check.
No. A healthy mix of nofollow and dofollow links looks natural to search engines and helps your site gain diverse exposure. Avoiding nofollow links entirely can signal an unnatural backlink profile.
Yes. Users can click nofollow links just like any other link—especially when they appear on high-traffic sites or social media. These visits can lead to more awareness, shares, and referrals.
Use them for user-generated content like blog comments, forums, or untrusted links. They’re also essential for affiliate links and ads to stay compliant with search engine guidelines.
Understanding nofollow links is just one part of a solid SEO plan. If you’re unsure how to build a healthy backlink profile or make sense of search engine rules, I can help. Let’s look at where your site stands and find ways to improve your traffic and visibility.
Reach out now and get expert SEO support for your business.