do nofollow backlinks still help seo efforts today

    What Are NoFollow Links?

    NoFollow links are hyperlinks with a rel="nofollow" attribute, which tells search engines not to pass link equity or “link juice.” They were introduced by Google in 2005 to help fight spam in blog comments and user-generated content.

    So on the surface, NoFollow links sound useless for SEO, right? That’s what I thought too—until I dug deeper and saw real impact from them in multiple campaigns.

    What Makes NoFollow Links Valuable?

    Even though they don't directly boost PageRank, NoFollow links can still help SEO in multiple indirect ways. Here’s what I’ve observed in real-world use:

    • Traffic Boost: A link from a high-traffic NoFollow source (like Reddit or Quora) can bring in thousands of visitors.
    • Brand Visibility: NoFollow links from authoritative sites build awareness and trust, which supports other SEO efforts.
    • Link Diversity: A natural backlink profile includes both DoFollow and NoFollow links. Too much DoFollow can raise red flags.
    • Indexing Signals: Googlebot still crawls NoFollow links, so they help discover new content and pages.

    Think of them like word-of-mouth recommendations. They may not “count” the same way, but they still influence how people (and bots) see your brand.

    Case Study: NoFollow Link That Drove SEO Growth

    One client got mentioned on a Quora thread that had a NoFollow link. Within 24 hours, they saw a 17% spike in referral traffic—and two weeks later, a big keyword moved from page 3 to page 1.

    We traced the ripple effect: traffic surged, engagement increased, and it led to more natural DoFollow backlinks from blogs that discovered them via Quora. That single NoFollow link set off a chain reaction.

    Where to Earn NoFollow Links That Matter

    Not all NoFollow links are created equal. Here's where I've found the most value:

    • Social Media Platforms: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook are NoFollow—but critical for visibility.
    • High-Authority Forums: Reddit, Stack Overflow, and Quora often generate targeted traffic.
    • Wikipedia: While NoFollow, these links still influence user behavior and can boost topical relevance.
    • Blog Comments (Strategically): When relevant and non-spammy, they build community and drive visits.

    If the link lives on a page that ranks well or gets traffic, it’s valuable—NoFollow or not.

    Google’s Changing Stance on NoFollow

    In 2019, Google announced that it treats NoFollow as a “hint” rather than a directive. That means they may still use the link for ranking purposes if they deem it relevant and trustworthy.

    This shift means NoFollow links are no longer automatically ignored. They now carry more potential weight than ever before.

    When NoFollow Links Make Sense in Your Strategy

    Here’s when I intentionally pursue NoFollow backlinks:

    • When targeting referral traffic from active communities
    • When trying to build brand authority on top-tier publications
    • To balance a backlink profile that’s too DoFollow-heavy
    • To spark linkable moments that attract DoFollow links later

    It’s not about chasing NoFollow for the sake of it—it’s about being strategic and natural. SEO isn’t math. It’s more like gardening. You plant seeds everywhere.

    Best Practices for Getting High-Value NoFollow Links

    If you’re going after NoFollow links, focus on these tactics:

    • Create shareable content: Lists, how-tos, and stats get shared even on NoFollow platforms.
    • Engage in communities: Help, don’t promote. That builds trust and links follow naturally.
    • Use HARO or press platforms: Even if they’re NoFollow, they build credibility and buzz.

    I once got a NoFollow link from an industry podcast’s show notes. That one link drove three new client leads and two guest post invites. Sometimes the real value isn’t SEO—it’s opportunities.

    Final Thought: NoFollow Links Still Matter

    It’s time we stop dismissing NoFollow as worthless. They’re part of a balanced SEO diet—like fiber for your backlink profile. Not flashy, but essential.

    Whether it’s for traffic, visibility, or the long-term ripple effect, NoFollow links can still move the needle. Don’t chase the label—chase relevance, quality, and impact. Google’s smart enough to figure out the rest.