Dofollow

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

  1. Referring to hyperlinks that allow search engines to follow them and pass on ranking credit; describing a link attribute that does not prevent crawling or indexing by bots; indicating a link type that contributes to search engine optimization rankings
  2. Pertaining to links enabling search engines to access and credit linked pages; characterizing link properties that permit crawlers to register the connection; defining hyperlinks that actively influence search rankings through direct endorsement
  3. Denoting hyperlinks that search engines track for ranking purposes; relating to link settings that avoid the nofollow restriction, facilitating indexing and authority transfer; describing a link that boosts SEO by signaling trust and referral value to search algorithms

Etymology: The adjective in question emerged with the rise of the internet and search engine optimization (SEO) practices in the early 21st century. It describes a type of hyperlink that allows search engines to follow the link and pass on “link juice,” or ranking power, from one webpage to another. This contrasts with "nofollow" links, which instruct search engines not to follow or count the link for ranking purposes. The term itself is a straightforward compound formed from the English verb "do" and the verb "follow," combined to indicate the link's active role in guiding search engine crawlers. This construction mirrors the earlier creation of "nofollow," where the prefix "no-" negates the action of following. Thus, "dofollow" arose as a natural antonym within SEO communities to clarify when links contribute to search rankings. While the word is relatively new and primarily technical, it reflects a broader trend in digital language where functional phrases become lexicalized terms. Unlike many English words with roots in classical languages, this one sprang directly from modern internet culture and the need for precise terminology in web development and digital marketing. Its use is mainly confined to online contexts, where it plays a critical role in discussions about link building, website authority, and search engine algorithms. Although it might appear informal or jargon-like, it exemplifies how language adapts quickly to technological innovations, generating new vocabulary almost instantaneously to meet emerging communicative needs.

Synonyms: follow

Antonyms: nofollow