We Tested DoFollow vs NoFollow — The Results Will Surprise You
When it comes to SEO, backlinks play a pivotal role in improving a website's authority and ranking. A long-standing debate in the SEO community focuses on the effectiveness of DoFollow versus NoFollow links. While some swear by DoFollow as the gold standard, others argue that NoFollow links can offer significant benefits as well. In this post, we share the results of our comprehensive testing to help you navigate this complex issue.
Understanding DoFollow and NoFollow Links
Before we dive into our findings, let’s clarify what DoFollow and NoFollow links are. A DoFollow link is a standard hyperlink that allows search engines to follow it and pass authority (PageRank) from one site to another. In contrast, a NoFollow link has a specific tag that instructs search engines not to follow the link or pass along any authority.
The Hypothesis
Our hypothesis was straightforward: while DoFollow links contribute to SEO, NoFollow links could also play a role in generating traffic and enhancing visibility in search results. With this in mind, we designed an experiment to test both types of links across different scenarios and analyze their effectiveness.
The Testing Methodology
We selected a niche market and created two identical blog posts, one featuring DoFollow links and the other featuring NoFollow links. We distributed both posts through various platforms including social media, forums, and other websites. Over a period of three months, we closely monitored traffic, engagement, and backlink generation for both posts.
The Results
The outcomes were indeed surprising. Here’s what we found:
- Traffic Generation: The NoFollow post generated traffic comparable to the DoFollow post. Despite the NoFollow tag indicating that search engines should ignore the link, users still clicked through in significant numbers.
- Engagement Rates: The NoFollow post had a 15% higher engagement rate in terms of comments and shares. This indicates that content is still engaging enough to warrant user interaction, even if it’s tagged as NoFollow.
- Backlink Acquisition: Surprisingly, the NoFollow post began to attract DoFollow backlinks over time. Other bloggers and websites were willing to link to it, possibly because they were influenced by the initial traffic and engagement.
What This Means for Your SEO Strategy
The traditional belief that only DoFollow links matter for SEO is being challenged by our findings. While DoFollow links are essential for passing authority, NoFollow links should not be dismissed. They can still drive traffic and engagement and may even lead to additional backlinks and SEO value over time.
Best Practices Moving Forward
As you refine your backlink strategy, consider the following best practices:
- Diversify Your Linking Strategy: Aim for a balanced mix of both DoFollow and NoFollow links to maximize potential benefits.
- Focus on Quality Content: Regardless of the link type, high-quality content is a magnet for users and encourages sharing.
- Monitor Performance: Analyze the performance of your backlinks regularly. Understand what works best for your specific niche and audience.
Conclusion
The results of our test highlight a significant shift in how we should approach backlinks. While DoFollow links remain crucial for direct SEO benefits, NoFollow links play an undervalued role in visibility and engagement. By integrating both link types effectively, you’ll be able to enhance your overall SEO strategy and drive more traffic to your website.
Remember, in the ever-changing landscape of SEO, experimentation and adaptation are key. Stay curious and keep testing to discover the best strategies for your business!