A dofollow link is a type of hyperlink that passes on SEO value, also known as link juice, from one website to another. It tells search engines to follow the link and count it as a vote of confidence. This makes dofollow links valuable for improving a website’s authority and search engine rankings. In this guide, we will explain what dofollow links are, how they work, and the best practices for using them effectively.
![What Is a Dofollow Link? [Examples + Best Practices]](https://nivedigitalacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-39.png)
Understanding Dofollow Links
Dofollow links are the default type of hyperlink on the web. When you create a standard link, it is usually a dofollow link unless specified otherwise. These links pass on link equity, which boosts the linked page’s authority and ranking on search engines. Search engine crawlers follow dofollow links, indexing the linked pages and recognizing the connection between the sites.
Dofollow links are crucial for SEO because they signal to search engines that the linked content is valuable and trustworthy. The more high-quality dofollow links a website has, the higher its authority and ranking potential. However, the quality of the linking site matters more than the quantity of links.
Difference Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Dofollow and nofollow links serve different purposes in SEO. While dofollow links pass on link juice and influence search engine rankings, nofollow links do not. Nofollow links have a rel=”nofollow” attribute, instructing search engines not to follow the link or pass on link equity. These links are often used for sponsored content, user-generated content, or untrusted sources to avoid passing authority.
In contrast, dofollow links actively contribute to a website’s SEO by enhancing its authority and relevance. Both types of links are important for a natural and balanced backlink profile. A mix of dofollow and nofollow links indicates organic link-building and reduces the risk of Google penalties.
Why Are Dofollow Links Important for SEO?
Dofollow links are valuable for SEO because they pass on authority from one website to another. When a high-authority site links to your content, it signals to search engines that your content is credible and relevant. This boosts your website’s domain authority and improves its chances of ranking higher in search results.
Moreover, dofollow links drive referral traffic, increasing your site’s visibility and audience reach. They also enhance brand authority and trustworthiness, as users perceive sites with high-quality backlinks as reliable sources of information. Therefore, acquiring dofollow links from reputable sources is crucial for successful SEO strategies.
Examples of Dofollow Links
- Editorial Links – These are natural links placed within the content by other websites because they find your content valuable and relevant.
- Guest Post Links – When you contribute content to other blogs, you often get a dofollow link back to your site.
- Resource Page Links – Websites list useful resources and link to relevant content, passing on dofollow link juice.
- Contextual Links – Links placed within the body of a blog post or article, surrounded by relevant content.
- Directory Links – High-quality business directories that allow dofollow links can enhance your site’s authority.
How to Get High-Quality Dofollow Links
- Create Valuable Content: High-quality, informative content naturally attracts dofollow links from authoritative sites.
- Guest Blogging: Writing guest posts for reputable websites lets you include a dofollow backlink in your author bio or within the content.
- Influencer Outreach: Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to get mentions and dofollow links on their sites.
- Broken Link Building: Identify broken links on relevant sites and suggest your content as a replacement.
- Skyscraper Technique: Improve upon popular content and promote it to the sites linking to the original version for better dofollow links.
Best Practices for Using Dofollow Links
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: A few high-quality dofollow links from authoritative sites are more beneficial than numerous low-quality links.
- Maintain Relevance: Ensure that the linking site and anchor text are relevant to your content for effective SEO.
- Use Natural Anchor Texts: Avoid keyword stuffing. Use varied and descriptive anchor texts that flow naturally within the content.
- Diversify Your Backlink Profile: Maintain a balanced mix of dofollow and nofollow links for a natural backlink profile.
- Monitor and Maintain Links: Regularly check your dofollow links using tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to ensure they are active and from reputable sources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying Links: Purchasing dofollow links violates Google’s guidelines and can lead to penalties.
- Over-Optimized Anchor Texts: Using the same keyword-rich anchor text repeatedly appears manipulative to search engines.
- Low-Quality Link Sources: Avoid getting dofollow links from spammy or unrelated sites, as they can harm your SEO.
- Ignoring Link Diversity: Relying solely on dofollow links looks unnatural. Include nofollow links for a balanced profile.
Conclusion
Dofollow links are powerful SEO tools that enhance a website’s authority and search engine rankings. They pass on link equity, drive referral traffic, and boost brand credibility. However, the effectiveness of dofollow links depends on their quality, relevance, and diversity. Focus on acquiring high-quality dofollow links from reputable sites using ethical strategies. By following best practices, you can build a strong backlink profile and improve your website’s SEO performance.
FAQs
Are all backlinks dofollow by default?
Yes, most links are dofollow by default unless tagged with a rel=”nofollow” attribute.
Can nofollow links become dofollow links?
No, nofollow links remain nofollow unless manually changed by the website owner.
How can I check if a link is dofollow?
Right-click on the link, select ‘Inspect,’ and check the HTML code for the rel attribute.
Do dofollow links always boost SEO?
Dofollow links from high-quality, relevant sites boost SEO. Low-quality links may harm your ranking.
