In SEO, not all backlinks are created equal.
There are several types of backlinks, and each one plays a distinct role in shaping your off-site SEO strategy. Google doesn’t treat them all the same, its algorithm evaluates each link based on factors like source, context, and placement.
Understanding how these links work is key to building real authority in 2025.
1.Dofollow Backlinks
Dofollow links pass on what’s known as link juice, the SEO value that helps improve your site’s authority in Google’s eyes. They’re one of the most effective ways to boost your rankings because they act as a vote of confidence from one site to another.
When naturally integrated into high-quality, topic-relevant content, dofollow backlinks tend to carry more weight. Among all link types, they remain the most impactful for transferring authority.
If you’re looking to integrate dofollow backlinks into your strategy, platforms like Accesslink offer affordable options to start small. For larger campaigns or media placements, agencies such as 1èrePlace specialize in high-impact editorial links.
2. NoFollow Backlinks
These links don’t pass link juice directly, but they can still drive valuable traffic and signal to search engines that your content is worth referencing.
Google registers the presence of the link but doesn’t transfer authority. Still, NoFollow links help balance your backlink profile and that diversity matters.
👉 Not sure when to use NoFollow or DoFollow? Here’s a full breakdown.
3. Natural Backlinks
Whether DoFollow or NoFollow, natural backlinks are earned without direct outreach. They come from sites or individuals who find your content valuable and link to it organically.
These spontaneous endorsements are seen as trust signals by search engines, boosting your site’s credibility and SEO strength in the most authentic way possible.
4. Editorial Backlinks
These are links placed naturally within high-quality editorial content, like articles, news pieces, or in-depth guides.
Because they’re surrounded by relevant, well-written content, editorial backlinks are among the most valuable in SEO. They show Google that your site is worth mentioning in trusted, context-rich environments.
5. Profile Backlinks
These links are created when you register on forums, social networks, or online directories. While they have limited SEO power, they can still help diversify your backlink profile and improve your brand’s online presence.
⚠️ Be careful: if created in bulk, these links can look artificial and Google may choose to ignore them entirely.
6. Comment Backlinks
These come from blog or site comment sections. While they can occasionally bring in traffic, their SEO weight is generally very low.
And if overused? Google may treat them as spammy or irrelevant. It’s best to use comment backlinks sparingly and only where your input truly adds value.
7. Forum Backlinks
These backlinks come from forum discussions or user signatures and can drive highly targeted traffic, especially when you’re active in niche communities.
They’re free if you create them yourself and, when relevant, can carry solid contextual value. Google evaluates their weight based on the topic and quality of the conversation.
There’s even a technique called ninja linking, where you subtly place links within helpful responses without setting off the moderation radar. Just note: not all forums allow external links, so it takes a bit of finesse (and patience) to do it right.
8. Backlinks from Government and Educational Sites (.gov / .edu
Links from government (.gov) and educational (.edu) websites are highly valuable due to the strong authority of these domains. When acquired legitimately, they signal trust and credibility to search engines.
That said, Google’s no fool, manipulative tactics or spammy methods to get these links can do more harm than good.
Because they’re hard to get, even a few can make a big difference. If you manage to earn one, consider reinforcing it with a relinking strategy to squeeze even more authority from it.
9. Reciprocal Backlinks
These result from link exchanges between two websites. While not inherently bad, they should be used sparingly. If the exchange looks manipulative or excessive, Google will likely ignore those links or worse, penalize them.
10. Sponsored Backlinks
These come from paid partnerships or promotional content. To stay compliant with Google’s guidelines, these links must be tagged with rel="sponsored".
⚠️ If that tag is missing, you risk a penalty.
When properly labeled, sponsored backlinks usually don’t pass SEO juice, but they still have value for exposure and traffic.
11. Redirect Backlinks
Redirect links are created through 301 or 302 redirects. Depending on how they’re set up, they can pass partial or full link equity.
– 301 redirects (permanent) typically pass most of the link value.
– 302 redirects (temporary) are less effective and often ignored by Google.
12. PBN Backlinks (Private Blog Network)
Some types of backlinks, like PBNs, come with higher risk but are still used strategically by some marketers. These links come from privately-owned blog networks built specifically to manipulate search rankings. While they’ve historically been powerful, they carry a high risk of penalties if detected by Google.
That said, when done discreetly, PBNs have remained one of the most controversial yet long-standing tactics in SEO. But proceed with extreme caution one misstep can tank your rankings.
13. Widget & Infographic Backlinks
These are links embedded in shareable tools, charts, or infographics that get republished across other websites. They can generate a large number of backlinks quickly.
When the content is valuable and the links feel natural, these backlinks can support SEO well. But if the link appears overly promotional or auto-inserted, Google may ignore it or consider it manipulative.
14. Social Share Backlinks
These are generated when your content is shared on social media platforms. While most of these links are tagged as nofollow, they still play a role in driving traffic and increasing your site’s online visibility.
They’re not about link juice but about visibility, engagement, and discoverability.
15. Directory Backlinks
These come from online directories listing companies, professionals, or niche services. Their value depends entirely on the quality and reputation of the directory.
High-quality directories in relevant industries can bring SEO benefits, while low-tier or spammy ones might get ignored, or worse, harm your link profile.
Each type of backlink comes with its own pros and cons. The key to a strong off-site SEO strategy lies in maintaining a diverse, relevant, and natural backlink profile, not chasing shortcuts.
12. PBN Backlinks (Private Blog Network)
Some types of backlinks, like PBNs (Private Blog Networks), come with higher risk but are still used strategically by certain marketers. These links originate from networks of privately-owned blogs designed specifically to manipulate search engine rankings. While they’ve been powerful in the past, they also carry a high risk of penalties if detected by Google.
That said, when used discreetly, PBNs remain one of the most controversial, yet enduring, tactics in SEO. Still, proceed with extreme caution: a single misstep could seriously damage your rankings.
13. Widget & Infographic Backlinks
These are links embedded in shareable tools, charts, or infographics that get republished across other websites. They can generate a large number of backlinks quickly.
When the content is valuable and the links feel natural, these backlinks can support SEO well. But if the link appears overly promotional or auto-inserted, Google may ignore it or consider it manipulative.
14. Social Share Backlinks
These are generated when your content is shared on social media platforms. While most of these links are tagged as nofollow, they still play a role in driving traffic and increasing your site’s online visibility.
They’re not about link juice, but about visibility, engagement, and discoverability.
15. Directory Backlinks
These come from online directories listing companies, professionals, or niche services. Their value depends entirely on the quality and reputation of the directory.
High-quality directories in relevant industries can bring SEO benefits, while low-tier or spammy ones might get ignored, or worse, harm your link profile.
Each type of backlink comes with its own pros and cons. The key to a strong off-site SEO strategy lies in maintaining a diverse, relevant, and natural backlink profile not chasing shortcuts.