In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), understanding the difference between link types is crucial for anyone looking to improve their website's ranking and visibility. Among the various types of links, the two most important are do-follow and no-follow links. This blog post will delve into these concepts, providing simple steps to identify them and the implications of each for your SEO strategy.

Links are the backbone of the internet, connecting web pages and allowing users to navigate seamlessly from one site to another. For SEO professionals and website owners, understanding the difference between dofollow vs. nofollow links is essential. While both types serve a purpose in linking to content, they have distinct characteristics and impact search engine rankings differently.

Dofollow links are the standard links that allow search engines to follow them and pass "link juice" or authority from one site to another. Conversely, nofollow links instruct search engines not to follow the link, meaning they won’t contribute to the linked site's authority. Knowing how to identify these links can greatly influence your website's SEO strategy and overall performance.

In this article, we'll explore the difference between dofollow and nofollow links, how to identify them, and their respective roles in your SEO efforts.

Understanding Dofollow and Nofollow Links

Before diving into identification, let’s briefly clarify what dofollow and nofollow links are.

Dofollow Links

Dofollow links are the default setting for hyperlinks. When you create a link, it automatically allows search engines to crawl and index the linked page, transferring SEO value and potentially improving the linked page’s ranking in search results. These links are crucial for building a site's authority and improving its visibility online.

Nofollow Links

Nofollow links, on the other hand, are used to indicate to search engines that they should not follow the link. This was originally introduced by Google in 2005 to combat spam and improve the quality of search results. While nofollow links do not pass on link equity or "link juice," they still serve important functions, such as:

• Helping to prevent spam in comments.
• Indicating a lack of endorsement for the linked content.
• Driving referral traffic, even if it doesn't contribute to SEO.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is crucial for developing a robust SEO strategy. Dofollow links can enhance your site's authority and improve its ranking, while nofollow links can help you maintain a clean and reputable online presence.

For example, if you’re engaging in link-building activities, you want to focus on acquiring as many dofollow links as possible, as they are valuable for SEO. However, incorporating nofollow links strategically can also be beneficial, particularly in protecting your site from potential penalties due to spammy links.

Simple Steps to Identify Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links

Inspecting HTML Code

One of the most straightforward ways to identify whether a link is dofollow or nofollow is by inspecting the HTML code of the webpage. Here’s how to do it:

• Right-click on the webpage where the link is located.
• Select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element" from the context menu. This will open the Developer Tools panel.
• Search for the specific link within the HTML code. You can use the search function (usually Ctrl + F) to find the link.
• Look for the presence of the attribute rel="nofollow" within the link's HTML tag.

For example, a dofollow link html code will look like this:

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

A nofollow link html code will look like this: 

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

Using Browser Extensions

If inspecting the HTML code seems tedious, there are several browser extensions designed to help you identify dofollow and nofollow links quickly. Here are a few popular ones:

NoFollow Simple: 

This extension highlights nofollow links on a page, making them easy to spot.

SEO Meta in 1 Click:

This extension provides detailed information about the links on a webpage, including whether they are dofollow or nofollow.

Utilizing SEO Tools

There are several SEO tools available that can help you analyze your website's link profile and identify dofollow and nofollow links. Some popular options include:

• Ahrefs: This tool provides a comprehensive backlink analysis, allowing you to filter your links by dofollow or nofollow status.
• Moz: Similar to Ahrefs, Moz offers tools to check the authority of links and their status.
• SEMrush: This platform provides an in-depth look at your backlinks, highlighting dofollow and nofollow links.

Using these tools can save time and provide a clearer picture of your website's overall link profile.

Analyzing Backlink Reports

If you’re engaged in active link-building, regularly analyze your backlink reports. These reports often categorize links by their type, allowing you to assess the quality and effectiveness of your link-building efforts.

Checking Your Own Website

If you're managing your own website, regularly audit your internal and external links to ensure they are aligned with your SEO strategy. This includes:

• Reviewing comment sections for nofollow links.
• Ensuring that your content is linked with dofollow links where appropriate.
• Keeping track of the sites linking to you, ensuring that you maintain a healthy mix of dofollow and nofollow links.

Strategies for Using Dofollow and Nofollow Links

Understanding how to identify dofollow vs. nofollow links is one thing; utilizing them effectively is another. Here are some strategies to help you balance your use of both types of links in your SEO efforts:

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

When building links, aim for high-quality dofollow links from reputable websites within your niche. While it might be tempting to chase after numerous links, a few high-quality ones can be far more beneficial.

Use Nofollow Links Wisely

Nofollow links can still be valuable for driving traffic. Use them in comments, social media posts, and forums where you might encounter spammy behavior. They can also be beneficial for links to user-generated content or paid advertisements.

Monitor Your Backlink Profile

Regularly audit your backlink profile to ensure a healthy mix of dofollow and nofollow links. Tools like Ahrefs and Moz can help you track your links and identify potential issues.

Build Relationships for Guest Posting

Guest blogging can be a great way to secure dofollow links. When reaching out to websites for guest posts, ensure they provide dofollow links in your author bio or within the content itself.

Stay Updated with SEO Trends

SEO is an ever-changing field. Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices related to dofollow and nofollow links, as well as any updates from search engines regarding their handling of links.

Conclusion

Identifying and understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is essential for any SEO strategy. By implementing the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively discern between these two types of links and leverage them to enhance your website's authority and search engine visibility.

While dofollow links contribute significantly to your site's SEO, nofollow links serve important roles in maintaining a clean online reputation and driving traffic. Striking the right balance between the two will ultimately contribute to a more robust and effective SEO strategy.

In the competitive online landscape, every link counts. By understanding how to identify and utilize both dofollow and nofollow links, you can set your website up for success and ensure a steady flow of traffic and authority.

Manjunath Chowdary

Digital Marketing Expert, consultant, Mentor and
Director of KandraDigital Marketing
Solutions Pvt Ltd.