ZeroToWP

Dofollow

Quick Definition

A dofollow link is any regular link without a nofollow, sponsored, or ugc attribute. Dofollow links pass SEO authority ("link juice") to the destination page, helping it rank higher.

Ahrefs glossary — dofollow links

What Is a Dofollow Link?

Any link WITHOUT rel="nofollow". Not an actual HTML attribute — just the absence of nofollow. All links are dofollow by default. Passes link equity ("link juice") — a top Google ranking factor.

Dofollow = search engines follow + pass authority. Nofollow = don't follow, no authority passed.

In WordPress: all links dofollow by default. Only add nofollow for affiliate/sponsored/untrusted links.

Why It Matters

Dofollow backlinks from reputable sites = foundation of off-page SEO. See our SEO tips and SEO checklist.

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