One of the most common questions that people ask a distribution site is:
"Do you allow dofollow links?" or "Why are all the links from your news partners marked as nofollow?"
This can be a letdown for many, especially if you have read that dofollow links are the key to improving your SEO rankings. It is easy to assume that if you are not getting dofollow links, you are missing out. But here is the thing: there is actually a very good reason why press release links are almost always marked as nofollow. This is not just any distribution website’s policy. It is a standard followed by nearly every major news distribution service. Of course, there is a purpose behind it. It is not about holding you back, but about staying in line with search engine guidelines and protecting the credibility of publishers and your brand.
Once you understand why this is done, you might actually feel more confident in how press releases help your visibility. So, let’s break it down for you.
What is the Difference Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links?
A dofollow link is basically a standard link. When a website uses it to link to your page, it is like telling search engines, “We trust this site.” That trust is often called “link juice”, which can help boost your site’s search rankings. It is one of the reasons why people chase dofollow links for SEO.
On the other hand, a nofollow link includes a small tag (rel="nofollow") that tells search engines, “We’re linking to this page, but we’re not vouching for it.” In simple terms, it means the link doesn’t pass on any SEO value.
Search engines usually do not give your site a ranking boost from nofollow links. They will still see the link, but they will not count it the same way they would a dofollow one. Both types of links are common across the web. However, understanding the difference helps you set the right expectations for your press release’s SEO.
Why Dofollow and Nofollow Links Matter in SEO?
Here’s the truth: the nofollow links in press releases are a standard because search engines like Google made it that way. Nearly all major search engines follow this rule. A while ago, people started using press releases to get lots of dofollow backlinks by publishing them across news sites and blogs. It turned into a shortcut for link building, but also a clear violation of Google’s guidelines. To stop this, Google stepped in. Since press releases often involve paid or syndicated content, they announced that links in them should be marked as nofollow. They even began penalizing websites that used press releases just to gain dofollow backlinks. As Google Search Central clearly stated, "If you use press releases as a way to build links, we recommend using nofollow on those links." So, adding dofollow links to a press release will not just fail to help your SEO, it could actually hurt it.
Nofollow Links are the Norm for the Biggest Players, too!
This is not a rule that is unique to any distribution website; major distribution services like PR Newswire, Business Wire, and Globe Newswire follow the same practice. They all use nofollow links or internal redirects by default. Even when your press release appears on top platforms like Yahoo, MarketWatch, or local news sites, the links still will not be dofollow. This is not by accident but is the standard across the industry. Dofollow links are no longer used on press releases, as they go against Google's guidelines. This rule helps everyone stay compliant with search engine policies. It protects your website from potential penalties and keeps distribution networks safe, too.
Are Nofollow Links Still Helpful?
Since 2020, Google has changed how it handles nofollow links. Instead of completely ignoring them, Google now treats them as “hints.” That means if a nofollow link appears useful or relevant, Google might still choose to follow it or even use it for ranking purposes. This shift is one reason why many Search Engine Marketing firms continue using reputed press release distribution websites for SEO-related campaigns. Even without dofollow links, press releases still offer solid SEO value.
Here is how nofollow links can still help -
- Boosts website visits: People can click the links in your press release, which sends real visitors to your site.
- Brand awareness: Getting featured on trusted news platforms boosts your brand’s visibility and credibility.
- Google discovery: Google might follow the link to find and index new content on your site.
- Natural link profile: A good mix of dofollow and nofollow links looks more authentic to search engines.
In summary, nofollow links still matter. They support your online visibility, help build trust, and offer long-term benefits that go beyond just link juice. So even in an SEO world that favors quality over quantity, press releases still have a valuable role to play.
So the next time you ask, “Why are these links nofollow?” just know that it is the smarter and safer move. The distribution sites follow best practices to protect your site and keep you clear of any Google penalties.
