Do-follow Backlinks: Definition, Importance, How To Check, and Build Them

 

In SEO, do-follow backlinks are your online credibility boosters. They pass "link juice" — SEO-speak for authority and ranking power to the destination site, signaling search engines that the linked content is valuable and relevant. These links are crucial in increasing visibility, earning trust, and scaling the search rankings.

Understanding do-follow backlinks is imperative to maximize their potential. These links shape how search engines assess the value of your site; thus, they are a cornerstone for any effective SEO strategy.

Here's the breakdown:

• Definition: Do-follow backlinks and how they work.
• Importance: Why follow links are integral to your SEO success.
• Checking Links: Easy Ways to Find Do-Follow Backlinks Manually or Using Tools.
• Building Links: Tips and tactics to obtain great do-follow links.
• Best Practices: Using do-follow links without hurting your SEO.

By the end of this guide, you will be armed with actionable insights that will position you at the top of the backlink game and supercharge your rankings.

What is a Do-Follow Link?

A regular hyperlink sends a signal to the search engines to pass on "link juice" to the destination site. Think of this as a thumbs-up or a vote of confidence — one site is essentially telling the others, "Hey, this content's solid, you should check it out!

The power move for boosting a website's authority and visibility happens through do-follow links. Whenever a well-trusted site uses a do-follow link to point toward your site, it signifies trust from search engine crawlers — like Google — that, in itself, is one form of consent. This resultant trust translates into better rankings and a good showing on SERP with heightened traffic.

What Is the HTML Code of a Do-Follow Link?

A do-follow link is the standard hyperlink form that naturally passes SEO value without requiring additional attributes. It’s the default, straightforward version of a link. Here's a closer look at how it works:

The Code

Here’s what a basic do-follow link looks like in HTML:

<a href="https://example.com">Example</a>

It’s simple — just a regular link without additional attributes like rel="nofollow."

• <a>: This opens the anchor tag.
• href: This attribute specifies the destination URL.
• "https://example.com": The URL you’re linking to.
• Example: The anchor text or the clickable part of the link.

That’s it. No need to add extra attributes unless you’re modifying the link's behavior.

Contrast with a No-Follow Link

To understand the difference, here’s what a no-follow link looks like:

<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example</a>

The rel="nofollow" attribute tells search engines not to pass authority or ranking credit to the destination page. In contrast, a do-follow link is simply… not that.

Do-follow links are straightforward by design. You don’t need to tweak or toggle anything; they work right out of the box. Just make sure your links are relevant and add value to your content. It’s that easy.

Why Are Dofollow Links Important?

"Link juice" is the SEO world's way of describing the authority and trust a site passes to another through a hyperlink — a digital stamp of approval. And these links are key to how search engines, like Google, decide which pages deserve the top spots.

Here's why do-follow links matter and how they fuel your SEO strategy:

1. Enhanced PageRank and SERP Positioning

Dofollow links directly influence your site's PageRank — Google uses this algorithm to rank web pages on the importance level. Ensuring that the do-follow links on your site are high-quality helps to indicate to a search engine that your site is credible and relevant, enhancing its possible rank.

In fact, the #1 ranking page on Google has 3.8 times more backlinks than pages ranked #2 to #10, meaning these links will be an important part of your climb to the top.

It is simple: the more respectable sites link to you, the more respect Google gives you.

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2. Increased Visibility and Credibility

You get a powerful endorsement when an authoritative website links back to you with a do-follow backlink. Not only will this raise your ranking in the search results, but it's going to build credibility with your audience. And credibility? That is how you make a one-time visitor into a loyal, engaged follower of yours.

3. Driving Referral Traffic

Do-follow links are the gates through which real people pass. High authority do-follow backlinks bring targeted visitors who come ready to use, read, engage in, and sign up for your content, decrease bounce rates, and increase conversions.

Do-follow links form the backbone of a solid SEO plan. They enhance your site’s credibility, drive meaningful traffic, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. Focus on earning links from reputable, high-authority sites to maximize impact and stay ahead in the rankings.

4. Building Domain Authority

Dofollow links are a great way to increase a website's domain authority. 93.8% of marketers believe quality is more important than the sheer number of backlinks. Getting other websites to link back to your website can improve your site's ranking in search engine results pages and ultimately increase its visibility.

5. Improving Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Data shows that, on average, the top search results on Google get clicked about 27.6% of the time. Other than ranking at the top of the SERPs, the ultimate goal for businesses is to have interested prospects click on their site and interact with them. 

Dofollow links help establish your content relevant to targeted interest groups likely to click on your result. This increased authority and relevance often lead to a better CTR because users are more inclined to click on reputable links.

How to Check a Do-Follow Link

Understanding whether a link is do-follow is key to optimizing your SEO efforts. Luckily, checking a link’s status is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Manual Method

• Inspect the Element:
  • Right-click the link on the page and choose Inspect or Inspect Element (browser-specific terminology).
  • This opens the developer tools console, highlighting the link’s HTML.
• Identify the Rel Attribute:
  • Look for <a> tags. If there’s no rel="nofollow" or any other restrictive attribute, congratulations — it’s a do-follow link!
• Shortcut Tips:
  • Use Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) or Cmd + Option + I (Mac) to open developer tools faster.
  • Search the HTML (Ctrl + F) for rel= to spot attributes in a jiffy.

2. Use a Backlink Checker

For a broader analysis or efficiency, rely on these trusted SEO tools:

• Semrush:
  • Navigate to the Backlink Analytics section.
  • Enter your website or a competitor's.
  • Filter by "Do-Follow" links for a detailed list.
• Ahrefs:
  • Use the Site Explorer to pull up your backlink profile.
  • Apply the "Link Type" filter and select "Follow."
• SEOquake Extension:
  • Highlight all no-follow links on a webpage, leaving the do-follow ones unmarked for easy identification.

Knowing the difference between do-follow and no-follow links is integral for a killer link-building strategy. Manually or with tools, this process ensures your site’s authority gets the boost it deserves from high-quality backlinks.

How to Build Dofollow Links

Earning do-follow backlinks is a mix of creativity and strategy. Content marketing leads the pack, with 68% of backlinks coming from efforts like in-depth guides, insightful blogs, and shareable infographics, according to Meetanshi. When your content delivers real value, high-authority links naturally follow.

When you’re creating content to attract backlinks, aim for long-form. Articles with 3000+ words receive 3.5 times more backlinks than shorter content. A detailed, well-researched post is more likely to be referenced by other sites, bringing in those all-important dofollow links.

Let’s break it down into actionable methods:

1. Broken Link Building – Revive Dead Links, Boost Your SEO

This strategy involves finding broken links on authoritative websites and pitching your content as a replacement.

• How to Execute:
  1. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to identify dead links on high-authority pages.
  2. Create or repurpose content that aligns with the context of the broken link.
  3. Reach out to the webmaster with a friendly, concise pitch offering your link as the fix.
• Why It Works: Nobody likes broken links. Fixing them improves the user experience, and webmasters are often grateful enough to reward you with a dofollow link.

2. The Skyscraper Technique – Build Content That Towers Over Your Competitors

Create content that outshines existing top-ranking pieces — more comprehensive, better designed, and packed with fresh insights.

• How to Execute:
  1. Identify popular content in your niche using tools like BuzzSumo.
  2. Analyze what makes those articles successful — depth, visuals, or originality.
  3. Develop a superior version: add new data, insights, or unique angles.
  4. Reach out to websites linking to the original content and show them why your piece is better.
• Why It Works: Quality wins. Webmasters want to link to the most valuable resource for their audience.

3. Guest Blogging and Outreach – Drive Results Through Smart Collabs

Write guest posts for reputable websites in your industry and include dofollow links back to your site.

• How to Execute:
  1. Identify niche-relevant blogs with a solid reputation.
  2. Pitch unique, high-value content ideas tailored to their audience.
  3. Ensure your content includes a naturally placed dofollow link to your site.
• Why It Works: It’s a win-win: they get free, high-quality content, and you gain exposure, credibility, and a valuable backlink.

Quick Tips for Maximizing Link-Building Success:

• Diversify Your Links: Use a mix of methods to create a natural-looking backlink profile.
• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: One dofollow link from a high-authority domain beats dozens from low-quality sites.
• Analyze Regularly: Use tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to monitor your backlinks and refine your strategy.

Master these strategies and transform your backlink game into a powerhouse that propels your site to the top of the SERPs. Stay consistent, track your progress, and watch your competition fade in the rearview mirror.

When To Use The Dofollow Link Attribute?

Dofollow links are essential for passing authority between web pages, but using them effectively requires strategic timing. These links should be reserved for high-impact scenarios to maximize SEO gains. Here’s when to apply the dofollow link attribute:

1. High-Authority Citations: Use dofollow links when referencing trusted, authoritative sources to strengthen the credibility of your content.
2. Internal Linking: Add dofollow attributes to internal links guiding users and search engines to cornerstone pages or new content.
3. Partner or Endorsement Links: Apply dofollow links for collaborations, partnerships, or when endorsing high-quality resources.

By aligning dofollow usage with these situations, you optimize SEO performance while maintaining link relevance.

Pro Tip: Avoid overloading your content with dofollow links, especially to low-quality sites. It can dilute your link equity and raise red flags with search engines.

How to Add a Dofollow Link in WordPress?

Adding a dofollow link in WordPress is as simple as making a grilled cheese — quick, easy, and effective. Here’s how:

1. Highlight Your Anchor Text: Choose the text you want to hyperlink.
2. Insert the URL: Click the link icon (usually a chain symbol) in the toolbar and paste the destination URL.
3. Check the Rel Attribute: By default, WordPress creates dofollow links unless you manually add rel="nofollow" or another attribute.
4. Save Your Changes: Hit “Update” or “Publish” to make the link live.

Double-Check: Switch to your editor's "Text" or "HTML" view to ensure the link doesn’t include a nofollow attribute.

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How to Add a Dofollow Link in HTML?

For those who like to get hands-on with their code, adding a dofollow link in HTML is refreshingly simple. Here’s the breakdown:

Write the Anchor Tag:

<a href="https://example.com">Anchor Text</a>

1. This is your default dofollow link — no extra attributes needed.

1. Avoid Unnecessary Rel Attributes: If you spot rel="nofollow" in your code, delete it to ensure the link passes SEO value.
2. Test the Link: Open the page in your browser, right-click on the link, and select “Inspect.” Check the HTML to confirm the absence of nofollow or other restrictive attributes.

Adding dofollow links, whether through WordPress or HTML, ensures your SEO juice flows to the right places, boosting authority and visibility where it counts most. Keep them strategic and impactful!

What Are the Differences Between Do-Follow and No-Follow Links?

In SEO, not all links are built the same. Do-follow and no-follow links serve different purposes, and understanding their differences is needed to build a balanced and effective link strategy.

Key Differences You Need to Know

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Do-Follow Links	No-Follow Links
Purpose	Pass "link juice" to boost the linked site’s SEO value	Don’t pass SEO value but still direct traffic
HTML Attribute	No special rel attribute is needed	Include rel="nofollow" in the HTML
SEO Impact	Improves the linked site’s rankings and authority	Helps maintain a natural link profile
Best Use Cases	High-quality, trusted resources and citations	Paid ads, affiliate links, or untrusted sources

How They Work Together

A successful SEO strategy balances both types of links:

• Do-Follow Links: Provide the SEO boost, improving PageRank and search engine visibility.
• No-Follow Links: Ensure your backlink profile appears natural and reduces the risk of penalties for manipulative linking practices.

For example, a link from an authoritative blog post should be do-follow to transfer credibility, whereas a link in a paid advertisement should be no-follow to comply with Google’s guidelines.

Other Types of Backlinks Based on the Rel Attribute?

SEO has evolved beyond just do-follow and no-follow links. Google has introduced additional rel attributes to give website owners more control over their link strategies. Here are the key ones:

rel="sponsored"

• Definition: Indicates links that are part of paid promotions, such as sponsored posts or advertisements.
• Use Case: Ideal for affiliate links or any paid partnerships to remain transparent with search engines.
• SEO Impact: Does not pass link juice but ensures compliance with Google’s guidelines, keeping your site safe from penalties.

Example:

<a href="https://example.com" rel="sponsored">Sponsored Link</a>

rel="ugc" (User-Generated Content)

• Definition: Designed for links in user-generated content, like blog comments or forum posts.
• Use Case: Helps distinguish editorial links from those added by users, reducing the risk of spam.
• SEO Impact: Does not pass link juice but signals to Google that the website does not directly endorse these links.

Example:

<a href="https://example.com" rel="ugc">User-Generated Link</a>

Master the use of rel attributes, and you’ll craft a transparent, Google-compliant backlink profile that supercharges your SEO.

In summary, dofollow backlinks are the backbone of a winning SEO strategy. They boost authority, elevate visibility, and drive engaged traffic. Whether it’s fixing broken links, creating skyscraper content, or guest blogging, the techniques we’ve outlined are your blueprint for climbing SERP rankings.

Now it’s time to take action. Build those high-quality backlinks, stay consistent, and let your SEO efforts thrive. The competition won’t slow down, so neither should you.