How to Tell If a Link Is Dofollow or Nofollow?

Ever clicked on a backlink and wondered if it actually helps your SEO? Not all links are created equal—and knowing whether a link is dofollow or nofollow can make a big difference in how your site ranks. In this guide, you’ll learn simple and effective ways to check link types using tools, browser tricks, and expert tips. Let’s dive in and take control of your link profile.

Inspecting the HTML Source Code (Manual Method)

One of the simplest ways to check if a link is dofollow or nofollow is by manually inspecting the page’s source code. This method doesn’t require any tools or extensions, but just a basic understanding of HTML.

To do this, right-click on the link you’re curious about and select “Inspect” (in Chrome or other Chromium-based browsers) or “Inspect Element” (in Firefox). A panel will appear showing the HTML code behind the page. Look for the link’s <a> tag.

Here’s what to look for:

• If you see:
  <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”nofollow”>
  Then the link is nofollow.
  
• If you see:
  <a href=”https://example.com”>
  or
  <a href=”https://example.com” rel=”noopener”>
  Then the link is dofollow (by default, unless “nofollow” is explicitly mentioned).

The key is the rel attribute. If it contains “nofollow” (or “ugc” or “sponsored”), then search engines are instructed not to pass link equity. If it’s missing or doesn’t include “nofollow”, the link is considered dofollow.

Using Browser Developer Tools (More Efficient)

For a faster and more convenient method, you can use your browser’s developer tools to identify nofollow or dofollow links without digging through raw HTML line by line.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the page where the link is located.
2. Press F12 or Right-click → Inspect to open Developer Tools.
3. Go to the “Elements” tab.
4. Use Ctrl + F (or Command + F on Mac) to search for part of the link text or URL.
5. Once you locate the <a> tag, check the rel attribute.

If the tag includes rel=”nofollow” (or sponsored, ugc), it’s a nofollow link. If there’s no rel=”nofollow” or no rel attribute at all, it’s a dofollow link.

This method is especially useful when analyzing dynamic pages or when you need to quickly check multiple links without reloading the entire page source.

Utilizing Browser Extensions/SEO Tools (Quickest Method)

If you want a fast, user-friendly way to check link attributes across an entire page, browser extensions and SEO tools are your best bet. These tools automatically highlight or label links as dofollow or nofollow, no need to inspect code manually.

Some popular options include:

• NoFollow Chrome Extension – Highlights all nofollow links on the page with a red dotted outline.
• MozBar – Offers on-page analysis, including link types, with color-coded indicators.
• Ahrefs SEO Toolbar – Shows link attributes (nofollow, sponsored, UGC) directly in your browser.
• SEOquake – Provides detailed SEO stats and link analysis, including rel attributes.

These tools are especially helpful when doing competitive research or link audits, as they allow you to scan pages quickly and visually identify valuable vs. non-passing links.

Online Link Analysis Tools (For Analyzing Multiple Links or Entire Pages)

When you need to check a large number of links—either across a single page or an entire website—online link analysis tools can save you significant time. These platforms crawl the page for you and categorize each link as dofollow, nofollow, sponsored, or UGC.

Some widely used tools include:

• Ahrefs Site Explorer – Allows you to see all external and internal backlinks, including their rel attributes.
• Screaming Frog SEO Spider – A downloadable crawler that scans your entire site and reports link types at scale.
• SEMrush Backlink Audit Tool – Breaks down your backlink profile and highlights nofollow links.
• Link Analyzer by Small SEO Tools – A quick and free way to list all links on a page along with their types.

These tools are ideal for SEO audits, backlink profile reviews, and identifying whether important links are passing authority or not. They also help pinpoint issues like excessive nofollow tags or missed opportunities for valuable dofollow links.

💡While tools like browser extensions and link analyzers can give you basic insights, getting meaningful, actionable data requires experience. A professional SEO team knows how to use these tools effectively and turn raw data into real strategy. If you’re looking for expert SEO in Toronto, our team at SEO24 is here to help you boost your rankings, traffic, and overall online visibility.

Conclusion

Identifying whether a link is dofollow or nofollow is essential for understanding how link equity flows through a website. From manual inspection to advanced SEO tools, we explored several ways to check link attributes—each useful depending on your goals and scale.Need help making sense of it all?

Our digital marketing agency in Toronto is ready to assist. Get in touch with our experts for tailored advice and professional SEO services that deliver real results.