In search engine optimization jargon, a follow link is a hyperlink that search engine crawlers are allowed to follow and use to calculate the popularity and authority of the destination pages. In practice, when a search engine like Google analyzes a page, it encounters links and must decide whether to follow them or not: the choice depends on an attribute in the link’s HTML code called rel. If that attribute does not specify any blocking value, the link is considered “follow” and contributes to the propagation of what is known as link juice, i.e. the ability to pass authority from one page to another.
The concept of a follow link is the opposite of a nofollow link, introduced in 2005 by the main search engines to combat spam in comments and forums. While a nofollow link suggests to crawlers not to follow the link and not to transfer value, a follow link represents an implicit endorsement, i.e. a signal of trust toward the linked resource. Understanding the difference is essential for anyone working in SEO, because it affects link building strategy, the distribution of authority within a site, and visibility in search results.
How the rel attribute works in links
The rel attribute is inserted within the anchor tag and specifies the relationship between the source page and the destination page. When the attribute is absent, or contains values other than blocking ones, the link is by default a follow link. Search engines treat this type of link as a transfer of authority and use it to discover new pages and update the index.
Main values of the rel attribute
Beyond the base case without an attribute, there are specific values that change the link’s behavior: nofollow, sponsored, and ugc. Links with these values are considered non-follow and do not transfer authority in the traditional way. Conversely, a link without these values remains a follow link in every respect.
Difference between follow link and nofollow link
The distinction is not only about the transfer of authority but also about page crawling. A follow link is traversed by crawlers, which can then index the destination. A nofollow link, on the other hand, is generally ignored for ranking purposes, although the destination page can still be discovered through other means.
Why follow links are important for SEO
Follow links are one of the pillars of search engine ranking algorithms. An inbound follow link from an authoritative site acts as a vote of confidence and can improve a page’s position in search results. Internal follow links also help distribute authority within a site and clarify the hierarchy of pages.
Link building and acquiring follow links
Link building strategies aim to obtain follow links from relevant, high-quality sources. However, having too many follow links from unreliable sites can be interpreted as manipulation and lead to penalties. For this reason, the quality of the source matters more than the quantity.
Internal links and site architecture
A site’s internal structure also benefits from follow links. Linking main pages with follow links allows crawlers to reach them more easily and understand their relative importance. A correct internal architecture reduces crawl depth and improves the overall experience.
Comparison table: follow link vs nofollow link
| Feature | Follow link | Nofollow link |
|---|---|---|
| Rel attribute | Absent or with non-blocking values | Present with nofollow value |
| Transfer of authority | Yes | No, or heavily limited |
| Crawling of destination | Allowed | Not guaranteed |
| Impact on ranking | Positive if the source is authoritative | Neutral or none |
| Typical use | Editorial links, internal links, citations | Comments, sponsorships, user-generated content |
How to recognize and manage follow links
To identify whether a link is follow or nofollow, simply examine the page’s HTML code. If the rel attribute is absent or has values other than nofollow, sponsored, or ugc, the link should be considered follow. SEO analysis tools allow you to view the inbound link profile and distinguish between the two types.
- Inspect the page source code and look for the anchor tag.
- Check for the presence and value of the rel attribute.
- If the attribute is missing, the link is follow.
- If the attribute contains nofollow, sponsored, or ugc, the link is not follow.
- Use analysis tools to get an overview of inbound links.
- Evaluate the quality and relevance of the linking sources.
- Avoid accumulating follow links from spammy or unreliable sites.
- Balance follow and nofollow links for a natural profile.
Frequently asked questions about follow links
What exactly does follow link mean?
A follow link is a hyperlink that search engines are allowed to follow and use to pass authority to the destination page. In the absence of blocking attributes, every link is considered follow by default.
What is the difference between a follow link and a nofollow link?
A follow link allows the transfer of authority and crawling of the destination, while a nofollow link tells search engines not to follow the link and not to transfer value. The former is a positive signal, the latter is neutral or exclusionary.
Are follow links always positive for SEO?
Not necessarily. A follow link from an authoritative and relevant source is positive, but follow links from spammy or low-quality sites can damage the site’s reputation and lead to penalties.
How can I get quality follow links?
The most effective strategy is to produce valuable content that attracts spontaneous links from other sites. Editorial collaborations and citations in authoritative sources can also generate valuable follow links.
Can internal links be follow?
Yes, internal links are generally follow and help distribute authority within the site. A correct internal link structure facilitates crawling and improves understanding of the page hierarchy.
How do I check if a link is follow or nofollow?
Simply examine the page’s HTML code and check the rel attribute of the anchor tag. If the attribute is absent or does not contain blocking values, the link is follow.
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