Glossary
What is a dofollow listing?
A dofollow listing is a directory listing whose link to your site has no nofollow, ugc or sponsored attribute, so search engines may pass link equity through it. A nofollow listing still sends visitors but tells search engines not to count the link. In our checks, 214 of 352 directories gave dofollow links.
The numbers
| Link type | Directories |
|---|---|
| Dofollow | 214 (61%) |
| Nofollow | 79 (22%) |
| Mixed (depends on plan or badge) | 19 |
| Not confirmed | 40 |
By category, 70% of AI tool directories and 59% of launch platforms gave dofollow links, against 54% of software review sites.
How to check
Open your live listing, right-click the link to your site and choose Inspect. If the rel attribute contains nofollow, ugc or sponsored, it's not a followed link. Check the listing page itself, not the directory's claims; some change link types or only follow links for a time.
Do nofollow listings matter?
Yes. They send visitors, put your product in front of buyers, and Google treats nofollow as a hint, not a rule, so some may still count. And a natural link profile has both kinds.
Example
A founder checks ten listings after approval. Seven are dofollow as promised; two directories that advertised dofollow serve rel="nofollow ugc"; one switched to dofollow only after she added their badge. She notes each in her tracker. See our dofollow directory list and guide.
FAQ
How do I know if a directory link is dofollow?
Inspect the link on your live listing. No nofollow, ugc or sponsored in rel means followed.
Are dofollow directories better?
For SEO, a followed link from a relevant site with traffic is worth more. For visitors, link type doesn't matter.
Why did my dofollow listing become nofollow?
Directories change policies, and some downgrade links when a required badge disappears.