A dofollow link is a type of hyperlink that allows search engines to follow it and pass along link equity (or "link juice") from one page to another. This means that when a website links to another using a dofollow link, it effectively endorses the linked page, contributing to its search engine ranking and visibility.

In contrast, a nofollow link is a hyperlink that contains a specific HTML attribute (rel="nofollow") which instructs search engines not to follow the link. This means that the link does not pass on any link equity to the linked page, and it does not influence the linked page's ranking in search engine results.

Key Differences Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links

• Link Equity: Dofollow links pass link equity, while nofollow links do not.
• SEO Impact: Dofollow links can improve a website's search engine rankings, whereas nofollow links do not contribute to SEO.
• Usage: Dofollow links are typically used in blog posts, articles, and other content to endorse or reference other websites. Nofollow links are often used in comments, forums, or paid advertisements to prevent spam and maintain the integrity of search engine results.

Examples

Here’s an example of both types of links:

<a href="https://example.com" rel="dofollow">This is a dofollow link</a>
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">This is a nofollow link</a>

In the example above, the first link is a dofollow link, which allows search engines to follow it, while the second link is a nofollow link, which tells search engines to ignore it.

When to Use Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links

Choosing between dofollow and nofollow links depends on your goals:

• Use Dofollow Links: When you want to pass link equity to a trustworthy site, such as a relevant resource or a partner website.
• Use Nofollow Links: In scenarios where you want to avoid endorsing a site, such as in user-generated content, comments, or when linking to paid content.

References

For further reading, you can refer to:

• Moz: Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links
• Ahrefs: Dofollow vs Nofollow Links: Which Should You Use?

In summary, understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is crucial for effective SEO practices. Dofollow links can enhance your site's authority and rankings, while nofollow links can help maintain the integrity of your content and protect against spam.