How to Get Dofollow Backlinks in 2026

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to yours. When those links are dofollow, they pass link equity — a ranking signal that tells Google your website is trustworthy. The more high-quality dofollow backlinks you have, the higher your site can rank.

But not all backlinks are equal. A single link from a website with a high Ahrefs Domain Rating can outperform hundreds of low-quality links. Here are the strategies that work in 2026.

1. Get Listed in Quality Website Directories

Not all directories are created equal. Spam directories with thousands of unvetted listings will hurt your SEO. But curated directories that review every submission — like Web Review — provide genuine SEO value.

A quality directory listing gives you a permanent dofollow backlink from a growing domain. As the directory's Domain Rating increases over time, every backlink from it becomes more valuable. Check our list of free directories that provide real SEO value.

Submit your website to Web Review for free and get a dofollow backlink plus an AI-generated review that helps your listing get cited by AI search engines.

2. Create Link-Worthy Content

The most sustainable way to earn backlinks is to create content that other websites want to reference. This includes original research, data studies, comprehensive guides, free tools, and unique industry insights.

Think about what makes you want to link to a resource. It's usually because it answers a question definitively, provides data you can't find elsewhere, or offers a tool that solves a specific problem. Create that for your niche.

3. Guest Posting on Relevant Blogs

Writing guest posts for websites in your industry is a classic link-building strategy that still works. The key is to target relevant, high-quality blogs — not generic “write for us” farms.

Look for blogs with an Ahrefs DR of 30 or higher that publish content related to your niche. Pitch unique topics that their audience would find valuable. Most guest post agreements include at least one dofollow link back to your site.

4. HARO and Journalist Outreach

Platforms like HARO (Help a Reporter Out), Connectively, and similar services connect journalists with expert sources. When a journalist quotes you in an article, you typically get a dofollow backlink from a high-authority news site.

Respond quickly, provide specific and quotable answers, and include your credentials. Even one placement on a major publication can dramatically boost your Domain Rating.

5. Build Relationships, Not Just Links

The best backlinks come from genuine relationships. Engage with other website owners in your industry category, share their content, comment thoughtfully on their posts, and collaborate on projects.

When people know and trust you, they naturally link to your content. This approach takes longer but produces the most sustainable and highest-quality backlink profile.

6. Broken Link Building

Find websites in your niche that link to broken (404) pages. Create content that covers the same topic as the dead page, then reach out to the site owner and suggest they replace the broken link with yours.

This works because you're solving a problem for the website owner while earning a quality backlink. Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush can help you find broken link opportunities at scale.

7. Get Reviewed on AI-Powered Directories

In 2026, AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity increasingly pull recommendations from trusted directories and review sites. Getting your website reviewed on platforms like Web Review not only gives you a dofollow backlink but also increases your chances of being recommended by AI search tools.

What to Avoid

Buying links in bulk from PBNs (Private Blog Networks) or link farms will get you penalized by Google. Similarly, excessive link exchanges, automated link building tools, and spammy forum links can hurt your rankings instead of helping.

Focus on quality over quantity. A natural backlink profile grows steadily over time with links from diverse, relevant, and authoritative sources.