- Backlinks are classified two ways: by link attribute (dofollow, nofollow, sponsored, ugc) and by where they come from.
- The most valuable links are relevant and editorial, placed inside real content on pages with a real audience.
- A natural profile contains a mix of types, not just one.
- Judge any link by relevance and the linking page’s traffic, not the label alone.
Not all backlinks do the same job. Knowing the types helps you see why a single relevant link can outweigh many weak ones, and why referring domains track rankings so closely (Backlinko). If you are new to the basics, start with what backlinks are and how to get them.
Link attributes
Every link carries an attribute that tells search engines how to treat it. Dofollow passes ranking signals. Nofollow does not pass them directly but still drives traffic and looks natural. Sponsored marks paid placements, and ugc marks user-generated content like comments. A healthy profile naturally contains a mix. See dofollow vs nofollow links for more.
Backlink types by source
| Type | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Editorial links | Highest, earned inside relevant content |
| Guest posts | Strong when the host site is relevant and real |
| Niche edits / insertions | Strong on established, indexed pages |
| Digital PR / news | High authority and brand value |
| Business profiles / citations | Useful for local and trust signals |
| Resource pages | Good when topically relevant |
| Forum and community | Best for traffic and relationships |
Which matter most
The label matters less than two things: how relevant the site is to your topic, and whether its pages get real traffic. A relevant editorial link from a page with a genuine audience is the gold standard. Use the quick test in what makes a high-quality backlink, and keep your anchor text varied and natural across all of them.
Send us your site and we will reply with a free audit of your backlink profile and the first opportunities we would go after.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of backlink is best?
A relevant editorial link inside the body of a page that has a real audience. Relevance and traffic matter more than the category.
Do nofollow links count?
Yes, in the bigger picture. They drive referral traffic, build awareness, and keep your profile looking natural alongside dofollow links.
Should every link be dofollow?
No. A profile of only dofollow links looks less natural than a varied one that mirrors how real sites link.
