Follow Links
A follow link is a standard hyperlink that search engines can crawl and follow, allowing it to pass authority and relevance signals to the destination page.
- Also called
- dofollow link
- Applies to
- link building, SEO
- Commonly confused with
- nofollow link
Key points
- Follow links pass link equity and can improve rankings when from relevant, authoritative sources.
- Quality matters more than quantity; a single relevant follow link can outperform dozens of low-quality ones.
- Earning follow links requires editorial merit, not manipulation.
- Follow links also drive referral traffic and brand visibility beyond SEO value.
- Google's algorithm treats follow links as endorsements, but spam detection may discount unnatural ones.
Where it changes your decision
- When deciding whether to pursue a backlink opportunity, a follow link from a relevant, authoritative site is worth the effort.
- When building a link profile, focus on earning follow links rather than nofollow links for maximum SEO impact.
- When auditing existing backlinks, identify follow links that may be toxic or unnatural and disavow them if necessary; you can use a backlink monitor to track them.
What it is not
- Not all follow links are equally valuable: source quality, topical relevance, and placement determine their worth.
- Not the only links that matter for SEO: nofollow links can still drive traffic and awareness, and Google may treat them as hints in some contexts.
- Not a safe shortcut if bought: paid links violate Google's guidelines and can lead to penalties, unlike editorially earned follow links.
- Not the same as internal links: internal links seo focuses on linking within your own site, whereas follow links typically refer to external backlinks.
Questions people ask
Do follow links?
Dofollow links are hyperlinks that search engines can crawl and follow, passing link equity and relevance signals. They are the default link type unless a rel="nofollow" attribute is added. In SEO, they are often called follow links.
Do follow link?
A dofollow link is a standard hyperlink without a nofollow attribute, allowing search engines to follow it and pass authority. It is the most common type of backlink used in link building.
Do follow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks are incoming links from other sites that do not have a nofollow attribute, so they can transfer ranking power. They are a key goal in link building because they can improve a page's organic visibility.
Sources
- Google Search Central Official guidance on how Google discovers and evaluates links as part of SEO fundamentals.
- Google Search Central Explains crawlable links and how Google finds pages through links.
- Moz Beginner's Guide to Link Building Clear, widely cited explanation of link building and backlinks in SEO.
- Ahrefs SEO Glossary Concise definition and practical framing of link building and backlinks.
- Yoast Link Building Guide Accessible explanation of links as signals of trust and authority.
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.