When it comes to building your website’s authority, not all backlinks are created equal. If you’re considering investing in links to boost your SEO, understanding the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links is essential. This guide will help you determine which links are worth your investment and how they can impact your site’s rankings.
What Are DoFollow Links?
DoFollow links are the type of backlinks that pass SEO value, or “link juice,” from one website to another. In simpler terms, when a reputable site links to your page with a DoFollow link, search engines recognize it as a vote of confidence in your content. This can help improve your website’s domain authority and increase your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Why You Should Consider Buying DoFollow Links
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SEO Value Transfer: DoFollow links directly influence your rankings by passing authority.
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Traffic Boost: They often come from authoritative sites, increasing the likelihood of referral traffic.
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Long-Term Benefits: High-quality DoFollow links contribute to sustained SEO growth.
However, not all DoFollow links are equal. Buying low-quality or spammy links can harm your SEO rather than help it. Always prioritize links from relevant, trustworthy websites.
What Are NoFollow Links?
NoFollow links include a special HTML attribute that tells search engines not to pass link equity. Essentially, they don’t directly impact your rankings. While NoFollow links don’t provide SEO juice, they are still valuable in other ways.
Benefits of NoFollow Links
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Referral Traffic: Even if the link doesn’t boost your SEO, users can still click through to your site.
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Natural Link Profile: Search engines like to see a mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links. A profile with only DoFollow links can look unnatural and may trigger penalties.
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Brand Awareness: Getting mentions on high-authority sites—even as NoFollow links—can increase your brand’s credibility.
NoFollow links are particularly common on social media, forums, and certain blogs. While they won’t improve rankings directly, they can complement your DoFollow link strategy.
DoFollow vs. NoFollow: Which Should You Buy?
When deciding which links to invest in, consider your SEO goals:
| Link Type | Primary Benefit | When to Invest |
|---|---|---|
| DoFollow | Passes SEO value and improves rankings | Focus on high-authority, relevant sites that search engines trust |
| NoFollow | Drives traffic, diversifies link profile | Use for social proof, brand mentions, or links from niche-relevant sources |
A balanced backlink strategy usually includes both. Prioritizing DoFollow links for SEO value while supplementing with NoFollow links for traffic and diversity can yield the best results.
Key Considerations Before Buying Links
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Authority and Relevance: Look for sites relevant to your niche with strong domain authority.
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Link Placement: Contextual links within content perform better than links in footers or sidebars.
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Avoid Spammy Sources: Links from low-quality directories or unrelated sites can harm your rankings.
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Mix of Link Types: Maintaining a natural mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links protects your site from penalties.
For a comprehensive guide on buying backlinks safely and effectively, check out our full resource here: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Backlinks.
Understanding the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links is crucial for anyone looking to invest in backlinks. While DoFollow links are key for passing SEO value and improving rankings, NoFollow links still provide referral traffic, brand exposure, and a natural link profile. A smart backlink strategy balances both, ensuring long-term growth and authority for your website.
By carefully selecting high-quality links, you can make your investment worthwhile and avoid potential SEO pitfalls.
FAQ: DoFollow vs. NoFollow Links
1. What is the main difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links?
DoFollow links pass SEO value (link juice) to your website, helping improve search rankings. NoFollow links, on the other hand, do not pass SEO value but can still drive traffic and build brand visibility.
2. Are NoFollow links useless for SEO?
Not at all. While NoFollow links don’t directly boost rankings, they contribute to a natural backlink profile, drive referral traffic, and increase brand exposure.
3. Should I focus only on DoFollow links?
No. A balanced strategy works best. Prioritizing DoFollow links for SEO while using NoFollow links for traffic and credibility ensures a natural, safe link profile.
4. How can I tell if a link is DoFollow or NoFollow?
You can check the link’s HTML code. NoFollow links include the attribute rel="nofollow". Links without this attribute are typically DoFollow.
5. Are all DoFollow links valuable?
Not necessarily. Low-quality or irrelevant DoFollow links can harm your SEO. Always prioritize links from trustworthy, niche-relevant websites.
6. Can buying links improve my rankings instantly?
Link building is a long-term strategy. High-quality DoFollow links can boost rankings over time, but immediate results are rare. Focus on consistent, relevant backlinks.
7. How do I maintain a natural backlink profile?
Mix DoFollow and NoFollow links, acquire links from varied sources, and ensure they come from relevant, authoritative websites. Avoid spammy or unrelated link sources.
Keep reading…
Using Competitor Backlink Analysis to Inform Your Purchases
The Future of Paid Links: Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
How Anchor Text Choice Impacts the Effectiveness of Purchased Backlinks