What is the difference between a dofollow and nofollow backlink?

The main difference between a dofollow and nofollow backlink lies in how search engines treat them when it comes to passing authority and influence from one site to another:

### Dofollow Backlinks:

1. **Default State**: Dofollow backlinks are the standard type of backlink. They allow search engines like Google to follow them and pass authority (or "link juice") from the linking site to the linked site.

2. **Impact on SEO**: Dofollow backlinks are considered endorsements from one site to another. They can positively impact the search engine rankings of the linked page by improving its authority, credibility, and relevance for specific keywords.

3. **HTML Attribute**: Dofollow links do not have any special HTML attribute. They are simply regular links that are followed by search engines unless specified otherwise.

4. **Examples**: When a blog post or news article links to another website without using the `rel="nofollow"` attribute, it is typically a dofollow link.

### Nofollow Backlinks:

1. **Purpose**: Nofollow backlinks include a special HTML attribute, `rel="nofollow"`, which instructs search engines not to follow the link or pass authority from the linking page to the linked page.

2. **Impact on SEO**: Nofollow links do not contribute directly to improving the search engine rankings of the linked page. They were originally introduced to combat spam and control the flow of PageRank across the web.

3. **HTML Attribute**: Nofollow links are explicitly marked with `rel="nofollow"` in the HTML code of the linking page.

4. **Examples**: Nofollow links are commonly found in user-generated content like blog comments, forums, social media profiles, and paid advertisements.

### Key Considerations:

- **SEO Strategy**: While dofollow backlinks are valuable for SEO because they pass authority, nofollow backlinks can still be beneficial for generating traffic, visibility, and brand exposure.

- **Natural Link Profile**: A natural backlink profile includes a mix of dofollow and nofollow links. Overly manipulating backlinks or attempting to manipulate search rankings through unnatural means can lead to penalties from search engines.

In summary, the distinction between dofollow and nofollow backlinks lies in whether they allow search engines to follow them and pass authority. Dofollow links contribute to SEO by enhancing a page's ranking potential, while nofollow links do not directly influence rankings but can still provide other benefits. Both types of links play a role in a comprehensive SEO strategy aimed at improving a website's visibility and authority in search engine results.