Do You DoFollow?
Almost two months ago, I read an article on something called “NoFollow” and “DoFollow.” At that point, I didn’t know what that meant, and I didn’t fully understand the implications of it. As time went by, I have realized the importance of enabling the DoFollow tag. So, let’s explore the NoFollow and DoFollow components of web design and blogging.
What is NoFollow and DoFollow?
As most of y’all know, search engines rely on links to rank their listings. The more links you have - the better you do in the listings. And further more, the “bigger” the site that links to you, the more the link is worth. For example, if you were to get a link to your blog from ProBlogger, it would probably be worth over 100 links from MySpace Profiles. (Note: That is by no means accurate - I’m just making a point)
The NoFollow and DoFollow tags classify a link as to whether the search engine uses it in its rankings. However, all links are automatically DoFollow unless otherwise specified. And again, for example, if that same link from ProBlogger had the NoFollow tag in it, then your web site/blog would not get the benefit of that link - search engine-wise.
Wordpress Automatically Disables DoFollow in the Comment Links
So what does that imply?
If someone comments on your blog, they do not get the search engine rewards for that link. In my opinion, that isn’t a good way to reward your blog’s commenters for actually commenting on your blog.
What Can Be Done About That?
That is easy.
There is a Wordpress plug-in out there called Link Love. This not only plug-in enables DoFollow on your blog’s comments, but it only enables them after the commenter has responded ten times.
Want to lower that number?
No problem.
I have three quick and easy steps for you.
Step 1
Open allpassion-linklove.php - located in the allpassion-linklove folder.
Step 2
change the following in red:
var $allpassion_comment_count = 10;
to the number of comments you would like to be required before DoFollow is enabled.
It will look like this:
var $allpassion_comment_count = 2;
Step 3
Save and upload the allpassion-linklove folder to blog’s root directory > wp-content > plugins and you’re done!
There, you can’t get more dummy proof than that.
Now get out there and reward your regular commenters!
Download the Link Love Plug-In
Thanks to ProBlogDesign.com for the plug-in heads-up.
UPDATE (Dec ‘08)
Due to a (relatively) large volume of commentators simply commenting for the link, I have disabled DoFollow from the comments in my blog. I may end up re-enabling them later, but I doubt it.
My reasoning is simple. Links from blogs are valuable. Why should a comment carry the same weight as a link in the post? Bloggers/designers/etc work very hard for such links.
If you want a link from my web site - work for it and earn it in a post, not a comment.
(if that made any sense)
Do I get rewards? I like chocolate……