What is a nofollow link? Understanding nofollow links in SEO
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), understanding the nuances of different link types is crucial for developing an effective strategy. One such link type that often sparks debate among SEO professionals is the nofollow link. At IncRev, we believe in providing our clients with comprehensive knowledge to make informed decisions about their SEO efforts. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of nofollow links, exploring their significance, benefits, and how they fit into a holistic SEO approach.
What are nofollow links?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink with a rel=”nofollow” HTML attribute that instructs search engines not to pass PageRank or link equity to the linked page. Essentially, when you ask “what does nofollow mean,” it’s a way of telling search engines, “Don’t count this link as a vote of confidence for the linked website.”
Understanding what a nofollow link is helps you grasp how search engines evaluate your site’s authority. While standard links contribute to a page’s ranking potential, nofollow links serve a different purpose in your overall link profile.
The nofollow attribute looks like this in HTML:
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Anchor Text</a>The rel=”nofollow” attribute explained
The rel nofollow attribute is a simple HTML tag that modifies link behavior. When you create a nofollow link in HTML, you’re adding this attribute to tell search engine crawlers to ignore the link for ranking purposes. The nofollow meaning in SEO context is straightforward: it prevents the transfer of link equity (sometimes called “link juice”) from one page to another.
What is a nofollow attribute used for? Beyond just blocking PageRank flow, the nofollow definition has evolved. Google now treats nofollow as a “hint” rather than a directive, meaning they may still consider these links in certain contexts, particularly for understanding content relationships and user behavior patterns.
The origin of nofollow links
The nofollow attribute was introduced in 2005 as a collaborative effort between major search engines to combat comment spam on blogs. As blogs gained popularity, spammers flooded comment sections with links to manipulate search rankings. The nofollow attribute provided webmasters with a tool to discourage this behavior by nullifying the SEO value of these links.
Dofollow vs nofollow links: Understanding the difference
The primary distinction between dofollow and nofollow links lies in how search engines treat them. Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow is essential for building a balanced link profile.
| Aspect | Dofollow Links | Nofollow Links |
|---|---|---|
| PageRank Transfer | Yes – passes link equity | No – does not pass link equity |
| Ranking Impact | Direct influence on rankings | Indirect benefits (traffic, brand) |
| HTML Code | <a href=”url”>text</a> | <a href=”url” rel=”nofollow”>text</a> |
| Best Use | Editorial links, natural citations | Paid links, UGC, untrusted sources |
- Dofollow Links: These are standard links that pass PageRank and contribute to the linked site’s search engine rankings.
- Nofollow Links: These links do not pass PageRank and, according to Google, are not factored into their ranking algorithms in the traditional sense.
While reading this, you might think nofollow links are of no value. However, while dofollow links are the most sought after in the world of link building, it’s important to note that nofollow links can still provide value in many ways, although they may not directly influence rankings. We’ll explore the benefits of nofollow’s later in this article.
Ideal dofollow to nofollow ratio in 2025
One of the most common questions about dofollow vs nofollow links is: what’s the right ratio? According to current SEO best practices in 2025, a balanced link profile should aim for approximately 20-40% nofollow links to appear natural to search engines.
This dofollow vs nofollow ratio isn’t a strict rule, but a natural link profile includes both types. An unnaturally high percentage of dofollow links can appear manipulative, while too many nofollow links might indicate missed opportunities for authority building. The key is earning links organically through quality content and genuine relationships.
Common sources of nofollow links
Certain types of websites and content typically use nofollow links by default:
- Blog comments
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
- Forum posts
- Wikipedia
- Paid advertisements
- User-generated content platforms
- Some news websites and high-profile blogs
Do nofollow links help SEO? Benefits in 2025
If you’re asking “are nofollow links good for SEO?” or “do nofollow links help seo,” the answer is nuanced. While they don’t pass traditional PageRank, nofollow links offer substantial indirect value that contributes to your overall SEO success.
According to recent industry analysis from 2025, nofollow links contribute to SEO by driving referral traffic and enhancing brand authority in AI search contexts, even without direct PageRank transfer. This represents an evolution in how we understand nofollow links seo value.
Indirect SEO value: Traffic, branding, and AI signals
The benefits of nofollow links extend far beyond traditional ranking metrics. Research from SEO community discussions in 2025 confirms that nofollow links from social media and forums can indirectly boost rankings through traffic signals and entity recognition in modern search algorithms.
Despite not passing PageRank, nofollow links can still be valuable for several reasons:
- Diversifying Your Link Profile: A natural backlink profile should include a mix of dofollow and nofollow links. An overabundance of dofollow links can appear unnatural to search engines.
- Driving Referral Traffic: A well-placed nofollow link on a high-traffic website can still drive significant traffic to your site. This traffic generates user engagement signals that search engines monitor.
- Brand Exposure: Nofollow links from reputable sources can increase your brand visibility and credibility, contributing to entity-based SEO signals that Google increasingly values.
- Potential for Dofollow Links: Exposure from nofollow links can lead to other websites linking to you with dofollow links naturally, creating a compounding effect.
- AI and LLM Recognition: In 2025, AI-powered search features analyze brand mentions and citations regardless of link attributes, making nofollow links valuable for visibility in AI overviews and chatbot responses.
The SEO impact of nofollow links
While Google states that nofollow links don’t pass PageRank, the SEO community remains divided on their exact impact. Some studies and experiments suggest that nofollow links may have some influence on rankings, albeit indirectly. At IncRev, we believe in a balanced approach that considers both dofollow and nofollow links as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy.
Is nofollow good for seo? The consensus in 2025 is that nofollow links and seo success are interconnected through indirect pathways: user behavior, brand signals, and natural link profile diversity all contribute to ranking potential.
How to create and check nofollow links
Understanding how to make a nofollow link and how to check if a link is nofollow are essential technical skills for SEO practitioners and webmasters.
Creating a nofollow link in HTML
To create a nofollow link, add the rel=”nofollow” attribute to your anchor tag. Here’s how to make a link nofollow:
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Anchor Text</a>For HTML nofollow link creation, you can also combine attributes for specific purposes according to Google’s 2025 guidelines:
- rel=”sponsored” – For paid or sponsored links
- rel=”ugc” – For user-generated content
- rel=”nofollow” – General untrusted or paid links
You can combine multiple values: <a href="url" rel="nofollow sponsored">text</a>
Top tools for checking nofollow links
If you need a nofollow link checker or want to check nofollow links on a page, several tools can help. According to SEO tool analysis from 2025, these are the most effective methods:
- Browser Inspector: Right-click any link and select “Inspect” to view the HTML and look for rel=”nofollow”
- Browser Extensions: Install extensions like “NoFollow” (Chrome) or “NoFollow Simple” (Firefox) that highlight nofollow links on any page
- SEO Tools: Platforms like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz include nofollow checker functionality in their link analysis features
- Online Checkers: Free web-based nofollow links checker tools can analyze individual URLs
- Page Source View: Press Ctrl+U (Windows) or Cmd+Option+U (Mac) and search for “nofollow” to find all instances
When and why to use nofollow links: Best practices
Understanding when to use nofollow and what types of links should be nofollow is critical for compliance and avoiding penalties. According to updated guidelines for 2025, Google recommends specific use cases for the rel nofollow attribute.
Rel nofollow best practices checklist
Here’s when you should use nofollow links on your own website:
- Paid Links and Sponsored Content: All paid advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate links must use nofollow, sponsored, or a combination to maintain trust signals and avoid penalties.
- User-Generated Content: Comments, forum posts, and any content created by users should be nofollowed to prevent spam and maintain site quality.
- Untrusted Sources: Links to sites you cannot vouch for or haven’t thoroughly vetted should carry the nofollow attribute.
- Login and Registration Pages: Links to member areas, login forms, and similar pages typically don’t need to pass PageRank.
- Widget and Embedded Links: Links within widgets that appear across multiple pages should be nofollowed to avoid unnatural link patterns.
Why use nofollow links in these cases? Primarily for compliance with search engine guidelines and to protect your site from association with low-quality or paid content that could trigger algorithmic or manual penalties.
Nofollow links in your SEO strategy
At IncRev, we recommend incorporating nofollow links into your SEO strategy in the following ways:
- Focus on Quality Content: Create valuable content that naturally attracts both dofollow and nofollow links.
- Engage in Community Discussions: Participate in forums and comment sections relevant to your industry, even if links are nofollowed.
- Leverage Social Media: While social media links are typically nofollow, they can drive traffic and increase brand awareness.
- Consider Paid Advertising: Paid links should be nofollowed, but can still provide value through increased visibility and traffic.
How IncRev can help optimize your link building strategy
At IncRev, we understand the complexities of link building in today’s SEO landscape. Our team of experts can help you develop a balanced link building strategy that incorporates both dofollow and nofollow links effectively. We focus on:
- Analyzing your current link profile to understand your dofollow vs nofollow ratio
- Identifying high-quality link opportunities across 20,000+ premium publishers in 40+ countries
- Creating content that naturally attracts links through proven digital PR and content-led strategies
- Developing strategies for community engagement and brand exposure that generate both link types
- Monitoring and reporting on the impact of your link building efforts with compliance-first execution
By partnering with IncRev, you can ensure that your link building strategy is comprehensive, effective, and aligned with the latest SEO best practices for 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
While the debate around the value of nofollow links in SEO continues, it’s clear that they play an important role in a well-rounded digital marketing strategy. By understanding the nuances of nofollow links and incorporating them thoughtfully into your SEO efforts, you can build a more natural link profile, increase brand exposure, and drive valuable traffic to your website.
In 2025, the question “do nofollow links help seo” has a clear answer: yes, through indirect benefits including referral traffic, brand authority signals, and natural link profile diversity. Whether you’re working with a href nofollow attributes in HTML or analyzing your competitors’ link profiles, understanding both dofollow and nofollow links is essential for modern SEO success.
At IncRev, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate the complex world of SEO and achieve sustainable, long-term success in search rankings. Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your link building strategy and drive your online presence to new heights.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nofollow link?
A nofollow link is a hyperlink with the rel=”nofollow” HTML attribute that tells search engines not to pass PageRank or link equity to the destination page. The nofollow link meaning indicates these links don’t directly contribute to ranking algorithms, though they can provide indirect SEO value through traffic and brand signals.
Can nofollow links hurt my SEO?
No, nofollow links do not hurt your SEO. In fact, they’re a natural part of a diverse link profile. However, an excessive number of low-quality nofollow links could be a sign of spammy practices, which might attract negative attention from search engines.
Should I ask websites to remove nofollow attributes from links to my site?
Generally, it’s not recommended to ask websites to remove nofollow attributes. Many sites have policies in place regarding link attributes, and such requests might be seen as attempting to manipulate search rankings. Instead, focus on earning high-quality dofollow links through valuable content and genuine relationships.
How can I check if a link is nofollow?
You can check if a link is nofollow by viewing the page source code and looking for the rel=”nofollow” attribute in the link’s HTML. Alternatively, you can use browser extensions or SEO tools that highlight nofollow links on a page. The fastest method is installing a nofollow checker extension for your browser.
Do I need to use nofollow links on my own website?
You should use nofollow links for paid advertisements, user-generated content, and links to untrusted sources. It’s also a good practice to nofollow links in widgets or embedded content that appears across many pages of your site. According to 2025 guidelines, sponsored content should use rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow sponsored”.
How many nofollow links should I have in my link profile?
There’s no ideal ratio of dofollow to nofollow links, but research suggests a natural profile contains approximately 20-40% nofollow links. A natural link profile will have a mix of both, with the exact proportion varying depending on your industry and online presence. Focus on acquiring high-quality links, both dofollow and nofollow, through legitimate means.
Do nofollow links help SEO in 2025?
Yes, nofollow links help SEO indirectly in 2025. While they don’t pass PageRank, they drive referral traffic, enhance brand authority signals that AI search systems recognize, and contribute to a natural link profile. The benefits of nofollow links include increased visibility, user engagement signals, and potential for earning natural dofollow links.
What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow links?
The difference between dofollow and nofollow links is that dofollow links pass PageRank and directly influence search rankings, while nofollow links include the rel=”nofollow” attribute that tells search engines not to pass link equity. Both types are valuable: dofollow for direct ranking impact, nofollow for traffic, brand building, and link profile diversity.
How do I make a nofollow link in HTML?
To make a nofollow link, add rel=”nofollow” to your anchor tag: <a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Anchor Text</a>. You can also use rel=”sponsored” for paid links or rel=”ugc” for user-generated content, or combine attributes like rel=”nofollow sponsored” for maximum clarity.
Are nofollow links from social media valuable?
Yes, nofollow links from social media are valuable despite not passing PageRank. They drive direct traffic, increase brand awareness, generate engagement signals, and contribute to your overall online presence. In 2025, these links also help AI systems understand your brand authority and relevance across the web.