The majority of people chase dofollow links. Because we know they allow us to pass link juice, or we may say authority from one link to another.
But have you heard this: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
Yes, that’s the exact situation we are avoiding here. We don’t want to be called ‘you are too good to be true,’ do we? Instead, we want to be actually TRUE!
To maintain that true image, you need to maintain a good ratio of dofollow and nofollow links on your website. This statement must have generated a question in your mind for sure – How will I decide how many nofollow and dofollow links I need?
In this article we will discuss the same. You will get to know that different websites need different ratios and how to decide the ratio.
But first, let’s start by exploring what dofollow and what nofllow links are.
What is a Dofollow Link?
A dofollow link is a type of hyperlink that passes SEO value and authority from one site to another. Dofollow links are essentially votes of confidence between websites.
They signal to search engines that the linked content is valuable, credible, and beneficial, thereby potentially improving the linked site’s search engine ranking. Dofollow links are the default state of links unless specified otherwise with a nofollow attribute.
What is No Follow Link?
A No Follow link is a type of hyperlink that tells search engines to ignore the link in terms of passing on any “link juice” or site authority.
When a website includes the rel=”nofollow” attribute in a link, it signals search engines not to count this link as an endorsement, affecting the linked page’s ranking in search engine results.
This attribute is commonly used for links to untrusted content and advertisements or to manage the flow of search engine crawling on a site.
How to Find if a Link is Nofollow?
To find if a link is nofollow, right-click on the webpage and select “View Page Source.” Then, search (Ctrl+F) for the link in question.
A nofollow link will include rel=”nofollow” within its tag.
For example, <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>Example Site</a> clearly shows the nofollow attribute, indicating it won’t pass SEO benefits.
Ideal Ratio of Dofollow and Nofollow Links in a Website
The ideal ratio of dofollow to nofollow links on a website doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, as it can vary depending on the site’s goals, industry standards, and the natural link profile expected by search engines for a particular niche.
Theoretical Ratios:
While there’s no magic ratio, a commonly mentioned starting point in the SEO community is aiming for a mix where nofollow links constitute 30% to 40% of your overall link profile.
This means the ‘ideal’ ratio is ’60 : 40′ or ’70 : 30′.
This ratio, however, should be adjusted based on the above factors and ongoing analysis of your site’s performance and evolving SEO strategies.
What Does ‘Google’ Say About This Ratio?
Google does not provide specific guidelines or recommendations regarding an ideal dofollow to nofollow link ratio.
Google’s approach to backlinks is primarily focused on the quality and relevance of the links rather than the specific ratio of dofollow to nofollow links.
Google’s algorithms are designed to understand and reward natural link profiles that indicate a site’s authority and relevance.
A natural link profile typically includes a mix of dofollow and nofollow links, as this reflects organic link-building practices.
What Our Experts Have to Say About Dofollow and Nofollow Ratio?
The ideal ratio of dofollow to nofollow links on a website doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, as it can vary depending on the site’s goals, industry standards, and the natural link profile expected by search engines for a particular niche. Following are some factors our experts have shortlisted.
1. Website’s Purpose and Content Nature
- Informational Websites: Sites primarily focused on providing valuable information may naturally attract more dofollow links through high-quality content sharing.
- Commercial Websites: E-commerce sites or services might lean towards a higher ratio of nofollow links, especially in user-generated content like comments and forums, to prevent spam.
2. SEO and Link-Building Strategy
- Dofollow links are beneficial for SEO as they pass link equity, improving the site’s search ranking for relevant keywords.
- Nofollow links, while not passing SEO value directly, are essential for a natural link profile and can drive significant referral traffic.
3. Industry Norms
Different industries have varying benchmarks for what constitutes a “normal” dofollow to nofollow link ratio. Analyzing competitors and industry leaders can provide insights into what search engines may expect for a specific sector.
4. Risk Management
- A high percentage of dofollow links, especially from low-quality or irrelevant sites, can be seen as manipulative by search engines, risking penalties.
- A balanced ratio reflects a natural, organic link profile, signaling to search engines that your site is reputable and trustworthy.
5. Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Gains
Prioritizing a long-term SEO strategy means fostering a healthy mix of dofollow and nofollow links, focusing on the quality and relevance of linked sites over mere numbers.
The key to an ideal dofollow and nofollow link ratio lies in maintaining a natural-looking profile that aligns with your website’s goals, the quality of content, and a sound SEO strategy.
How this Ratio Affects SEO?
The ratio of dofollow to nofollow links on your website can have a big impact on your SEO or how well you rank on search engines like Google. Here’s a straightforward look at why this balance matters:
When search engines crawl your site, they pay attention to where your links lead and whether they are dofollow or nofollow. Dofollow links are like giving a thumbs up to another page, telling search engines, “Hey, I trust this link!” Nofollow links, on the other hand, are like saying, “This link is okay, but I can’t vouch for it 100%.”
Here’s how this ratio affects your SEO:
- Dofollow Links:
- Boost Your Authority: They pass on “link juice,” helping boost your site’s authority and ranking.
- Improve Page Rank: Each dofollow link is a vote of confidence in your site, potentially improving its position in search results.
- Nofollow Links:
- Diversify Your Profile: Having a mix of nofollow links makes your link profile look more natural and less spammy to search engines.
- Control Spam: They help manage and filter out unwanted links from comments or forums, protecting your site’s reputation.
- Balancing Act: A good mix of dofollow and nofollow links signals to search engines that your site has a natural and diverse link profile. This can make your site appear more credible and trustworthy.
- Risk Management: Too many dofollow links, especially from sketchy sites, can look suspicious and might lead to penalties from search engines.
Similarly, if almost all your links are nofollow, you might miss out on the SEO benefits that come from dofollow links.
Conclusion
Too much of one type can throw off the balance, making your site look a bit sketchy to search engines.
You want to aim for that sweet spot, a balanced mix that tells Google, “Hey, I’m playing by the rules but also keeping it real.” It’s not just about boosting your rank; it’s about building trust and credibility.
Think of your link profile as a garden. Just like you’d mix flowers and veggies, mixing dofollow and nofollow links makes for a healthier, more vibrant online space. Keep it natural, keep it diverse, and watch your website grow!
For those looking to further cultivate their site’s potential, Outreach Monks offers some of the best link building services out there. Their expertise can help ensure your garden flourishes with the right mix of links. Their approach to creating valuable content for guest posting can significantly contribute to a balanced and effective link profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dofollow Nofollow Ratio impact my website's SEO?
A balanced ratio improves your site's credibility and search engine ranking by showing a natural and diverse link profile.
Can a high number of nofollow links hurt my SEO?
Not directly. While nofollow links don't pass SEO value, having a natural mix is beneficial for showing a credible and organic link profile.
Should I aim for more dofollow links for better SEO?
Focus on quality over quantity. A healthy mix of high-quality dofollow links can boost SEO, but balance is key to avoid appearing manipulative.
How can I adjust my Dofollow Nofollow Ratio?
Audit your existing links, prioritize acquiring high-quality dofollow links from reputable sources, and use nofollow for unverified or affiliate links.
How often should I review my Dofollow Nofollow Ratio?
Regularly review your link profile, at least quarterly, to ensure it remains balanced and reflects any changes in your SEO strategy or website content.
