Dofollow
Definition
A standard link that passes SEO value to the linked page. Unlike nofollow links, dofollow links help the destination page rank higher in search results.
What is a Dofollow Link?
A dofollow link is simply a normal link without any special attributes blocking search engines from following it. There's no actual "dofollow" attribute—it's the default state when nofollow isn't applied.
These are the links SEO professionals prize because they pass ranking signals to the destination.
How Dofollow Links Work
When a website links to you without nofollow, it's essentially vouching for your content. Search engines interpret this as a recommendation and factor it into rankings.
The more quality dofollow links pointing to a page, the more authority it builds.
Dofollow vs Nofollow
| Dofollow | Nofollow |
|---|---|
| Passes link equity | Doesn't pass link equity |
| Default link state | Requires rel="nofollow" |
| Helps rankings directly | Helps traffic, not rankings |
| Indicates endorsement | No endorsement implied |
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding this helps you:
- Evaluate backlinks: Know which links actually help your SEO
- Create appropriate links: Use nofollow when required
- Assess opportunities: Prioritise earning dofollow links from quality sites
Checking Link Status
Right-click a link and inspect the HTML, or use browser extensions that highlight nofollow links. SEO tools like Ahrefs and Moz also report the follow status of backlinks.
Building Dofollow Links
Earn dofollow links by creating content worth linking to. Guest posts, resource mentions, and genuine press coverage typically produce dofollow links. Remember that Google requires paid links to be marked as nofollow or sponsored.