When it comes to buying backlinks, one of the most debated topics is whether a link should be nofollow or dofollow. If you’re looking to boost your site’s authority, understanding the difference between these two link types can help you make smarter decisions when purchasing backlinks.
What Are Nofollow and Dofollow Links?
A dofollow link is a standard hyperlink that passes link equity (or “SEO juice”) from the referring site to your own. This is the type of link that search engines like Google use to determine the authority and ranking potential of your website.
On the other hand, a nofollow link has a special HTML attribute (rel="nofollow") that tells search engines not to pass link equity. Originally introduced to fight spam, nofollow links don’t directly impact your site’s rankings. However, they still play a role in traffic generation and brand visibility.
Paid Backlinks: The Nofollow vs Dofollow Dilemma
When buying backlinks, most beginners focus solely on dofollow links because they can boost SEO. But should you ignore nofollow links entirely? The answer is more nuanced than you might think.
1. The SEO Value of Dofollow Links
Dofollow backlinks remain the primary driver of domain authority. If your goal is to increase search engine rankings quickly, prioritizing dofollow links from high-quality, relevant sites is essential. These links act as votes of confidence, signaling to Google that your content is trustworthy and authoritative.
2. Why Nofollow Links Still Matter
Even though nofollow links don’t directly pass authority, they still offer benefits:
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Traffic generation: A well-placed nofollow link can drive real visitors to your website.
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Natural link profile: Search engines value a mix of nofollow and dofollow links, making your backlink profile look more organic.
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Brand exposure: Appearing on reputable sites, even with a nofollow link, can enhance your brand’s credibility and visibility.
3. The Risk of Ignoring Nofollow Links
Focusing only on dofollow backlinks can make your link profile look unnatural to search engines, which could trigger penalties. A balanced approach that includes both link types is safer for long-term SEO.
How to Approach Paid Backlinks Strategically
If you’re considering buying backlinks, here’s a smart strategy:
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Prioritize relevance over link type: A high-quality link from a niche-related site is more valuable than a random dofollow link.
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Mix link types: Aim for a healthy combination of dofollow and nofollow backlinks to maintain a natural profile.
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Evaluate metrics: Check domain authority, traffic, and trustworthiness before purchasing any link.
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Link placement matters: Contextual backlinks within content tend to perform better than footer or sidebar links, regardless of type.
By understanding the differences between nofollow and dofollow links, you can make informed choices and avoid wasting money on backlinks that don’t help your site in the long run.
So, should you care about nofollow vs dofollow in paid backlinks? Absolutely—but not in isolation. While dofollow links are essential for SEO, nofollow links contribute to a balanced, natural, and traffic-friendly link profile. The best approach is to focus on quality, relevance, and diversity, ensuring your backlinks boost both authority and visibility.
For a deeper dive into buying backlinks the right way, check out our comprehensive guide on how to buy backlinks.
FAQ: Nofollow vs Dofollow in Paid Backlinks
1. What is the main difference between nofollow and dofollow links?
Dofollow links pass SEO authority to your site, helping improve search engine rankings. Nofollow links do not pass authority but can still drive traffic and contribute to a natural link profile.
2. Should I only buy dofollow backlinks for SEO?
Not necessarily. While dofollow links are crucial for SEO, a mix of nofollow and dofollow links creates a more natural and safer backlink profile, which search engines favor.
3. Can nofollow backlinks improve my website traffic?
Yes. Even though they don’t directly impact rankings, nofollow links can generate clicks from real users and increase brand visibility.
4. Are paid backlinks risky?
Paid backlinks can be risky if they come from low-quality or spammy websites. Always prioritize links from reputable, relevant sources to avoid penalties.
5. How can I tell if a link is nofollow or dofollow?
You can inspect the link’s HTML code. A nofollow link will have the attribute rel="nofollow", while a dofollow link will not have this attribute.
6. Do I need a specific ratio of nofollow to dofollow links?
There’s no strict ratio, but a natural backlink profile typically includes both types. Too many dofollow links in a short time can appear unnatural to search engines.
7. Can nofollow links help with branding?
Absolutely. They can appear on high-authority sites, increase exposure, and establish credibility, even without directly affecting search rankings.
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