When it comes to SEO, links play a crucial role in improving a website’s authority and search engine ranking. Among the different types of links, dofollow links are particularly important for SEO purposes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a dofollow link is, why it matters, and, most importantly, how to add a dofollow link in HTML.
What is a Dofollow Link?
Before we get into the process of adding a dofollow link, let’s understand what it is.
A dofollow link is a regular hyperlink that allows search engines to follow the link and pass on “link juice” or ranking power to the destination page. When you create a dofollow link, you are telling search engines like Google to consider the linked page as valuable, which can help improve its ranking in search results.
In contrast, a nofollow link instructs search engines to ignore the link and not pass any ranking power. This is commonly used for paid links or links to untrusted sources.
Why Are Dofollow Links Important for SEO?
Dofollow links are vital for SEO because they contribute to a website’s link profile, which is a factor in how search engines determine a site’s authority and relevance. A site with many high-quality dofollow links is more likely to rank higher in search engine results.
- Boost SEO: Dofollow links pass link equity (ranking power) from one page to another. When authoritative sites link to your content with a dofollow link, it helps increase your website’s credibility and search engine ranking.
- Increased Visibility: By having your content linked by other websites with dofollow links, you increase the chances of more people visiting your page through those referral links.
- Referral Traffic: Dofollow links bring traffic from external sites to your page. If other websites link to your content and their audience clicks on the link, it will drive more visitors to your website.
How to Add a Dofollow Link in HTML?
Adding a dofollow link in HTML is simple and doesn’t require any special tools or plugins. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Basic Structure of an HTML Link
In HTML, links are created using the <a> tag. A typical link looks like this:
<a href="https://www.example.com">Click here</a>
- The
hrefattribute specifies the destination URL. - The text inside the
<a>tag is the anchor text (the clickable text).
2. Adding a Dofollow Link
To make a link dofollow, all you need to do is ensure there’s no rel="nofollow" attribute in the <a> tag. Here’s an example:
<a href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example Website</a>
In this case, this is a dofollow link by default because there’s no rel="nofollow" attribute included. Search engines will follow the link and pass link equity to the destination URL.
3. Optional: Specifying a Target Attribute
You might want to open the linked page in a new tab or window. To do that, you can add the target="_blank" attribute. Here’s the updated code:
<a href="https://www.example.com" target="_blank">Visit Example Website</a>
target="_blank"opens the link in a new tab, providing a better user experience.
4. Using Dofollow Links in Anchor Text
The text inside the <a> tag (called anchor text) should be relevant to the page being linked to. Search engines consider anchor text when determining what the linked page is about, so make sure the text is descriptive and meaningful.
<a href="https://www.example.com" target="_blank">Learn more about SEO best practices</a>
In this example, the anchor text clearly explains what the linked page is about and helps improve SEO by providing context to the link.
How to Avoid Adding Nofollow Links
To ensure your link remains a dofollow link, avoid using the rel="nofollow" attribute. If you intentionally want to make a link nofollow (i.e., not pass any link juice), you would do it like this:
<a href="https://www.example.com" rel="nofollow">Visit Example Website</a>
By omitting the rel="nofollow" attribute, your link will be treated as dofollow by default.
Best Practices for Using Dofollow Links
While adding dofollow links is easy, here are some best practices to follow:
- Use Dofollow Links Naturally: Don’t overuse dofollow links. Focus on natural link-building strategies that provide value to your users, like creating high-quality content and earning backlinks from reputable websites.
- Link to Relevant Content: Ensure the pages you are linking to are relevant and authoritative. Linking to unrelated or low-quality pages can hurt your site’s credibility.
- Diversify Link Sources: Rely on a mix of internal and external dofollow links. This strengthens the overall structure of your website and improves the user experience.
- Don’t Buy Links: Google and other search engines frown upon purchasing dofollow links. Focus on earning them through content marketing and genuine outreach.
Conclusion: The Power of Dofollow Links
Dofollow links are a powerful tool in improving your website’s SEO, visibility, and user engagement. Adding a dofollow link in HTML is simple, and the key is to ensure the link has no rel="nofollow" attribute.
By building a solid backlink profile with relevant dofollow links from trusted sites, you can enhance your website’s authority and increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. Just remember to focus on quality over quantity and aim for natural link-building methods to ensure long-term SEO success.