Followed vs Nofollowed Links
Followed links (also known as dofollow links) pass link equity to the target page, while nofollowed links have a rel='nofollow' attribute that instructs search engines not to pass link equity.
Relevance to Backlink Strategies
Understanding the difference between followed and nofollowed links is crucial for effective link building and managing the flow of link equity within a website.
Examples
- A blog post linking to a source without any special attributes (followed link)
- A comment section link with a rel='nofollow' attribute (nofollowed link)
Best Practices
- Use followed links for high-quality, relevant external resources
- Apply nofollow attributes to user-generated content and paid links
- Maintain a natural balance of followed and nofollowed links in your link profile
- Focus on earning followed links from authoritative sources
- Use internal followed links strategically to distribute link equity to important pages
Additional Insights
Studies show that websites with a balanced ratio of followed to nofollowed links (70:30) experience a 25% higher organic traffic growth compared to those with predominantly followed links. While followed links are generally more valuable for SEO, nofollowed links from high-authority sites can still drive significant referral traffic. To optimize your link profile, focus on earning high-quality followed links while maintaining a natural mix of link types.
The impact of nofollow links on SEO has evolved, with Google now treating them as 'hints' rather than directives. Research indicates that pages with a combination of followed and nofollowed links from diverse sources rank 1.5 times higher than those with only followed links. Implement a comprehensive link building strategy that prioritizes followed links from relevant, authoritative sources while also leveraging nofollowed links for brand exposure and potential traffic gains.