Skip to content
Get started
Backlinks are the currency of the internet — the more high-quality links pointing to your site, the more Google sees you as a trusted, authoritative source. But if you’re spending time on backlinking, you need to understand the difference between dofollow and nofollow links — and more importantly, how to use both effectively to drive rankings.

Mastering Backlinks: How to Use Dofollow & Nofollow Links to Boost Your SEO (and how we did it for ourselves)

Jay Boston
Jay Boston |

Backlinks are the currency of the internet. The more high-quality links pointing to your website, the more Google sees your brand as credible, relevant, and worth ranking.

But here’s the thing: not all backlinks are created equal.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • ✔️ What dofollow and nofollow backlinks are

  • ✔️ Why both are crucial for SEO

  • ✔️ The best platforms for building each type

  • ✔️ How we at ID Digital Agency are building a stronger backlink profile using these tactics

What’s the Difference Between Dofollow and Nofollow Backlinks?

✅ Dofollow Links: The SEO Goldmine

  • These links pass “link juice” and help increase your website’s domain authority and Google rankings

  • Search engines follow these links and count them toward your SEO

  • The more relevant, high-authority dofollow links you earn, the more competitive your site becomes

❌ Nofollow Links: Still Valuable, Just Different

  • These tell search engines not to transfer link equity

  • Common on platforms like social media, forums, and press releases

  • While they don’t boost rankings directly, they drive referral traffic, brand awareness, and trust signals

💡 Pro tip: A healthy backlink profile includes both dofollow and nofollow links. Google wants to see a natural, diverse link portfolio.

📌 Explore our SEO services to build a backlink strategy that works.

Where to Build High-Quality Backlinks (With Examples)

We don’t just recommend it — we do it ourselves. Here’s how:

1. Pinterest — A Hidden SEO Powerhouse

🔗 Follow us on Pinterest

  • Pins and boards are indexed by Google

  • While links are nofollow, Pinterest drives traffic and brand exposure

  • Strong Pinterest content often earns dofollow backlinks from bloggers and media sites

📌 Tip: Optimise your board names and pin descriptions with searchable keywords

2. DeviantArt — For Creative Industry Authority

🔗 See our work on DeviantArt

  • Home to millions of creatives, DeviantArt boosts your visual brand credibility

  • Posts are nofollow but can attract attention from designers, publications, and roundup blogs

  • Ideal for creative and design agencies showcasing visual work

📌 Tip: Upload unique, shareable artwork that others want to link to

3. Reddit — Community-Driven Backlinks

🔗 Join our Reddit conversations

  • Engaged users, high karma, and strong posts can eventually yield dofollow backlinks

  • Great for driving traffic and getting referenced in external blogs or media pieces

  • Build trust by contributing genuinely to niche subreddits

📌 Tip: Offer insight, not spam. Upvotes = visibility

4. SourceBottle — Earn Media Coverage & Backlinks

🔗 Get featured on SourceBottle

  • Respond to journalist requests for free PR

  • Many media outlets offer dofollow backlinks in return for expert input

  • Ideal for building authority, credibility, and high-authority links

📌 Tip: Set alerts for categories relevant to your industry or niche

5. Medium — High-Authority Content Marketing

🔗 Follow our Medium articles

  • Articles are indexed by Google and rank well due to Medium’s high domain authority

  • A well-performing post can earn organic dofollow backlinks

  • Great for repurposing content from your blog or podcast

📌 Tip: Link naturally back to your own website inside valuable content pieces

How to Balance Dofollow and Nofollow for Better SEO

A great backlink strategy is about balance:

✔️ Prioritise high-authority dofollow links for rankings
✔️ Build nofollow links on high-traffic sites for visibility and referral traffic
✔️ Avoid link schemes or spammy tactics — Google’s algorithm can tell

📌 Want smarter backlinking? Our SEO team can build a strategy tailored to your business goals.

Final Thoughts: Link Smarter, Not Harder

Backlinks aren't just numbers — they're signals of trust.

Dofollow links boost your authority and help you rank. Nofollow links spread your content and drive traffic. Used together, they create a sustainable SEO strategy that gets long-term results.

🚀 Ready to strengthen your backlink profile?

Follow us here:

📞 Or get in touch with ID Digital Agency — let’s build connected digital experiences that rank, convert, and grow.

Share this post

Keep reading