If you’re a website owner or a beginner in SEO, you’ve probably heard the term ” How to Get dofollow backlinks thrown around. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter? In simple terms, dofollow backlinks are links from other websites that pass authority or “link juice” to your site. Think of them as votes of confidence: when a high-quality site links to your content, search engines like Google see your site as more trustworthy and relevant.
Many beginners struggle to earn high-quality backlinks because it can feel competitive and unclear where to start. Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks, learning how to find them, and knowing ethical ways to acquire them can dramatically improve your search rankings. In this guide, we’ll break down practical, step-by-step methods to get dofollow backlinks, including free strategies and white hat link-building tips.
What Are Dofollow Backlinks?
At its core, a dofollow backlink is simply a hyperlink that allows search engines to follow it to your site and pass along ranking power. It’s like a recommendation: the more reputable sites that link to you, the more authority your site gains.
Link Juice and Authority Signals
When a high-authority website links to your page with a dofollow link, it passes “link juice” to your site. This boosts your domain authority (DA) and helps your pages rank higher in search results. Conversely, nofollow backlinks include a special HTML tag (rel=”nofollow”) that tells search engines not to pass link equity.
Think of it like this:
- Dofollow backlinks = votes that improve your SEO.
- Nofollow backlinks = links that might still bring traffic, but don’t directly impact rankings.
While nofollow links still have value for referral traffic and brand exposure, dofollow backlinks are the ones that truly influence your SEO performance.
How to Identify Dofollow Backlinks
Before you start building links, it’s important to know how to identify dofollow backlinks. Here’s how beginners can do it easily:
1. Using Chrome Extensions
There are free tools like the NoFollow Chrome Extension or SEOquake that highlight dofollow and nofollow links on any webpage. Simply install the extension, visit a page, and it will visually mark which links pass authority.
2. Checking the Source Code
For a more hands-on approach, you can check the link’s HTML. Right-click on a link, select “Inspect”, and look for rel=”nofollow”. If this attribute is missing, the link is likely Dofollow.
3. Free Tools for Backlink Analysis
Tools like Ahrefs’ Backlink Checker, Ubersuggest, or SEMRush (free version) allow you to see the types of backlinks pointing to your site or competitors’ sites. This helps you identify high-authority dofollow opportunities.
Why Dofollow Backlinks Matter for SEO
Not all backlinks are created equal. Here’s why focusing on dofollow backlinks is crucial for beginners:
1. Link Equity and Higher Rankings
Dofollow links pass authority from one website to another. The more high-quality dofollow backlinks you have, the more likely your pages are to rank higher in Google.
2. Referral Traffic
Backlinks also bring real visitors from other sites. A dofollow link from a relevant blog in your niche can send highly targeted traffic that’s likely to engage and convert.
3. Authority Backlinks vs Low-Quality Links
It’s better to have a few authoritative backlinks from reputable sites than dozens of low-quality links. Quality outweighs quantity, and search engines prioritize trusted sources.
How to Get Dofollow Backlinks: Step-by-Step Strategies
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to acquiring dofollow backlinks safely and effectively.
1. Guest Posting
Guest posting is one of the most reliable ways to get high-quality backlinks.
Steps to follow:
- Identify websites in your niche with high DA (use tools like Ahrefs or Moz, or check our High DA Guest Post List for verified sites
- Pitch a unique topic to the site owner or editor. Keep it concise and show how your content adds value.
- Write a well-researched, engaging article. Include one or two relevant dofollow links to your site.
- Submit the post and politely follow up if needed.
Pro tip: Include links naturally within the content; avoid overstuffing keywords.
2. HARO / Journalist Outreach
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) connects you with journalists looking for expert quotes.
How to use it:
- Sign up for HARO and check daily queries in your niche.
- Provide a concise, helpful answer with a link to your site when relevant.
- If accepted, you often receive a dofollow backlink from a high-authority media outlet.
3. Directory Submissions & Local Citations
Submitting your website to niche directories or local business listings can generate dofollow backlinks.
- Use directories that are relevant and respected (avoid spammy directories).
- Include consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information for local SEO benefits.
- Many free directories allow dofollow links, especially in resource sections.
4. Social Media Profiles
While most social profiles are nofollow, some platforms allow dofollow links in blog posts or profile sections.
- Platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or industry-specific forums may offer dofollow opportunities.
- Social links also boost brand exposure and indirect SEO benefits through referral traffic.
5. Forum Links & Q&A Sites
Participating in niche forums and Q&A sites (like Quora) can help:
- Add value by answering questions in your niche.
- Include links naturally to your content where relevant.
- Focus on forums that allow dofollow links in resource sections.
Tip: Avoid spamming links. Only link when it genuinely helps the audience.
6. Relationship-Based Link Building
Networking is a long-term approach to getting natural link-building opportunities.
- Connect with bloggers, influencers, and webmasters in your niche.
- Share their content, comment on blogs, or offer collaborations.
- Over time, they may link to your content organically.
This method may take longer,, but usually results in higher-quality, sustainable backlinks.
Best Practices for Safe Link Building
To protect your site from penalties and maximize SEO impact:
- Focus on white hat link building techniques—avoid automated link farms.
- Always prioritize high-quality backlinks from relevant and reputable sources.
- Maintain a natural link profile: mix dofollow and nofollow links.
- Avoid over-optimizing anchor text; use brand names, variations, or generic phrases.
- Track your backlinks using free tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs.
Conclusion
Getting How to get dofollow backlinks is a cornerstone of effective SEO, especially for beginners looking to improve their website’s authority and search rankings. While it may seem challenging at first, consistent effort, ethical outreach, and focusing on high-quality backlinks will yield results over time.
Remember: one strong dofollow link from an authoritative website can outweigh dozens of low-value backlinks. Stay patient, follow safe link-building practices, and your site’s visibility will steadily improve.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks?
Dofollow backlinks pass authority to your site, boosting SEO, while nofollow backlinks don’t directly impact rankings but can still bring traffic.
2. How can beginners get dofollow backlinks for free?
You can start with guest posting, HARO responses, free niche directories, social media profiles, and forum contributions.
3. How long does it take for dofollow backlinks to improve SEO?
It varies depending on site authority and link quality, but typically results can be seen in 2–6 months.
4. Are all dofollow backlinks equally valuable?
No. Links from high-authority, relevant websites carry more SEO weight than links from low-quality or unrelated sites.
5. Can I build dofollow backlinks without hiring an SEO agency?
Absolutely! With consistent effort, tools, and safe outreach strategies, beginners can earn high-quality dofollow backlinks on their own.
Meta Description
Learn how to get dofollow backlinks easily and boost your website’s SEO, authority, and traffic with proven strategies.