A Brief History of Dofollow, Nofollow, and UGC Links  
First of all, the concept of "nofollow" links emerged in 2005 as a collaborative initiative between Google and other major search engines to combat spammy backlinks. Indeed, spammers were exploiting comment sections on websites to build links for SEO, which forced search engines to find a solution. Consequently, the "nofollow" attribute was introduced to signal that a link should not pass PageRank or SEO value. (This marked a turning point for webmasters and content creators alike.) Later, in 2019, Google added "UGC" (user-generated content) and "sponsored" link attributes to provide even more granular link attribution. You might wonder, what does this mean for our SEO efforts today?

Learn more about link attributes and their SEO impact: Google's Link Attribute Guidelines.  

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dofollow Links  
Certainly, "dofollow" links are the cornerstone of organic SEO strategies, as they pass authority from one site to another, which helps improve search rankings. For example, if your site receives a dofollow backlink from a high-authority domain, it boosts your credibility and visibility in search engines. However, alas, this comes with a risk—dofollow links from low-quality or spammy sites can harm your SEO efforts. (Managing the balance between quality and quantity is crucial here.) We know from studies like Ahrefs' backlink analysis that 91% of all web pages get no organic traffic because they lack quality backlinks. Isn’t that shocking?

Visit Ahrefs' Research on Backlinks for a deeper dive.  

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nofollow Links  
Meanwhile, "nofollow" links serve as a defensive mechanism, shielding your site from being associated with spammy or questionable content. In fact, they can still drive referral traffic, as users often click on links regardless of their SEO value. Nevertheless, one disadvantage is that nofollow links don't contribute directly to your domain authority, which can make them less desirable in certain cases. (It’s a common misconception, though, that they have zero value—Google has confirmed they sometimes use them as hints for ranking!) We believe you should view nofollow links as part of a broader traffic and branding strategy. What’s your take on this?

Check out Google's Explanation of Nofollow Links.  

Typical Usages and Statistics  
To begin with, typical uses of "dofollow" links include editorial mentions, guest posts, and natural link-building efforts from quality websites. Conversely, "nofollow" links are often applied to blog comments, forum posts, and paid advertisements. Similarly, "UGC" links are used in contexts like forum discussions and reviews, indicating the content comes from external contributors. According to Moz, 70% of all backlinks in some niches are nofollow links (especially in heavily moderated platforms like Wikipedia). (This demonstrates the importance of understanding link diversity.) Why not explore how this could apply to your own digital strategy?

Dive into Moz’s Insights on Link Attributes

Conclusion  
In short, understanding and strategically using dofollow, nofollow, and UGC links can significantly impact your website's SEO performance and online reputation. Moreover, we must recognize that not all links are created equal, and each type serves a distinct purpose. Truly, mastering this aspect of SEO allows you to build a more robust digital presence while avoiding potential pitfalls. (Always monitor your backlinks regularly to maintain a healthy link profile.) Are you ready to optimize your link strategy today?

Visit Search Engine Journal’s Guide to Link Attributes for expert advice!