The Shocking Truth About DoFollow vs. NoFollow Links
When it comes to SEO world, few topics create more confusion—and debate—than the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links.
Some marketers treat NoFollow links like digital junk. Others obsess over DoFollows, chasing them like buried treasure. But the real truth? It’s a bit more complicated—and much more important—than most people think it is.
In this post, we break down what these link types really mean, how they impact your SEO, and how to use both effectively in your link building strategy.
What Are DoFollow and NoFollow Links?
At their core, these are HTML attributes that tell search engines how to treat a hyperlink.
DoFollow Links
A “DoFollow” link passes on link equity (aka “link juice”) from one site to another. It tells search engines: Hey, I trust this page—rank it higher!
<a href=”https://guestpostsale.com/”>Guest Post Marketplace</a>
Unless specifically stated otherwise, all links are DoFollow by default.
NoFollow Links
A “NoFollow” link uses a special attribute to tell search engines not to pass link equity.
<a href=”https://guestpostsale.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Guest Post Marketplace</a>
This tag was originally created by Google in 2005 to fight spam in blog comments and forums.
The Shocking Truth: NoFollow Links Do Matter
Despite what many SEO myths claim, NoFollow links aren’t worthless. In fact, they can help you:
- Drive referral traffic from high-authority sites like Wikipedia or Reddit
- Diversify your link profile to avoid looking suspicious to Google
- Boost credibility and trust by appearing on reputable platforms
Even Google confirmed in 2019 that it now treats NoFollow as a “hint,” meaning it may choose to pass value depending on context.
Why DoFollow Links Still Reign Supreme (But Aren’t Everything)
There’s no denying it: DoFollow links are still the most powerful type of backlink for SEO ranking.
They directly influence:
- Domain authority
- PageRank distribution
- Keyword rankings
That’s why GuestPostSale’s Link Building Services prioritize high-quality, contextual DoFollow links from real, niche-relevant blogs.
But—and this is important—a site with 100% DoFollow links can look unnatural to Google. A balanced profile is always better.
Ideal Link Profile: The Balanced Mix
Here’s what a healthy backlink profile typically includes:
| Link Type | Role in SEO |
| DoFollow | Passes authority and ranking signals |
| NoFollow | Drives traffic, adds trust, and balances |
| Sponsored | Declares paid promotions (compliant with Google) |
| UGC (User-Generated Content) | Used for forums or comment links |
You need all four to build long-term authority without risking penalties.
Want this done for you? Explore our Guest Posting Packages that help diversify your links safely.
Common Myths About DoFollow vs. NoFollow
“NoFollow links are useless.”
Wrong. They bring indirect SEO value and can lead to natural DoFollows over time.
“All backlinks should be DoFollow.”
Nope. A 100% DoFollow profile can look suspicious and trigger manual review.
“You can’t control NoFollow vs. DoFollow.”
You absolutely can—with strategic outreach through vetted our platforms
Case Study: Ranking with a Mixed Profile
One of our clients in the tech SaaS niche built:
- 70% DoFollow links from authority blogs
- 25% NoFollow links from directories, Reddit, and Quora
- 5% Sponsored links labeled properly
The result? A 400% increase in organic traffic in six months—without any penalties or volatility during core updates.
All placements were arranged through manual outreach
Final Thoughts: Use Both—Smartly
So, what’s the bottom line?
- DoFollow links build rankings
- NoFollow links build trust, traffic, and safety
- You need both to build a resilient SEO strategy
The best way to get both types naturally? Work with vetted providers who understand safe, scalable link building
Ready to Build a Smarter Link Profile?
Don’t waste time with shady tactics or unbalanced link strategies. At GuestPostSale, we help brands get:
DoFollow links from real blogs
Natural NoFollow diversity
Safe, manual outreach
Real SEO results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I ask for only DoFollow links in outreach?
A: It’s best to aim for DoFollow links but accept some NoFollow for natural balance.
Q2: Do NoFollow links pass any SEO value?
A: They can. Google treats NoFollow as a “hint” since 2019, meaning context matters.
Q3: Are paid links illegal in SEO?
A: Paid links are fine as long as they are labeled properly (e.g., rel=”sponsored”).
Q4: Can I buy both types from GuestPostSale?
A: Yes, we provide DoFollow-focused outreach with natural NoFollow diversity where appropriate.
