Backlinks play a critical role in SEO, and securing high-quality dofollow links can significantly boost your website’s rankings in search engine results. If you’re new to the world of SEO, understanding and acquiring these powerful links can seem like a daunting task. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining dofollow backlinks, offering tips that even beginners can implement successfully.
What Are Dofollow Links and Why Are They Important?
Dofollow links are the type of backlinks that allow search engines to follow them and pass on link equity or “link juice” to the target site. These links signal to search engines that the referred site is valuable and trustworthy, thus helping it rank higher in search results.
On the other hand, nofollow links do not pass on this link juice, as they have a tag that tells search engines not to consider them for ranking purposes. While nofollow links have their place in an overall SEO strategy, dofollow links are the primary focus for those looking to build authority and increase their organic traffic.
The Challenges of Getting Dofollow Links as a Beginner
As a beginner, getting high-quality dofollow links can be challenging for several reasons:
- Limited visibility: Your website might not be well-known yet.
- Lack of existing relationships: You might not have connections with industry influencers or website owners.
- Competition: Other websites are also vying for these high-authority backlinks, making the process more competitive.
Despite these challenges, there are several strategies beginners can adopt to secure dofollow backlinks. Let’s explore the most effective methods step-by-step.
Step 1: Create High-Quality, Shareable Content
The foundation of any successful backlink strategy is high-quality content. Websites are more likely to link to your content if it provides value to their audience. Start by:
- Conducting thorough research: Before writing, ensure you’re creating content that addresses real pain points in your industry.
- Using engaging formats: Blog posts, infographics, videos, and long-form guides tend to perform well.
- Solving problems: Offer solutions to common industry issues. The more valuable your content is, the more likely others will share it.
By consistently publishing authoritative, engaging, and useful content, you’ll increase your chances of attracting dofollow backlinks organically.
Step 2: Guest Blogging for Dofollow Backlinks
Guest blogging remains one of the most effective ways to earn dofollow links. As a beginner, you can start by writing guest posts for industry-relevant blogs and websites. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify potential sites: Use Google searches to find blogs in your niche. Search terms like “write for us” or “submit guest post” followed by your industry keywords (e.g., “marketing write for us”) will lead you to relevant opportunities.
- Pitch your ideas: Contact the site owner with a well-structured pitch. Ensure that your pitch demonstrates knowledge of their audience and offers a topic that adds value to their content library.
- Include a link in your bio or content: Some websites allow you to include a link in the body of the guest post, while others might only permit it in the author bio. Either way, you can secure a valuable dofollow link.
Step 3: Get Listed in Directories and Resource Pages
Certain high-quality directories and resource pages can be a source of strong dofollow backlinks. However, be careful not to spam your site on low-quality directories, as this could negatively affect your SEO. Instead, focus on niche-specific or local directories that are relevant to your business.
How to find directories and resource pages:
- Search using relevant keywords: Google phrases like “[your niche] directories” or “[your niche] resources” (e.g., “marketing agencies directory”).
- Check for dofollow links: Before submitting your website, ensure the directory offers dofollow backlinks.
- Submit your site: Fill in the necessary details about your business or website, ensuring you provide accurate and optimized information.
Step 4: Leverage HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO is a free platform that connects journalists with industry experts. By signing up, you’ll receive daily requests from reporters seeking expert opinions or content contributions. Providing valuable responses can earn you mentions or links in reputable publications.
How to use HARO effectively:
- Sign up for free: Create a profile on the HARO website and select the categories most relevant to your expertise.
- Respond to queries: Be prompt, professional, and concise in your responses. Provide useful insights that address the journalist’s question directly.
- Earn dofollow links: When your response is used, many publications will link back to your website, offering you valuable dofollow backlinks.
Step 5: Engage in Influencer Outreach and Partnerships
Building relationships with influencers and bloggers in your niche is a great way to earn high-quality backlinks. Influencer outreach involves contacting people who have a large audience and influence within your industry.
- Identify influencers in your niche: Use tools like BuzzSumo, LinkedIn, or Twitter to find influencers relevant to your industry.
- Personalize your outreach: When reaching out to influencers, personalize your email and explain why your content would be valuable to their audience. Offer to collaborate, provide insights, or even co-create content.
- Secure backlinks: Once you’ve built a relationship, many influencers are happy to include a dofollow link to your website if it adds value to their content.
Step 6: Build Links Through Broken Link Building
Broken link building is an advanced yet effective strategy for beginners. The goal is to find broken links on other websites and offer your content as a replacement.
Steps for broken link building:
- Find broken links: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Check My Links to identify broken links on websites in your niche.
- Create replacement content: If the broken link is pointing to outdated content, create a fresh piece that covers the same topic.
- Reach out to the webmaster: Politely notify the website owner about the broken link and offer your content as a replacement. In many cases, the webmaster will be grateful and link to your content.
Step 7: Participate in Relevant Forums and Communities
Engaging in relevant forums or online communities can help you build authority and gain backlinks. However, avoid spamming forums with your links, as this could harm your reputation.
- Find niche forums: Join communities like Reddit, Quora, or industry-specific forums that relate to your niche.
- Provide value: Answer questions, engage in discussions, and share valuable insights. Over time, as you build a reputation, you can include links to your website when relevant.
- Earn dofollow links: While some forums only offer nofollow links, many niche-specific forums may offer dofollow links from signature sections or profile links.
Conclusion
Securing dofollow links as a beginner is not an impossible task, but it requires patience, dedication, and strategic thinking. By focusing on high-quality content, building relationships, and employing proven techniques like guest blogging, influencer outreach, and HARO, you can gradually build a strong backlink profile that boosts your website’s authority and search engine rankings. Stay persistent, and as your site gains more traction, the number of valuable backlinks you earn will steadily increase.
