Dofollow Backlinks vs. Nofollow Backlinks: What is the difference? [Updated-2025]

Dofollow Backlinks vs. Nofollow Backlinks: What is the difference?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the key differences between dofollow and nofollow backlinks, and why they matter for SEO:

1. Dofollow Backlinks
What they do:

Pass “link equity” (SEO value) to the linked site.

Act as a vote of confidence in search engine algorithms (e.g., Google’s PageRank).

Help improve the ranking power of the linked page.

Default behavior:

All links are dofollow unless explicitly marked as nofollow.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com”>Visit Example</a> <!– Dofollow by default –>
Best for:

Building domain authority.

Ranking content in competitive niches.

Earning editorial backlinks (e.g., press mentions, guest posts).

2. Nofollow Backlinks
What they do:

Include rel=”nofollow” attribute, telling search engines:

“Don’t count this link as an endorsement.”

Pass no SEO value (but may still drive traffic).

Common uses:

User-generated content (comments, forums).

Paid/sponsored links (required by Google’s guidelines).

Untrusted content (to avoid associating with low-quality sites).

Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Sponsored Post</a>
Best for:

Compliance with SEO guidelines.

Avoiding penalties for unnatural links.

Managing link equity (e.g., internal nofollow links).

Key Differences
Feature Dofollow Nofollow
SEO Value ✅ Passes link equity ❌ No SEO boost
Traffic Potential ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Default Links Yes No (must add tag)
Google’s View Counts as a “vote” Ignored for ranking
Common Sources Guest posts, PR links Comments, ads, UGC
Why It Matters
Dofollow: Essential for organic rankings. High-quality dofollow links from authoritative sites (e.g., Forbes, Wikipedia) boost credibility.

Nofollow: Critical for compliance. Using nofollow on paid/sponsored links avoids Google penalties.

Pro Tip: A natural backlink profile mixes both types. Even nofollow links can indirectly help SEO by driving traffic and brand signals.

How to Check a Link’s Status
Inspect the HTML: Look for rel=”nofollow”.

Browser Tools: Right-click → “Inspect Element” on the link.

SEO Tools: Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush show link attributes in backlink reports.

 

What is do follow

What Are Dofollow Links? (Simple Explanation)
Dofollow links are standard hyperlinks that pass “link juice” (SEO value) to the linked page. Unlike nofollow links, they tell search engines:

“This link is trustworthy—count it for rankings!”

🔍 How Dofollow Links Work
Default Link Type: If a link has no rel=”nofollow” tag, it’s automatically “dofollow.”

SEO Impact: They help the linked page rank higher by:

Passing PageRank (Google’s ranking “votes”).

Strengthening topic authority (e.g., a dofollow link from a finance site helps your finance content).

🚀 Where to Get Dofollow Links (Best Sources)
Source Why It’s Powerful
Guest posts on authority sites High-quality, contextual links
News features (HARO, PR) Editorial backlinks = trust
Industry directories (e.g., Crunchbase) Niche-relevant authority
Expert roundups Natural citations from peers
Web 2.0s (Medium, LinkedIn) Some pass link equity
⚠️ Dofollow Link Warnings
Paid links must be disclosed (use rel=”sponsored” or risk penalties).

Avoid spammy sites (PBNs, link farms)—Google penalizes these.

Anchor text matters: Over-optimized links (e.g., “best SEO tools”) look manipulative.

💡 Pro Tip
A natural backlink profile has 60-80% dofollow + 20-40% nofollow links.

 

 

Do follow link example

Dofollow Link Example (With Code & Real-World Cases)
Here’s how to spot a dofollow link and where to find high-quality ones for SEO.

🔍 Example 1: Standard Dofollow Link (HTML Code)
html
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-tools”>Best SEO Tools</a>
✅ No rel=”nofollow” → This is a dofollow link that passes SEO value.

vs. Nofollow Link
html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Us</a>
🚫 rel=”nofollow” → Google ignores this for rankings.

🌍 Example 2: Real-World Dofollow Links
1. Editorial Backlink (Forbes, NYT, etc.)
Context: A journalist links to your site as a source.

Anchor: “According to Study by Harvard…”

2. Guest Post on a Blog
Context: You write a guide for “Backlinko” and link to your site.

Anchor: “As I explained in my case study…”

3. Business Partnership Page
Context: A software company lists you as an “official partner.”

Anchor: “Integrated with Your Tool for analytics.”

4. High-Quality Directory
Example: A Crunchbase profile with a dofollow link to your startup.

🚫 What a Spammy Dofollow Link Looks Like
❌ From a shady blog:

“Great content! Buy Cheap SEO Services here!”
❌ Exact-match over-optimization:

“This is why best pizza in New York wins awards.”

⚡ How to Check if a Link is Dofollow
Right-click → Inspect Element (Look for rel=”nofollow”).

Use SEO tools like Ahrefs/Moz (check “dofollow” filter).

💡 Pro Tip
Dofollow links work best when:
✔ Contextual (placed naturally in content).
✔ From high-authority sites (DA 40+).
✔ Mixed with branded/naked URLs (e.g., “Visit example.com”).

 

 

 

Do follow and Nofollow In SEO

Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links in SEO: Key Differences
Links are crucial for SEO, but not all links pass ranking power. Here’s a breakdown of dofollow and nofollow links and how they impact search rankings.

🔹 Dofollow Links
What They Are
Standard hyperlinks without rel=”nofollow”.

Pass “link juice” (SEO value) to the linked page.

Help improve rankings directly.

Where to Find Them
✅ Guest posts (on authoritative blogs)
✅ Press mentions (news sites, interviews)
✅ High-quality directories (Crunchbase, niche listings)
✅ Expert roundups & citations
✅ Internal links (within your own site)

Example
html
<a href=”https://example.com/seo-guide”>Learn SEO</a>
(No rel=”nofollow” → Google counts this for rankings.)

🔹 Nofollow Links
What They Are
Links with rel=”nofollow” (or ugc, sponsored).

Do not pass SEO value (Google ignores them for ranking).

Still useful for traffic, branding, and link diversity.

Where They Appear
🌐 Blog comments (most platforms auto-add nofollow)
🌐 Social media links (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
🌐 User-generated content (forum posts, Wikipedia)
🌐 Paid/affiliate links (required by Google)

Example
html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Site</a>
(Google won’t count this for rankings.)

⚖️ Key Differences
Feature Dofollow Nofollow
SEO Value ✅ Passes ranking power ❌ No direct SEO boost
Link Juice ✔️ Transfers authority ✖️ Blocks authority
Common Sources Guest posts, PR, directories Comments, social media, ads
Google’s Treatment Counted in rankings Ignored for rankings
Required for Paid Links? ❌ No (must disclose) ✅ Yes (rel=”sponsored”)
🚀 Best Practices for SEO
Prioritize Dofollow Links for rankings (guest posts, PR, niche edits).

Use Nofollow Strategically (branding, traffic, natural link profile).

Balance Both (60-80% dofollow + 20-40% nofollow looks natural).

Avoid Spam (irrelevant links hurt SEO, whether dofollow or nofollow).

💡 Pro Tip
Nofollow links can still drive traffic & brand awareness, and some may convert to dofollow over time!

 

Do follow and no follow Checker

A “DoFollow” and “NoFollow” checker is a tool that analyzes links on a webpage to determine whether they have the rel=”nofollow” attribute. This helps in understanding if the links pass SEO value (DoFollow) or not (NoFollow).

How to Check if a Link is DoFollow or NoFollow?
Manual Inspection:

Right-click on the webpage and select “Inspect” (or press Ctrl+Shift+I).

Look for the <a> tag of the link.

If it contains rel=”nofollow”, it’s a NoFollow link. Otherwise, it’s DoFollow.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>NoFollow Link</a>
<a href=”https://example.com”>DoFollow Link</a>
Online Checker Tools:
Several free tools can scan a webpage and list all DoFollow & NoFollow links:

Ahrefs SEO Toolbar (Browser Extension)

SEO Minion (Chrome Extension)

Check Page Links (https://smallseotools.com/nofollow-checker)

Nofollow Simple Checker (https://www.woorank.com)

SEO Plugins (For WordPress):

Yoast SEO (Shows link attributes in the editor)

SEOPress

Why Does This Matter?
DoFollow Links: Pass SEO link juice, helping with rankings.

NoFollow Links: Do not pass SEO value (used for ads, UGC, or untrusted links).

 

 

Do follow nofollow Checker extension

If you’re looking for a Chrome or Firefox extension to quickly check DoFollow and NoFollow links on any webpage, here are some of the best options:

Best “DoFollow/Nofollow Checker” Extensions
1. SEO Minion (Chrome & Firefox)
✅ Highlights nofollow links in red.

✅ Shows dofollow links normally.

✅ Additional SEO tools (broken link checker, meta tag analyzer).

🔗 Download for Chrome | Firefox

2. NoFollow Simple (Chrome)
✅ Simple & lightweight.

✅ Highlights nofollow links in red.

✅ Works instantly on page load.

🔗 Download for Chrome

3. Ahrefs SEO Toolbar (Chrome)
✅ Detects nofollow, sponsored & UGC links.

✅ Shows domain authority & backlink data.

✅ Great for advanced SEO analysis.

🔗 Download for Chrome

4. Nofollow & Dofollow Highlighter (Firefox)
✅ Works on Firefox.

✅ Color-codes links (green = dofollow, red = nofollow).

🔗 Download for Firefox

How These Extensions Work
Install the extension.

Visit any webpage.

Click the extension icon (or it auto-detects).

Nofollow links will be highlighted (usually in red).

Dofollow links remain normal (or highlighted in green).

Which One Should You Use?
For quick checks → NoFollow Simple or SEO Minion.

For advanced SEO analysis → Ahrefs SEO Toolbar.

Firefox users → Nofollow & Dofollow Highlighter.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
………………………………..
Dofollow Vs Nofollow Links: Guide To SEO Success

Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links: The Ultimate SEO Guide
Links play a crucial role in SEO, and understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links can help you optimize your website for better rankings.

1. What Are Dofollow & Nofollow Links?
🔹 Dofollow Links (Follow Links)
Pass SEO value (PageRank & authority) to the linked page.

Search engines follow these links and consider them for ranking signals.

Default behavior—if no rel attribute is specified, links are dofollow.

✅ Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com”>Visit Example</a> <!– Dofollow –>
🔹 Nofollow Links
Do not pass SEO value (Google doesn’t count them for ranking).

Have the rel=”nofollow” attribute.

Used for untrusted links, ads, sponsored content, or user-generated content (UGC).

✅ Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Example</a> <!– Nofollow –>
2. When to Use Nofollow Links?
Google recommends using nofollow for:

Paid links (ads, sponsorships) → Required by Google’s guidelines.

User-generated content (comments, forum posts) → Prevents spam.

Untrusted links → Links you don’t vouch for.

Internal links you don’t want to pass value (rare but useful in some cases).

3. Do Nofollow Links Have Any SEO Value?
Historically: No (they didn’t pass PageRank).

Now: Google says they’re “hints”—they may still influence rankings indirectly.

Nofollow links can:

Drive traffic & brand awareness.

Help with diverse backlink profiles (natural-looking SEO).

Be considered in discovery (Google may still crawl them).

4. How to Check if a Link is Dofollow or Nofollow?
Manual Method (Inspect Element)
Right-click the link → Inspect.

Look for rel=”nofollow”.

Browser Extensions (Fastest Way)
SEO Minion (Chrome/Firefox) → Highlights nofollow links.

Ahrefs SEO Toolbar → Shows dofollow/nofollow + extra SEO data.

NoFollow Simple → Lightweight nofollow highlighter.

Online Checkers
SmallSEOTools Nofollow Checker

Screaming Frog SEO Spider (for bulk analysis)

5. Best Practices for Dofollow & Nofollow Links
✅ Balance Your Backlink Profile → Mix of both looks natural.
✅ Use Nofollow for Paid/Sponsored Links → Avoid penalties.
✅ Dofollow for High-Authority Links → Boosts rankings.
✅ Check Competitors’ Links → See their dofollow/nofollow ratio.

6. Conclusion: Should You Care About Nofollow Links?
Dofollow links = Direct ranking boost.

Nofollow links = Indirect benefits (traffic, diversity).

A healthy backlink profile includes both.

🚀 Pro Tip: Focus on high-quality links (dofollow or nofollow) rather than just the attribute.

 

 

What is dofollow and nofollow?

Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links Explained (Simple Guide)
1. What is a Dofollow Link?
Default link type – If no attribute is added, search engines follow it.

Passes “link juice” (SEO value) → Helps the linked page rank higher.

Used for trusted, organic recommendations (e.g., blog outbound links to high-quality sources).

✅ Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com”>Click Here</a> <!– Dofollow (no ‘rel’ tag) –>
2. What is a Nofollow Link?
Has the rel=”nofollow” attribute.

Does NOT pass SEO ranking power → Tells search engines: “Don’t count this link for rankings.”

Used for:

Paid/sponsored links (required by Google)

User-generated content (comments, forums)

Untrusted/unverified links

✅ Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Ad Link</a> <!– Nofollow –>
Key Differences
Feature Dofollow Links Nofollow Links
SEO Value ✅ Passes ranking power ❌ Does not pass
Default? Yes (if no rel tag) No (requires rel=”nofollow”)
Common Use Organic recommendations Ads, sponsorships, UGC
Crawled by Google? Yes Yes, but not counted for rankings
Why Does This Matter for SEO?
Dofollow links help improve search rankings.

Nofollow links prevent spammy/paid links from harming your site.

A natural backlink profile includes both types.

🔍 How to Check?

Right-click → Inspect (look for rel=”nofollow”).

Use tools like Ahrefs, SEO Minion, or SmallSEOTools’ Nofollow Checker.

Pro Tip: Nofollow links can still bring traffic & brand visibility, so don’t ignore them!

 

 

What is no follow link in SEO?

What is a “Nofollow” Link in SEO?
A nofollow link is an HTML hyperlink that contains the rel=”nofollow” attribute, instructing search engines not to pass SEO value (PageRank) to the linked page.

Key Characteristics of Nofollow Links:
Does Not Pass Link Juice

Unlike dofollow links, nofollow links do not contribute directly to ranking signals.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Sponsored Post</a>
Why Do They Exist?

Prevent spam (e.g., blog comments with shady backlinks).

Comply with Google’s guidelines (required for paid/affiliate links).

Mark untrusted content (user-generated links, forum signatures).

Do Nofollow Links Have Any SEO Value?

Indirectly, yes!

They can still:

Drive referral traffic (if clicked).

Improve brand visibility (mentions help awareness).

Make backlink profiles look natural (a mix of dofollow & nofollow is healthy).

Where Should You Use Nofollow Links?

✅ Ads & sponsored content (required by Google).

✅ Blog comments & forums (to avoid spammy SEO abuse).

✅ Press releases & guest posts (if unpaid/non-editorial).

How to Identify Nofollow Links?
Manual Check: Right-click a link → Inspect → Look for rel=”nofollow”.

Browser Extensions:

SEO Minion (highlights nofollow links in red).

Ahrefs SEO Toolbar (shows link attributes + domain authority).

Nofollow vs. Other Link Attributes
Attribute Purpose
rel=”nofollow” “Don’t pass SEO value to this link.” (Default for UGC/ads)
rel=”sponsored” Explicitly marks paid/affiliate links (stronger nofollow signal).
rel=”ugc” For user-generated content (e.g., comments, forum posts).
Should You Avoid Nofollow Links?
No! While they don’t boost rankings directly, they:

Protect your site from SEO penalties (e.g., shady backlinks).

Increase traffic & credibility if placed on high-authority sites.

Balance your backlink profile (100% dofollow looks unnatural).

Pro Tip: Focus on earning quality links (both follow and nofollow) rather than obsessing over the attribute.

 

 

Should I allow do follow (do-fol) links on my blog site comments or not?

Should You Allow Dofollow Links in Blog Comments?
Short Answer: No—it’s safer to force nofollow on all user-generated links (including blog comments). Here’s why and how to manage it:

🚫 Why Dofollow Links in Comments Are Risky
Spam & SEO Abuse

Spammers flood blogs with dofollow links to boost their own rankings.

Google may penalize your site if it sees unnatural backlinks.

Low-Quality Links Hurt Credibility

Most comment links come from irrelevant or spammy sites.

Dofollow links pass “link equity”—you don’t want to endorse bad sites.

Google’s Guidelines Require Nofollow for UGC

Since 2019, Google mandates nofollow for user-generated content (UGC) like comments.

Ignoring this risks manual actions (ranking drops).

✅ Safe Alternatives for Comment Links
1. Automatically Enforce Nofollow
WordPress: Install Akismet (blocks spam) + enable:

“Automatically add nofollow to links” (Settings → Discussion).

Plugins: Use SEO plugins (Yoast, Rank Math) to force nofollow.

2. Moderate Comments Strictly
Manually approve comments before publishing.

Allow dofollow only for trusted users (e.g., industry experts).

3. Use ugc or sponsored Rel-Attributes
Google now recommends:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”ugc nofollow”>User Comment</a>
ugc = User-Generated Content (for comments/forums).

sponsored = Paid links (if someone pays for a comment link).

💡 When Might You Allow Dofollow in Comments?
Private/Invite-Only Blogs (where all users are vetted).

Expert Communities (e.g., a niche forum where members contribute high-quality links).

If You Manually Review Every Link (time-consuming but safer).

Otherwise, stick with nofollow.

🔧 How to Force Nofollow in WordPress
Via Theme (functions.php):

php
function auto_nofollow_comments( $text ) {
return str_replace(‘<a ‘, ‘<a rel=”nofollow ugc” ‘, $text);
}
add_filter(‘comment_text’, ‘auto_nofollow_comments’);
Plugins:

“External Links Nofollow”

“SEO Comment Links”

📉 Google’s Stance
“Links in comments should be nofollow. Otherwise, your site could be seen as endorsing spammy content.”
— Google Search Central

Final Verdict
❌ Default: All comment links should be nofollow/ugc.
✅ Exception: Only allow dofollow if you 100% trust the source (rare).

Pro Tip: If you want to reward engagement, highlight quality commenters (e.g., “Top Contributor” badges) instead of giving dofollow links.

 

 

Should You Keep your Blog Comments as Dofollow or Nofollow?

Should You Keep Blog Comments as Dofollow or Nofollow?
Short Answer: Always use nofollow (or ugc) for blog comments unless you manually vet every link. Here’s why and how to implement it properly.

🚫 Why Dofollow Comments Are Dangerous
Spam Magnet

Spammers target dofollow comments to build backlinks for their low-quality sites.

Your blog becomes a free SEO tool for scammers.

Google Penalty Risk

Google’s guidelines require nofollow for user-generated content (UGC).

Ignoring this can lead to manual actions (ranking drops).

Link Equity Leak

Dofollow links pass SEO value—why waste it on irrelevant/ spammy sites?

✅ Why Nofollow is the Safe Choice
Follows Google’s Rules

Use rel=”nofollow” or rel=”ugc” (User-Generated Content) for comments.

Complies with Google’s 2023 guidelines.

Blocks Spam Without Losing Engagement

Real users still comment for discussion (not just backlinks).

Tools like Akismet filter spam automatically.

Protects Your Site’s Reputation

Avoids associating your domain with shady links.

🛠 How to Force Nofollow in Blog Comments
For WordPress Users:
Built-in Setting:

Go to Settings → Discussion → Check “Add nofollow to comment links”.

Plugin Method (Recommended):

Install SEO Comment Links or Rank Math/Yoast SEO (UGC auto-tagging).

Code Snippet (functions.php):

php
add_filter(‘comment_text’, function($text) {
return str_replace(‘<a ‘, ‘<a rel=”nofollow ugc” ‘, $text);
});
For Other Platforms (e.g., Shopify, Ghost):
Use third-party comment systems (Disqus, Commento) with built-in nofollow.

Edit templates to add rel=”nofollow” to <a> tags.

💡 When Might You Allow Dofollow?
Private Blogs (only approved members comment).

Expert Communities (e.g., a developer forum where users share legit resources).

Manual Approval (you personally check every link).

Otherwise, never risk it.

🔍 Google’s Official Advice
“Links in comments should use rel=”nofollow” or rel=”ugc” to avoid being associated with spam.”
— Google Search Central

📊 Dofollow vs. Nofollow Comments: Quick Comparison
Feature Dofollow Comments Nofollow Comments
SEO Value ❌ Leaks link equity ✅ Safe & compliant
Spam Risk ⚠️ Very high ✅ Blocked
Google Rules ❌ Violates guidelines ✅ Follows guidelines
Traffic ⚠️ Mostly spam bots ✅ Real engagement
🎯 Best Practice
Default to nofollow for all comments.

Moderate strictly—approve only high-quality contributions.

Reward trusted users in other ways (e.g., badges, featured replies).

 

 

Which link is a quality link? Do-follow or No-follow?

What Makes a Quality Link? (Dofollow vs. Nofollow Explained)
Short Answer:
✅ A quality link is one that comes from a relevant, authoritative source—regardless of whether it’s dofollow or nofollow.

However, dofollow links directly impact SEO rankings, while nofollow links can still drive traffic and indirect SEO benefits.

🔍 Quality Link Checklist
A link is “high-quality” if it meets these criteria:

From a trusted site (e.g., .edu, .gov, or authoritative industry blogs).

Relevant to your content (e.g., a fitness blog linking to your health supplement).

Editorially placed (not paid/spammed).

Natural anchor text (e.g., “study on nutrition” vs. “best weight loss pills”).

Dofollow or nofollow doesn’t define quality—context does.

🟢 Dofollow Links: SEO Powerhouses
Why They Matter:

Pass link equity (improves rankings).

Act as a “vote of confidence” in Google’s algorithm.

Best for organic growth when earned naturally.

Examples of Quality Dofollow Links:

A news site mentions your research.

A high-DA blog links to your guide as a resource.

A Wikipedia citation (rare but powerful).

⚠️ Warning:
Low-quality dofollow links (e.g., spammy guest posts) can harm your SEO.

🟠 Nofollow Links: Underrated but Valuable
Why They Matter:

Drive referral traffic (e.g., from Reddit, Quora).

Improve brand visibility (social media, press mentions).

Balance your backlink profile (natural sites use both).

Examples of Quality Nofollow Links:

A NY Times article linking to your product (even if nofollow).

A niche forum discussion recommending your tool.

High-authority UGC (e.g., Harvard.edu forum links).

💡 Pro Tip:
Google may count high-authority nofollow links as ranking signals if they’re deemed trustworthy.

📊 Dofollow vs. Nofollow: Which is “Better”?
Feature Dofollow Links Nofollow Links
SEO Value ✅ Direct ranking boost ❌ No direct boost (but can help indirectly)
Traffic Potential ✅ Yes ✅ Often higher (e.g., Reddit, Quora)
Spam Risk ❌ High if uncontrolled ✅ Low (safe for UGC)
Best For Organic rankings Branding, diversity
🎯 Key Takeaways
Quality > Follow Type: A nofollow link from the New York Times is better than a dofollow link from a spammy blog.

Natural Profiles Win: Google rewards sites with both dofollow and nofollow links (looks more organic).

Avoid Manipulation: Buying dofollow links violates Google’s guidelines. Earn them naturally.

Action Step:

Audit your backlinks (use Ahrefs/SEMrush).

Keep dofollow links from authoritative, relevant sites.

Don’t ignore nofollow—they’re part of a healthy SEO strategy.

 

 

Is blog commenting still a good way to get quality backlinks?

Is Blog Commenting Still Effective for Quality Backlinks in 2024?
Short Answer:
❌ No—most blog comments no longer provide SEO value.
✅ But they can still drive referral traffic and brand visibility if used strategically.

Here’s the full breakdown:

🚫 Why Blog Comments Are (Mostly) Useless for SEO
Google Devalues Comment Links

Since 2005, most blogs auto-add rel=”nofollow” or ugc to comments.

Google explicitly says these links don’t pass ranking power.

Spam Overload

95% of comment sections are filled with bot-generated junk.

High-authority blogs (e.g., Moz, HubSpot) disable comments entirely.

Manual Approval Rarely Happens

Even if a blog allows dofollow links, moderators often reject/remove them.

✅ When Blog Comments Might Still Work
1. Niche-Relevant, Active Communities
Example: A WordPress developer blog where experts discuss plugins.

Key: The blog manually approves comments and rewards high-quality contributions with dofollow links.

2. High-Traffic Blogs (For Referral Visits)
Even if nofollow, a comment on Reddit, Hacker News, or Indie Hackers can send targeted traffic.

3. Brand Building & Relationships
Engaging with bloggers can lead to guest post opportunities (real backlinks).

📉 Google’s Stance on Comment Links
“Links in comments typically use rel=’ugc’ or nofollow, meaning Google doesn’t consider them for ranking.”
— Google Search Central Guidelines

🔍 How to Spot “Quality” Comment Opportunities
Look for Dofollow-Friendly Blogs (Rare)

Use tools like Ahrefs to check if a site gives dofollow links in comments.

Search: site:example.com “rel=’dofollow'” (replace with target blog).

Prioritize Engagement Over Links

Focus on blogs where your audience hangs out (e.g., a marketing blog if you sell SaaS).

Example: A comment on Backlinko’s blog (if they still allowed them).

Avoid These Red Flags

Spammy anchor text (e.g., “Best CBD Gummies”).

Generic comments (“Great post!”).

Sites with 1,000+ spammy comments.

🛠 Better Alternatives for Quality Backlinks
If you want real SEO value, focus on:

Guest Posts (On authoritative blogs in your niche)

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) (Get quoted in Forbes, etc.)

Broken Link Building (Replace dead links with your content)

Skyscraper Technique (Outrank competitors’ backlinks)

📊 Blog Commenting in 2024: Pros vs. Cons
Pros Cons
⚡ Quick to post ❌ 99% nofollow/ugc
🌎 Possible referral traffic ⏳ Time-consuming for ROI
🤝 Builds niche connections 🚫 High spam risk
🎯 Final Verdict
For SEO? ❌ Waste of time—focus on guest posts, PR, and linkable assets.

For traffic/branding? ✅ Only if targeting high-traffic, niche-relevant blogs.

Pro Tip:
Instead of commenting, email the blog owner with a useful suggestion—this often leads to real backlinks

 

 

Nofollow vs. dofollow links: What is the difference?

Nofollow vs. Dofollow Links: Key Differences Explained
The main difference between nofollow and dofollow links is how search engines like Google treat them for SEO ranking power.

Feature Dofollow Links 🔗 Nofollow Links 🚫
SEO Value ✅ Pass “link juice” (improves rankings) ❌ Do not pass SEO value
Default Behavior All links are dofollow unless marked otherwise Must include rel=”nofollow”
Common Uses Organic editorial links (e.g., news sites, guest posts) User-generated content (comments, forums), ads, sponsored links
Google’s Stance Treated as a “vote of confidence” Ignored for ranking (but may still drive traffic)
Example <a href=”https://example.com”>Link</a> <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Link</a>
🔍 When to Use Each Type
✅ Use Dofollow Links For:
Natural backlinks (e.g., press mentions, guest posts)

Internal linking (helps Google crawl your site)

High-authority partnerships (e.g., Forbes interview link)

🚫 Use Nofollow Links For:
Blog comments (prevents spam)

Paid/sponsored links (required by Google’s guidelines)

Untrusted content (e.g., forum signatures)

💡 Pro Tips
A natural backlink profile includes both (Google expects diversity).

Nofollow links can still drive traffic (e.g., Reddit, Quora).

Dofollow abuse = Penalty risk (buying links violates Google’s rules).

 

Should you keep your blog comments as dofollow or nofollow quora

Should You Keep Blog Comments as Dofollow or Nofollow?
Short Answer: Always use nofollow (or ugc) for blog comments to comply with Google’s guidelines and avoid spam risks.

🚫 Why Dofollow Comments Are Dangerous
Spam Magnet

Spammers target dofollow comments to build backlinks for low-quality sites.

Your blog becomes a free SEO tool for scammers.

Google Penalty Risk

Google mandates nofollow for user-generated content (UGC) like comments.

Violating this can trigger manual penalties or algorithmic devaluation.

Wasted Link Equity

Dofollow links pass SEO authority—why give it to irrelevant/spammy sites?

✅ Why Nofollow is the Only Safe Choice
Follows Google’s Rules

Use rel=”nofollow” or rel=”ugc” (User-Generated Content) for comments.

Required for compliance with Google’s guidelines.

Blocks Spam Without Hurting Engagement

Genuine users will still comment for discussion (not just backlinks).

Tools like Akismet or moderation filters weed out spam.

Protects Your Site’s Reputation

Avoids associating your domain with shady links.

🛠 How to Implement Nofollow Comments
For WordPress:
Built-in Setting:

Go to Settings → Discussion → Enable “Add nofollow to comment links”.

Plugin Method (Recommended):

Install SEO Comment Links or use Rank Math/Yoast SEO (auto-adds ugc).

Manual Code (functions.php):

php
// Auto-add nofollow/ugc to comment links
add_filter(‘comment_text’, function($text) {
return str_replace(‘<a ‘, ‘<a rel=”nofollow ugc” ‘, $text);
});
For Other Platforms (e.g., Shopify, Ghost):
Use Disqus or Commento (auto-nofollow by default).

Edit templates to add rel=”nofollow” to comment <a> tags.

⚠️ When Might You Temporarily Allow Dofollow?
Private/Invite-Only Blogs (all users are vetted).

Expert Communities (e.g., a developer forum with strict moderation).

Manual Approval (you personally review every link).

Otherwise, never risk it.

📊 Dofollow vs. Nofollow Comments: Quick Comparison
Feature Dofollow Comments Nofollow Comments
SEO Value ❌ Leaks link equity ✅ Safe & compliant
Spam Risk ⚠️ Very high ✅ Blocked
Google Rules ❌ Violates guidelines ✅ Follows guidelines
Traffic ⚠️ Mostly spam bots ✅ Real engagement
🎯 Best Practices
Default to nofollow for all comments.

Moderate strictly—approve only high-quality contributions.

Reward trusted users with badges or featured replies (not dofollow links).

 

When Should You Use Nofollow Links in Your Blog Posts?

When to Use Nofollow Links in Blog Posts
Nofollow links (rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored”/rel=”ugc”) should be used strategically to comply with Google’s guidelines while maintaining a natural link profile. Here’s when they’re essential:

1. User-Generated Content (UGC) – rel=”ugc”
✅ When:

Blog comments

Forum posts

Public guestbook entries

Why:

Prevents spammy backlink abuse.

Complies with Google’s requirement that all UGC links must be nofollowed.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://spammersite.com” rel=”ugc”>Check this out</a>
2. Paid/Sponsored Links – rel=”sponsored”
✅ When:

Affiliate links (Amazon, Shopify, etc.)

Sponsored posts

Advertorials

Why:

Google penalizes undisclosed paid links.

Required by FTC guidelines in many countries.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://example.com/product” rel=”sponsored”>Best Product</a>
3. Untrusted or Unvetted Links
✅ When:

Citing sources you don’t fully trust

Linking to competitors (if necessary)

External resources you haven’t reviewed

Why:

Avoids associating your site with low-quality pages.

Prevents “guilt by association” in Google’s algorithm.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://randomblog.com” rel=”nofollow”>See this article</a>
4. Internal Links You Don’t Want to Pass Equity
✅ When:

Linking to login/account pages

Low-priority pages (T&Cs, disclaimers)

Paginated content (e.g., “Page 2″ of a blog series)

Why:

Focuses link equity on high-value pages (e.g., pillar content).

Example:

html
<a href=”/login” rel=”nofollow”>Member Login</a>
5. Social Media & Non-Editorial Links
✅ When:

Linking to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

Embedding third-party widgets (e.g., Instagram feeds)

Why:

Social links don’t need SEO value (they already have authority).

Reduces unnecessary link equity leakage.

Example:

html
<a href=”https://twitter.com/you” rel=”nofollow”>Follow Us</a>
🚫 When NOT to Use Nofollow
❌ For high-quality editorial links (e.g., citing authoritative sources).
❌ Internal links to key pages (e.g., cornerstone content).
❌ Natural backlinks (e.g., guest posts on trusted sites).

🔧 How to Add Nofollow in WordPress
Manual HTML:

html
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Link</a>
Gutenberg Editor:

Toggle “Open in new tab” → Enable “Nofollow” in link settings.

Plugins:

Yoast SEO → Link settings

Rank Math → Toggle nofollow per link

📊 Google’s Official Guidance
“Use nofollow for untrusted links, sponsored for ads/affiliates, and ugc for user-generated content.”
— Google Search Central

Key Takeaways
✔ Use nofollow for: UGC, ads, untrusted links.
✔ Use dofollow for: Trusted sources, internal SEO.
✔ Balance is key – A natural backlink profile includes both.

 

 

Building backlinks from blog comments: will it help with SEO?

Building backlinks from blog comments can potentially help with SEO, but it depends on how you do it. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros of Blog Comment Backlinks:
Natural Traffic & Brand Awareness – If you leave valuable, relevant comments on high-quality blogs, you may attract clicks and brand recognition.

Nofollow vs. Dofollow Links – Most blog comments are nofollow (meaning Google doesn’t pass SEO value), but some niche blogs may allow dofollow links.

Referral Traffic – Even nofollow links can drive visitors to your site if your comment is engaging.

Cons & Risks:
Low SEO Value – Google largely ignores spammy or irrelevant comment links.

Penalty Risk – If you mass-post generic comments (e.g., “Great post! Check my site [link]”), Google may see it as link spam.

Wasted Time – If done poorly, blog commenting is inefficient compared to high-quality backlink strategies (guest posts, HARO, niche edits).

Best Practices for Comment Backlinks:
✅ Focus on high-authority, relevant blogs (e.g., industry-related).
✅ Add value first – Write insightful comments before dropping a link.
✅ Use natural anchor text (e.g., “my article on this topic” instead of “best SEO tools”).
✅ Prioritize blogs with dofollow comments (but don’t spam them).
✅ Avoid low-quality sites (spun content, link farms).

Verdict:
Blog commenting alone won’t boost rankings, but when done right, it can:

Drive referral traffic

Build relationships with bloggers

Support a broader link diversity strategy

For real SEO impact, focus on high-quality backlinks (guest posts, PR, expert roundups) instead of relying on comments.

 

Do comments on blog posts help SEO?

Blog comments can have minor SEO benefits, but they are not a strong ranking factor on their own. Here’s a breakdown of their impact:

How Blog Comments Affect SEO
Link Value (Mostly Nofollow)

Most blog comments generate nofollow links, which don’t directly pass SEO “link juice.”

Some niche blogs allow dofollow comments, but these are rare and often low-quality.

Google treats excessive unnatural comment links as spam, which can hurt rankings.

Referral Traffic & Brand Signals

A well-placed comment on a high-traffic blog can send visitors to your site.

If users engage with your site (low bounce rate, high dwell time), it may indirectly help SEO.

Link Diversity & Authority Building

A natural mix of nofollow + dofollow links looks more organic to Google.

Engaging in industry discussions can build relationships for future guest posts or collaborations.

When Blog Comments Help SEO
✅ High-quality, relevant blogs (e.g., niche authority sites).
✅ Insightful, non-spammy comments that add value.
✅ Occasional natural links (not keyword-stuffed).
✅ Dofollow opportunities (rare but useful in moderation).

When They Hurt SEO
❌ Spammy, generic comments (“Great post! Visit my site!”).
❌ Low-quality blogs (spun content, link farms).
❌ Excessive linking (triggers Google’s spam filters).

Better Alternatives for SEO Backlinks
If your goal is ranking, focus on:
🔹 Guest posting (high-authority sites)
🔹 HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for media backlinks
🔹 Broken link building (replace dead links with yours)
🔹 Digital PR & expert roundups

Final Verdict
Blog comments alone won’t move rankings, but they can:
✔ Support brand visibility
✔ Drive referral traffic
✔ Add link diversity (if natural)

Best approach: Use comments for engagement & networking, not just backlinks. For real SEO growth, invest in high-value link-building strategies.

 

When to use dofollow?

When to Use Dofollow Links (A Strategic Approach)
Dofollow links pass SEO value (link equity) and can directly impact rankings—but they must be used wisely to avoid penalties. Here’s when to prioritize them:

✅ Best Times to Use Dofollow Links
1. High-Authority Guest Posts & Niche Edits
When contributing expert content to reputable sites (e.g., Forbes, Backlinko, or niche blogs).

Example: A well-researched guest post with a natural, contextual dofollow link.

2. Editorial Backlinks (Earned Media, PR, HARO)
When a journalist or blogger naturally cites your site as a source.

Example: A mention in a news article or roundup post.

3. Business Partnerships & Sponsorships
Legitimate collaborations where a partner links to you (e.g., “Powered by” or “In partnership with”).

Example: A SaaS tool listing integration partners with dofollow links.

4. High-Quality Directory Listings (Selectively)
Only in trusted directories (e.g., Crunchbase, BBB, or industry-specific hubs).

Avoid: Low-quality directories that Google penalizes.

5. Internal Linking (Your Own Site)
Always use dofollow for internal links to pass ranking power across your site.

❌ When NOT to Use Dofollow Links
1. Blog Comments & Forum Spam
Most should be nofollow to avoid spam flags.

Exception: Rare niche blogs that allow organic dofollow comments.

2. Paid Links (Unless Properly Disclosed)
Google penalizes undisclosed paid links (use rel=”sponsored” or nofollow).

3. Low-Quality or Irrelevant Sites
Links from spun content, PBNs, or shady sites can trigger penalties.

4. Excessive Anchor Text Optimization
Overusing exact-match anchors (e.g., “best SEO tools”) looks manipulative.

⚡ Pro Tip: Balance Dofollow & Nofollow
A natural backlink profile includes both (e.g., 60-80% dofollow, 20-40% nofollow).

 

 

Do comments count as backlinks?

Yes, blog comments can count as backlinks, but their SEO value depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Technically, Yes – But Often Low Value
If a blog allows live links in comments, search engines will crawl them (they appear in backlink reports like Ahrefs or SEMrush).

However, most platforms automatically add rel=”nofollow” or ugc, meaning Google doesn’t count them for ranking.

2. When Comment Backlinks Might Help SEO
Dofollow Allowed (Rare): Some niche blogs manually approve dofollow links in comments—these could pass link equity.

Brand Mentions: Even nofollow links can strengthen brand visibility and indirectly help SEO through referral traffic.

Link Diversity: A natural backlink profile includes some nofollow links (like comments), which looks more organic.

3. When They’re Useless (or Harmful)
Spammy Comments: Generic replies like “Nice post! [link]” get flagged as spam.

Low-Quality Sites: Links from irrelevant or spammy blogs may hurt credibility.

Over-Optimized Anchors: Stuffing keywords in comment links looks manipulative.

4. Best Practices for Comment Backlinks
Engage Naturally: Add value to the discussion—don’t just drop a link.

Prioritize High-Quality Blogs: Focus on authoritative sites in your niche.

Assume Nofollow: Treat comments as branding, not SEO. For rankings, pursue guest posts, HARO, and PR backlinks instead.

Final Verdict
Comments technically count as backlinks, but they rarely boost rankings. Use them for networking and traffic, not as a primary SEO strategy.

 

 

Is nofollow good for SEO?

Are Nofollow Links Good for SEO?
Yes—when used strategically. While they don’t directly pass “link juice,” nofollow links still play an important role in SEO. Here’s why:

✅ How Nofollow Links Help SEO
1. Natural Link Profile Diversity
Google expects a mix of dofollow & nofollow links (e.g., social media, blog comments, press mentions).

A profile with 100% dofollow looks unnatural and may trigger penalties.

2. Referral Traffic & Brand Signals
Links from high-authority sites (e.g., Wikipedia, Reddit, news sites) can send targeted visitors.

If users engage with your site (low bounce rate, long sessions), it indirectly boosts rankings.

3. Future Conversion to Dofollow
Some sites (like Forbes or niche blogs) may switch nofollow to dofollow if content gains authority.

4. Avoids Penalties for Unpaid Links
Google requires rel=”nofollow” (or sponsored/ugc) for paid links, guest posts, and ads to stay compliant.

❌ When Nofollow Links Are Useless
Spammy Sites: Links from PBNs or irrelevant blogs add no value.

Over-Optimized Anchors: Stuffing keywords in nofollow links looks manipulative.

Low-Traffic Sources: If a site gets no visits, even nofollow won’t help.

⚡ Best Practices for Nofollow Links
✔ Pursue high-authority nofollow links (e.g., Wikipedia, Quora, Reddit, NYT).
✔ Use natural anchors (e.g., brand name, raw URLs).
✔ Combine with dofollow links for a balanced backlink profile.

Verdict
Nofollow links don’t directly boost rankings, but they:

Improve link profile naturalness

Drive referral traffic & brand visibility

Help avoid Google penalties

For maximum SEO impact, focus on both nofollow and dofollow links as part of a diversified strategy.