In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), backlinks are one of the most powerful ranking signals. But not all backlinks are created equal. One of the most valuable types is the dofollow backlink. Understanding what it is, how it works, and how to get it can significantly boost your website’s authority and search visibility.
What Is a Dofollow Backlink?
A dofollow backlink is a type of hyperlink that passes “link juice” (SEO value) from one website to another. When a website links to yours with a dofollow tag, search engine bots recognize the link as a vote of confidence in your content, helping to improve your domain authority and search engine rankings.
By default, all standard links are dofollow unless specified otherwise. Here’s what a dofollow link looks like in HTML:
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<a href=”https://yourwebsite.com”>Your Website</a>
Dofollow vs Nofollow: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Dofollow Backlink | Nofollow Backlink |
| Passes Link Juice? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Helps SEO Ranking? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not directly |
| HTML Example | <a href=”url”>Link</a> | <a href=”url” rel=”nofollow”>Link</a> |
The key difference lies in SEO value—dofollow backlinks are recognized by search engines and contribute to a site’s ranking. Nofollow links, while still useful for traffic and visibility, don’t pass link equity.
Why Dofollow Backlinks Matter for SEO
- Improve Search Rankings
The more quality dofollow backlinks you have, the more trustworthy and authoritative your site appears to Google. - Increase Domain Authority
Backlinks from high-authority sites boost your domain strength, helping all your pages rank better. - Boost Organic Traffic
Strong backlinks lead to higher search rankings, which results in more clicks and organic visitors. - Enhance Content Credibility
When respected sites link to you, it signals to search engines that your content is valuable and relevant.
How to Get Quality Dofollow Backlinks
✅ 1. Guest Posting
Write informative articles for reputable blogs in your niche and include a dofollow backlink to your site.
✅ 2. Create High-Quality Content
Publish original, useful content like how-to guides, infographics, and research studies. These naturally attract dofollow backlinks.
✅ 3. Broken Link Building
Find broken links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement.
✅ 4. Reach Out to Influencers and Bloggers
Build relationships with industry influencers who may link to your content in their future posts.
✅ 5. Use Business Directories and Forums
Some directories and niche forums allow dofollow backlinks in profiles or content contributions.
Best Practices for Dofollow Backlinks
- Focus on relevant and authoritative websites.
- Avoid spammy link exchanges or buying links (violates Google’s guidelines).
- Maintain a natural backlink profile—combine both dofollow and nofollow links.
- Monitor backlinks using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console.
Final Thoughts
A dofollow backlink is more than just a link—it’s a signal of trust, relevance, and authority. Building a strong portfolio of high-quality dofollow backlinks can be the difference between showing up on page 10 of Google or page 1.
Invest time in earning legitimate backlinks through great content, smart outreach, and ethical SEO practices. Over time, your site’s authority and rankings will thank you.