HubSpot Guide to Dofollow Links for Better SEO
If you work in digital marketing or use Hubspot to manage campaigns, understanding dofollow links is essential for building authority and improving organic search visibility.
This guide breaks down how dofollow links work, why search engines care about them, and how you can apply the same strategies explained in the original HubSpot article on dofollow links.
What Is a Dofollow Link in HubSpot SEO Strategy?
A dofollow link is a regular hyperlink that allows search engine crawlers to follow it and pass authority, often called link equity or PageRank, from one page to another.
In HTML, there is no special attribute for a dofollow link. Any standard anchor tag without a rel="nofollow" attribute is treated as dofollow by default.
<a href="https://example.com">Example</a>That example is a dofollow link that can transfer authority to the target page.
How Search Engines Treat Dofollow Links
Search engines use links as signals to understand which pages are useful, credible, and relevant. The original HubSpot content explains that dofollow links can influence:
- How often a page is crawled
- How much authority flows to that page
- How a page ranks for specific keywords
When authoritative websites link to your content with dofollow links, they act as endorsements, increasing your perceived trust and expertise.
HubSpot Approach: Dofollow vs. Nofollow
The HubSpot article clarifies the difference between dofollow and nofollow using the HTML rel attribute. A nofollow link adds instructions for search engines not to pass authority.
<a href="https://example.com" rel="nofollow">Example</a>Key differences:
- Dofollow: Passes authority, helps rankings, crawlable.
- Nofollow: Typically does not pass authority, mainly for traffic or compliance.
Most CMS platforms, including the HubSpot CMS, allow you to toggle between these link types easily inside the editor.
When to Use Dofollow Links in HubSpot Content
Use dofollow links when you want to endorse a resource and help search engines understand relationships between pages. Based on the HubSpot recommendations, smart use cases include:
- Linking from blog posts to your key product or service pages
- Connecting related articles in a topic cluster or resource hub
- Pointing to reputable, authoritative external references
Within your own site, internal dofollow links help spread authority and guide both users and crawlers to high-value content.
HubSpot Style Best Practices for Dofollow Links
The HubSpot article on dofollow links emphasizes quality over quantity. To keep your link strategy safe and effective, follow these guidelines:
1. Prioritize Relevance
Only add a dofollow link when the destination page is highly relevant to the anchor text and context. Irrelevant links can confuse users and reduce trust.
2. Use Descriptive Anchor Text
Avoid vague text like “click here.” Instead, use descriptive, natural phrases that explain what users will find on the linked page. This is consistent with HubSpot content standards and helps search engines understand context.
3. Avoid Manipulative Link Schemes
According to the practices highlighted in the HubSpot article, you should not:
- Buy or sell dofollow links for ranking purposes
- Participate in large-scale link exchanges
- Automate link creation through spammy tools
Focus on earning links with valuable content rather than chasing shortcuts.
4. Balance Internal and External Links
Healthy pages mix internal and external dofollow links. This aligns with the guidance from HubSpot, where internal links support your own pages and external links validate your research and sources.
How to Create a Dofollow Link (Step-by-Step)
In most content editors, including HubSpot, a dofollow link is created automatically unless you mark it as nofollow.
- Highlight your anchor text.
Choose a clear, descriptive phrase. - Click the link icon.
Open the link dialog in your editor. - Paste the URL.
Use the full, correct link. - Check link options.
Ensure there is norel="nofollow"toggle enabled if you want a dofollow link. - Save and test.
Publish or update the content and click the link to confirm it works.
Under the hood, the HTML will resemble:
<a href="https://www.example.com">Descriptive anchor text</a>HubSpot-Like Strategy: Earning Quality Dofollow Backlinks
The original HubSpot blog article demonstrates how authoritative educational content naturally attracts dofollow backlinks. You can replicate this in your own marketing by:
- Publishing in-depth guides, templates, and checklists
- Creating unique research or data that others will cite
- Writing guest posts on reputable industry publications
- Promoting content through outreach and partnerships
Focus on topics where you can provide unique value. Consistency over time builds a backlink profile similar to leading brands like HubSpot.
Managing Dofollow Links Safely
As outlined in the HubSpot resource, you should regularly review your links to ensure they remain safe and helpful.
Audit Your Links
Periodically audit pages for:
- Broken external links that need updating or removal
- Too many links pointing to low-quality sites
- Anchor text that feels forced or overly optimized
Choose Nofollow When Appropriate
Use a nofollow attribute when:
- A link is sponsored or paid
- You cannot fully vouch for the site
- Users generate the link in comments or forums
This follows search engine guidelines and reflects the cautious approach described in the HubSpot article.
Additional Learning Resources Inspired by HubSpot
To explore the original explanation of dofollow links, see the source article at HubSpot’s blog on dofollow links. It provides more examples and definitions that align closely with what you have learned here.
If you want help applying these concepts in a broader SEO campaign, you can find consulting and strategy support at Consultevo, which focuses on data-driven optimization for marketers.
Summary: HubSpot Principles for Smart Dofollow Use
Following the same principles highlighted in HubSpot educational content, treat dofollow links as signals of trust, not just a ranking trick. Use them selectively, link only to relevant and authoritative resources, and make your own content so useful that others choose to link back with dofollow endorsements.
By doing so, you will strengthen your site’s authority, improve user experience, and build a sustainable SEO foundation that aligns with the practices demonstrated by HubSpot.
Need Help With Hubspot?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Hubspot , work with ConsultEvo, a team who has a decade of Hubspot experience.
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