Software Engineering basics - Types of backlink

1. Do-Follow Backlink

  • This is the most valuable type of backlink.

  • It tells search engines: “Hey, I trust this website!”

  • These backlinks help improve your website’s SEO and ranking.

Example:
If a news website links to your blog with a do-follow link, Google counts that as a recommendation.

2. No-Follow Backlink

  • This backlink has a special tag that tells search engines:
    “Don’t follow or pass SEO value to this link.”

  • It doesn’t help your ranking much, but can still bring traffic.

Example:
Most social media platforms and comment sections give no-follow links.

3. Sponsored Backlink

  • This is used when a website is paid to post a link.

  • It must include a tag like rel="sponsored" to show it’s a paid promotion.

  • Search engines treat it differently, so it doesn’t pass full SEO power.

Example:
If a brand pays a blogger to mention their product and include a link, it should be a sponsored backlink.

4. UGC Backlink (User-Generated Content)

  • UGC stands for User-Generated Content.

  • These links come from things users post, like forum comments, blog comments, or social media posts.

  • They should be marked with rel="ugc".

Example:
If someone leaves a comment on a blog and includes a link to their website, it’s a UGC backlink.

5. Natural Backlink

  • These links happen organically, without asking or paying.

  • They are the best kind for SEO.

  • Usually come when someone finds your content useful and links to it naturally.

Example:
A teacher finds your article helpful and links to it in their school website’s resources.

6. Manual or Built Backlink

  • These are created intentionally, like by guest posting or reaching out to websites.

  • If done correctly, they can help SEO — but search engines prefer natural backlinks.

Example:
You write a guest post on another blog and include a link to your website.