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Finding Dofollow Backlinks

A dofollow backlink is a standard hyperlink that passes ranking signals from one page to another, as long as it lacks a rel='nofollow' or similar attribute.

Level: IntermediateRead: 1 minUpdated: 27 Jul 2026By Vera Lindqvist

Key facts

  • You can check a link's dofollow status by inspecting the HTML: no rel attribute means dofollow; rel="nofollow", "ugc", or "sponsored" means no equity transfer.
  • Right-click a link, choose Inspect, and look for the rel attribute in the anchor tag.
  • Backlink analysis tools like Ahrefs and SE Ranking can filter reports by dofollow status.
  • Common ways to earn dofollow links include guest posting on relevant sites and broken-link building.

Also called

follow links, followed links, standard links

Use it for

Passing ranking signals (link equity) to another page.

Applies to

Google, Bing, and most major search engines

How to Check if a Backlink is Dofollow

The simplest method is browser inspection. Right-click the link, select Inspect, and find the anchor tag. If there is no rel attribute, the link is dofollow. If you see rel="nofollow", rel="ugc", or rel="sponsored", the link does not pass equity.

For bulk checks, use a backlink analysis tool like Ahrefs Backlink Checker. These tools label links as dofollow or nofollow, but verify with HTML.

Backlink types also include user-generated and sponsored variants. Google treats them differently, so check the actual rel value.

Common Tactics for Finding Dofollow Backlinks

Start by analysing competitors' backlink profile to find dofollow sources. Niche blogs, resource pages, and industry directories often provide editorial dofollow links.

Broken-link building: use a dead link checker to find broken links, create replacement content, and pitch. Automated outreach platforms like Respona can scale personalisation.

For effective building backlinks, focus on editorial placements. Guest posting on reputable sites also works.

Tools That Help Identify Dofollow Links

Several tools filter by dofollow status, such as Ahrefs Backlink Checker, SE Ranking, and SEO SpyGlass. Use them to audit your own backlinks or scout prospects.

Browser extensions like MozBar or SEOquake display link attributes on the fly, but verify with HTML source code when in doubt.

Nofollow links still have value. They drive referral traffic and make your link profile look natural.

  • Ahrefs, SE Ranking, SEO SpyGlass: filter by follow/dofollow.
  • Browser extensions: MozBar, SEOquake for quick inspection.
  • Manual HTML check: most reliable method.

Mistakes to Avoid When Targeting Dofollow Backlinks

Do not assume all backlinks are dofollow. Verify manually or with a tool. Low-quality directory, forum, and blog comment links are often nofollow.

Do not rely solely on authority metrics like Domain Authority (a Moz estimate). Focus on topical relevance and editorial context.

Nofollow links are not useless. A natural mix of follow and nofollow backlinks is healthier than an all-dofollow profile.

Common mistakes

  • Treating any backlink as valuable without checking if it is dofollow or nofollow. You may waste time on links that pass no equity.
  • Chasing low-quality directory, forum, or comment links instead of editorial placements. These links are often nofollow and can trigger spam penalties.
  • Assuming nofollow links are useless. You miss out on referral traffic and a natural link profile.

Questions

What are do follow backlinks?

Dofollow backlinks are standard hyperlinks that pass ranking signals (link equity) from one page to another. They lack a rel="nofollow" or similar attribute.

What is nofollow backlinks?

A nofollow link includes rel="nofollow" in its HTML. It tells search engines not to pass equity, but it can still drive traffic and help with discovery.

What is dofollow and nofollow?

Dofollow links pass link equity; nofollow links do not. Both have uses in a healthy SEO strategy, but dofollow links are typically more valuable for ranking.

See also

Sources

  1. Ahrefs — Dofollow Link glossary ahrefs.com
  2. Google Search Central developers.google.com
  3. Google Search Central developers.google.com
  4. SEOptimer — What are Dofollow Backlinks & 6 Ways to Get Them seoptimer.com
  5. Dofollow Backlinks — Link Index linkindex.us

Outbound links are unpaid and nofollow. If one has gone stale, tell me.

Vera Lindqvist

Vera Lindqvist has worked in SEO since 2014 — first in-house at an ecommerce retailer, then freelance for small teams that could not afford an agency. She writes GrowthPedia in her own time and pays for the hosting herself.

Written and maintained by one person. No ads, no affiliates, nothing for sale. Found an error? Tell me and I will log the correction publicly.