Types of Backlinks: Dofollow vs Nofollow, Editorial vs Contextual
Backlinks are links from one website to another, and they vary in SEO value based on their attributes and placement. Dofollow links are the default type that can pass authority, while nofollow links signal search engines not to treat them as direct endorsements.
This page explains the key differences between dofollow and nofollow links, as well as editorial and contextual links, which are among the most valuable for SEO when earned naturally.
At a glance
- Highest Value
- Dofollow editorial contextual links
- Lowest Risk
- Natural nofollow links
- Google Requirement
- rel="sponsored" for paid links
Dofollow vs Nofollow: Technical Differences
A dofollow backlink is the default HTML link type that passes authority ("link equity"). Nofollow links include rel="nofollow", telling search engines not to count them as endorsements. Google also recognizes rel="sponsored" for paid links and rel="ugc" for user-generated content.
Editorial vs Contextual Links
Editorial links are earned when sites voluntarily link to your content. Contextual links appear in body text surrounded by relevant content, making them 3-5x more valuable than footer or sidebar links according to Ahrefs research.
SEO Impact Comparison
Dofollow editorial contextual links drive the most ranking power. Nofollow links still contribute to discovery and traffic. Google's guidelines warn against buying dofollow links or using private blog networks (PBNs).
Acquisition Methods
Earn editorial links through digital PR, guest posts, and broken link building. Contextual links require placement in relevant content sections rather than footers or widgets.
Risk Assessment
High-risk practices include buying links without rel="sponsored", excessive exact-match anchors, and link farms. Use backlink audits to monitor your profile.
Backlink Types Compared
SEO value and acquisition methods for major backlink types:
| Type | Authority Passed | Best For | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dofollow EditorialEarned voluntary citation | Full link equity | Core ranking power | Low (if natural) |
| Dofollow ContextualEmbedded in relevant content | Strong equity | Relevance signals | Low-Medium |
| Nofollow EditorialVoluntary but tagged | Indirect value | Discovery/branding | None |
| Paid LinksSponsorships/ads | None without rel="sponsored" | Traffic only | High if undisclosed |
Arguments for
- Dofollow links can pass authority signals.
- Editorial links are trusted and hard to fake.
- Contextual links fit topical relevance well.
- Nofollow links still drive traffic and discovery.
Arguments against
- Dofollow value is often overstated by vendors.
- Nofollow links rarely transfer direct authority.
- Editorial links are difficult to scale quickly.
- Contextual links can be risky if bought in bulk.
What the experts say
Prioritize links from pages already ranking for your topic - they've proven relevance to search algorithms.
Frequently asked questions
Do nofollow links help SEO?
Yes, indirectly. They drive referral traffic and brand visibility, and may contribute to overall domain authority despite not passing direct ranking power.
How to identify contextual links?
Look for links embedded naturally in article body text, surrounded by relevant content. Tools like Ahrefs show link placement context.
Are forum links valuable?
Most forum links are nofollow and low-value, except niche-specific discussions where experts cite your content contextually.
Can you change nofollow to dofollow?
Only if you control the linking page. For earned links, request removal of nofollow only when justified (e.g., correcting attribution).
What percentage of links should be dofollow?
Natural profiles typically show 60-90% dofollow. Higher ratios may trigger scrutiny; lower suggests overuse of nofollow platforms.
Sources
Every factual claim on this page is drawn from the following independent sources. Links open in a new tab.
- SE RankingDefines multiple backlink categories including dofollow, nofollow, sponsored, UGC, editorial, guest post, reciprocal, PBN, and contextual/backlink attribute distinctions.
- Search Engine LandExplains distinctions among sponsored, user-generated, and natural links and frames backlink types for SEO evaluation.
- Safari DigitalLists numerous backlink types including editorial links, pay-for-placement, PBN, and link exchange schemes.
- Dofollow.comExplains dofollow and nofollow attributes and describes editorial backlinks as authoritative earned links.
- SEOptimerCovers dofollow, nofollow, sponsored, UGC, editorial, guest post, forum, and PBN link types.
- GeeksforGeeksDefines natural, editorial, and contextual backlinks and notes that contextual links are typically more valuable than sidebar/footer links.
- LoganixDescribes editorial, guest blogging, directories, paid links, business profiles, badges, sponsorships, and comment/forum links, with risk notes for paid links.
- HubSpotProvides examples of backlink acquisition tactics including broken link building, directory submissions, influencer collaboration, and PR-style outreach.