Complete Guide: How to Create XML & HTML Sitemaps
Man analyzing SEO link diagrams
Links are fundamental to SEO and website navigation. Understanding dofollow and nofollow links is crucial for effective SEO strategy and link building.
Dofollow links are the default type of links that pass SEO value (also known as "link juice") from one page to another. They signal to search engines that you're vouching for the linked content, which can positively impact the target page's search rankings.
Nofollow links include the rel="nofollow" attribute in their HTML code, telling search engines not to pass SEO value through these links. While they still help with navigation and can drive traffic, they don't directly contribute to search rankings.
When to use dofollow links:
- Linking to trusted, high-quality content
- Internal linking between your own website pages
- Referencing authoritative sources
- Linking to partner websites you trust
When to use nofollow links:
- User-generated content (comments, forum posts)
- Paid advertisements or sponsored content
- Untrusted or potentially spammy content
- Social media profile links
- Widget or embed links
Technical implementation:
Dofollow link: <a href="https://example.com">Example</a> Nofollow link: <a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example</a>
Best practices for link management:
- Use dofollow links sparingly and only for quality content
- Implement nofollow for any paid or sponsored content
- Regularly audit your website's link profile
- Maintain a natural mix of both link types
- Focus on creating valuable content that naturally attracts quality backlinks
Remember that while nofollow links don't directly boost SEO, they can still generate valuable referral traffic and contribute to a natural-looking link profile.