What are Dofollow Links?
A dofollow link is a hyperlink that allows search engines like Google to follow the link and pass on link equity (also known as PageRank) from one page to another. This means that the link helps improve the search engine rankings of the linked page. Dofollow links are fundamental in SEO because they signal to search engines that the destination page is valuable and trustworthy.
How Dofollow Links Work in SEO?
Dofollow links are critical in determining the authority and trustworthiness of a webpage. When a webpage receives a dofollow link, search engine crawlers follow that link, which helps to:
Crawl and index the target webpage.
Pass link equity (PageRank) to improve the target webpage’s rankings.
Help discover new pages that may not be otherwise found through other links.
Example of a Dofollow Link:
<a href=”https://example.com”>Visit Example</a>
This link, which does not include the rel=”nofollow” attribute, is dofollow by default.
Why Dofollow Links Matter in SEO?
1. Improve Authority and Trustworthiness
Dofollow links from high-quality websites act as votes of confidence, signaling to search engines that the linked content is credible.
2. Increase PageRank
Each dofollow link passes a portion of its link equity, which helps the linked page improve its search engine rankings. More dofollow backlinks generally correlate with better rankings.
3. Discover New Pages
Search engine crawlers use dofollow links to discover and crawl new content, helping websites become more visible to users.
4. Targeted Traffic
Dofollow links often result in direct referral traffic to the linked website, as users click on these links to learn more.
How to Identify a Dofollow Link?
By default, most links are dofollow unless they contain the rel=”nofollow” attribute.
Example of Nofollow Link:
<a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Visit Example</a>
How to Track Dofollow Links?
You can use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to track and monitor the dofollow backlinks pointing to your website.
Impact of Dofollow Links on SEO
Improved Search Rankings: High-quality dofollow links from authoritative sources contribute to your site’s ability to rank higher in search results.
Enhanced Organic Visibility: The more dofollow links you have from relevant websites, the better your website’s visibility will be on search engines.
Increased Website Traffic: Dofollow links not only improve rankings but also drive traffic from users clicking on those links.
Dofollow Links vs. Nofollow Links
| Aspect | Dofollow Link | Nofollow Link |
|---|---|---|
| Link Equity | Passes SEO value (link juice) to the target page | Does not pass link equity |
| SEO Impact | Improves the linked page’s rankings | Does not impact search rankings directly |
| Usage | Used for external links that are relevant and trusted | Used for paid links, user-generated content, or links where SEO value is not desired |
Final Thoughts on Dofollow links
Dofollow links are one of the most effective tools in any SEO strategy. They help improve your page’s authority, enhance user engagement, and drive valuable organic traffic. You can significantly improve your site’s rankings in search results, by strategically acquiring dofollow links from relevant and authoritative sources.
Would you like more information on how to get dofollow links for your website?
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