Dofollow Link
A dofollow link is a standard hyperlink that search engines can follow and that may pass link equity to the linked page by default, when no nofollow, sponsored, or ugc attribute is present.
- Also called
- followed link; standard link
- Applies to
- HTML hyperlinks; default link state
- Commonly confused with
- nofollow link; backlink value
Key points
- Dofollow links are the default HTML link type, not a special attribute.
- They can pass link equity, but the value depends on the linking page's authority and relevance.
- They support search engine discovery and crawling of the linked page.
- Link quality, placement, and anchor text influence the effectiveness of a dofollow link.
- Dofollow links are only one signal among many in search ranking algorithms.
How it works
A dofollow link is created when a standard <a> tag is used without a rel attribute that restricts search engine behaviour. The anchor text used in the link provides context to both users and search engines. Linkscope’s notes on dofollow backlinks are useful when you need a short definition without marketplace sales language.
When a search engine crawls a page containing a dofollow link, it follows the href URL, adding the target page to its index or updating its signals. The link may transfer link equity, often called 'link juice', from the linking page to the target page, which can influence the target's ranking potential.
To verify whether a link is dofollow, check the HTML source for the presence of rel="nofollow", rel="sponsored", or rel="ugc". If none of these attributes exist, the link is dofollow by default. Links without these attributes are dofollow, while those with rel="nofollow" constitute a nofollow link.
Why it matters
Dofollow links are important for SEO because they can help a page earn ranking signals from other sites and support discovery and crawling by search engines. In link building, practitioners often seek dofollow links because they can contribute to authority transfer. However, not all dofollow links are equally valuable: relevance, site quality, placement on the page, and natural anchor text all affect the strength of the signal.
Confusion between dofollow and a guaranteed ranking boost is a common mistake. Dofollow links are just one part of a broader ranking profile, and their impact varies depending on algorithmic factors that are not publicly disclosed. Earning low-quality dofollow links can even harm a site's performance if they appear manipulative. Using a tool like a dead link checker can help identify broken links that waste potential equity. For those seeking to acquire quality dofollow backlinks, understanding how to find dofollow backlinks is essential.
Questions people ask
What is do follow backlinks?
A dofollow backlink is a hyperlink from an external site that is not marked with a nofollow, sponsored, or ugc attribute. It may pass link equity and can contribute to the target site's search engine rankings, but its value depends on the linking site's authority and relevance.
Do follow link HTML code?
A typical dofollow link in HTML looks like: <a href="https://example.com">anchor text</a>. The absence of a rel attribute makes it dofollow by default. To verify, inspect the element and confirm no rel="nofollow", rel="sponsored", or rel="ugc" is present.
Do follow link example?
For example, a blog post linking to a resource page with an anchor like 'read more' is a dofollow link if the HTML contains <a href="...">read more</a> without a restrictive rel attribute. Such a link can be followed by search engines and may pass equity.
Sources
- Google Search Central Most authoritative source for how Google interprets rel attributes like nofollow, sponsored, and ugc.
- Google Search Central Explains Google's treatment of rel attributes and how link signals are handled.
- Ahrefs Glossary Clear SEO-friendly definition and practical explanation of dofollow vs. nofollow.
- Semrush Blog Useful practitioner explanation of why dofollow links matter for SEO and link equity.
- Linkscope: Dofollow backlinks Sophie de Vries’ plain-language guide to what a dofollow link is and when it matters.
Written and maintained by Nora Lindholm. Last updated 27 July 2026.
Spotted an error? Email me — corrections are logged and credited on the entry. Outbound links are unpaid; most are nofollow.