When
it comes to backlinks, Two important attributes come into play:
dofollow and
nofollow. These attributes dictate how search engines treat the backlinks and
influence their impact on search engine optimization (SEO).
Dofollow
Links:
Dofollow links are standard hyperlinks that allow search
engine crawlers to follow them and pass authority from the linking website to
the linked website. These links directly contribute to the linked website's
search engine rankings. In other words, when a dofollow link is placed on a
website, search engines recognize it as a signal of trust and relevance, which
can positively impact the linked website's visibility in search engine results
pages (SERPs).
Example: Imagine you have a cooking blog, and a renowned
food blogger includes a dofollow link to your blog in one of their articles
about delicious recipes. This dofollow link would not only generate traffic
from the food blogger's readers but also provide a boost to your blog's
authority in search engine rankings.
Nofollow Links:
Nofollow links, on the other hand, have a specific HTML
attribute added to them that instructs search engine crawlers not to follow or
pass authority through the link. These links were introduced to combat spam and
prevent the abuse of link-building tactics. Nofollow links do not directly
impact search engine rankings but can still generate traffic and provide other
benefits, such as exposure and referral traffic.
Example: Let's say you run an e-commerce website, and a popular fashion magazine mentions your brand in an article, including a nofollow link to your website. While this link won't directly boost your search engine rankings, it can still drive relevant traffic from fashion enthusiasts who read the magazine and visit your website based on the recommendation.
Importance of a Mix:
In an effective backlink profile, a mix of dofollow and
nofollow links is essential. While dofollow links carry more weight in terms of
SEO benefits and authority transfer, nofollow links still contribute to overall
website visibility, brand exposure, and referral traffic. Additionally, having
a natural mix of dofollow and nofollow links appears more organic and authentic
to search engines, which can positively impact your website's SEO performance.
Conclusion:
Dofollow and nofollow links play distinct roles
in backlinking. Dofollow links allow search engines to follow and pass
authority, influencing search engine rankings, while nofollow links restrict
the flow of authority but can still provide traffic and exposure. A healthy mix
of both types of links contributes to a well-rounded backlink profile, boosting
your website's visibility, authority, and overall SEO success.
