The fact that my blog comments are nofollow has been a real bone of contention with some of my readers.
So it was no surprise when I got an e-mail from Anthony of DFWRoofing who asks, “You have CommentLuv enabled but you still give nofollow links out, what’s going on?”
Oh boy. Here we go again.
If you read my blog regularly, you know my feelings on dofollow vs. nofollow and that I believe the average blogger’s obsession with backlinks, dofollow, etc. is getting dangerously near the point of insanity.
For the record, I’m not calling Anthony insane. After a couple of exchanges, he seems to be a very nice guy and admitted that he now understands my nofollow decision. So this is not a bash-Anthony post. I’m just talking in general terms here. This was certainly not the first e-mail that questioned my reasons.
As a blogger who’s achieved quite the following without actively hunting down dofollow links and only posting on blogs that allow dofollow, it’s really hard for me to believe dofollow comments make that big a difference overall. But maybe I’m completely off base here.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I understand why many blogs are dofollow…
1) It encourages more comments and can be a great idea if your blog is new and you want to encourage more discussions
2) It’s a courteous gesture to offer a backlink to people who take the time to comment on your blog
I get all that. I really, really do.
But there is actually a downside to offering dofollow links on your blog. Matt Cutts even posted a video about it. See below.
When you allow dofollow links, you are essentially “endorsing” every link on your blog by giving a backlink. And when you’re in a niche with a lot of scammy, seedy sites, this may not be the ideal scenario.
For the record, links in the body of my posts are dofollow. The same goes for my guest posters. These are links I endorse/recommend so I happily spread a little link love around.
So for me, it’s not that I want to be stingy or selfish by having nofollow comments. You guys know that’s not my style. It’s more about preservation of my own blog’s reputation by not linking out to sites on pyramid schemes, get-rich-quick programs, porn and who knows what else.
My blog comments are nofollow mainly because that was the default when I installed WordPress. And when I began reading about the pros and cons of dofollow, I felt the cons outweighed the pros so I left things “as is.” This is my personal decision and I believe you have to do what’s best for your blog.
Many people know my comments are nofollow, yet they still comment because they know there’s more value to commenting than just the “link juice” aspect.
And when you look at more popular blogs like ProBlogger and CopyBlogger, you’ll see they also have nofollow comments. (Hmmm…. I wonder if they get as much heat about this as I do?) 😉
So Why Use CommentLuv?
Sorry about the nofollow/dofollow tangent I just went on. Let’s get back to Anthony’s original point about using the CommentLuv plug-in when your comment links are nofollow.
Well here’s what I want to know. Whatever happened to people clicking links out of interest and curiosity because you wrote an attention-grabbing title that’s relevant to their needs?
Has this dofollow obsession caused us to disregard that important aspect of Internet Marketing?
You guys have to remember. I got started in Internet Marketing when there was no such think as counting/measuring backlinks and nofollow was unheard of.
There was so much more emphasis on writing powerful headlines that got the click instead of today where it seems to be more about get the keyword-rich backlink.
Call me “old school”, but I still value a good headline and will gladly click on one when it entices me. Don’t you?
That’s exactly how I found Jay of TheAntiSocialMedia (That’s a dofollow link by the way.) 😉 Whether the blog I discovered him on was nofollow or not (I never check or care), he still got the visit (and a few comments) because he wrote a compelling title that I noticed because of the CommentLuv plug-in (dofollow or not).
Anthony told me he thought “the whole point of CommentLuv was to offer a dofollow link to posters who leave useful comments…”
So that’s the whole point of CommentLuv? Do you feel that way too? Wow! That comment really made me realize how differently I view links from many bloggers and how little stock I put into dofollow comments. To be honest, I think the CommentLuv plug-in still provides value to my commenters, but maybe many others don’t feel that way.
Quite frankly, sometimes I feel like I’m stranded on some bizarre SEO island. Just me and my little nofollow links playing happily together in the sand. 😉
Whether the blog is dofollow or not, I’ve always thought the real value of CommentLuv was getting to display your latest blog post and attracting attention because of the headline. After all, I’ve clicked on countless CommentLuv links because the author wrote a compelling title.
Sure, I understand the importance of dofollow links to a point, but things just seem to be blown out of proportion today.
Am I really that old school? Do I need to step out of 1999, eject my “No Strings Attached” NSYNC CD and say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to my antiquated perceptions about links, SEO, etc? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
I know many of you disagree with my stance, but that’s OK. That’s why I love topics like this because they bring out those hearty discussions.
So let’s get to it!
At this point in time people really need to get back to the basics when it comes to SEO, and stop trying to game the system.
Google is constantly updating its algorithm and no matter what cute furry creature it may be that gets you; Panda, Penguin, etc – they will get you.
Anyway no-follow is a suggestion, not set in stone, which most people don’t realize!
Agree, Mel!
Hi Lisa,
You express a great issue here and I think people really concern about it but not had clear concept on that. I think Do/No follow is not an important think when you prefer real visitor rather than search engine bot. Thanks for the great guidelines.
Totally agree with you. Commentluv is nice and gets tons of comments (and therefore traffic and some PR) but it does reduce the quality of your content.
I tend to do a mix of both dofollows and nofollows on my site. I find that it helps keep the discussion cleaner. It’s just finding the right balance that’s the problem.
Totally agree with you. Commentluv is nice and gets tons of comments (and therefore traffic and some PR) but it does reduce the quality of your content.
I tend to do a mix of both dofollows and nofollows on my site. I find that it helps keep the discussion cleaner. It’s just finding the right balance that’s the problem.
You are using comment luv and giving nofollow links
Its still a very good practice to have both dofollow and nofollow links in any seo campaign ……google see that as a natural linking pattern and will avoid any big red flags going up which will always cause you a problem.
Do what you think is best for your site and your business. Besides no matter what you do, somebody’s NOT gonna like it! :o)
I don’t have CommentLuv but my blog is dofollow and I have set it up so I monitor each comment and check out the site before approval. That’s working for me so far.
By the way I think your blog is amazing, such a great resource! Thanks so much for sharing.
Commentluv plugin has just released an update to commentluv that substantially extends its functionality by giving you granular control.Thanks.
Regards,
Paradise Valley Real Estate
I agreed, one should work towards their own expectations and desires just as you have reached and succeeded with yours.
I understand back-links, inbound-links, and trackback-links, but what’s the purpose to link to crappy and spammy sites that can sabotage and ruin the credibility or reputation of your site. Personally, I think some people are out of their mind… they are ridiculous.
i respect your decision. i’ve observed page sources and 95% of websites that look like giving dofollow actually have nofollow tags for comments. But nofollow is still a incoming link and its still good for seo right lisa?
i don’t know why people are still searching for do follow while no follow is also very useful backlinks
I Lisa,
I’ve configured doFollow on my blog. However, I’ve created a comment policy near the CommentLuv banner, on wish I inform all the bloggers that I will only accept links related to the subject of the post. If someone configures a link with a non-related subject, I just remove the Luv from the comment.
Regards,
JC
I do the same. I’m interested in quality content that will bring something to my blogging journey. I don’t hesitate to delete what I see as spam or from a bad neighbourhood. business, and the the rest will come eventually.
I agree with your sentiments. I have nofollow enabled on the comments of all my own blogs and i have seen an improvent in my page rankings and traffic as a result.
For my blog it only refers to the comments. But dofollow/nofollow only refers to if Google counts the link for SEO or not. You can always visit a nofollow link, but it means Google doesn’t count that link as a backlink to the person’s website.
Hi Lisa, this is a superb post about CommentLuv. It help to increase web traffic too much. Thanks for sharing i really appreciate it.
I think I must have been very fortunate to run across that very video from Matt Cutts early on in my internet marketing career. It saved me a lot of headaches and frankly, I think, wasted effort in chasing down only DoFollow places to comment.
Frankly I think the point of CommentLuv is to broaden a community, it’s kind of a “help me help you” sort of tool. Help to find great content. Help to find others in your field. Help to entertain. And lastly, though maybe it’s just me, help generate traffic. Backlinks are like a bonus.
I have to admit though- ever since finding CommentLuv, I’ve seen an increase in traffic. It’s kind of amazing! (Though the blog I have linked here is fairly new.) So yes, I do consider it a part of my “strategy”.
I think you are right. I think this DoFollow obsession is bordering on insanity!
At the moment my blog is DoFollow, but I want to encourage people to come post, and I am not too concerned with link juice. Mainly though, it’s such a new blog that spam isn’t a concern, yet.
However I know that once it reaches a certain milemarker, I will have to turn DoFollow off on comments.
i hope that’s a long way away, and I know I will lose some comment power due to that but, frankly, when it gets to that point, I don’t want to send my link juice out to just anyone for anything.
At any rate, great post, Thank you 🙂
Jenny!
Great plugin but I think is work better with english site…(my blog is in Italian language and had no greatly improved)
I think i might be slightly confused about this nofollow/dofollow link issue. Does this just refer to links in the body of the comment? I ask because I notice when I click on someone’s name it takes me to their website/blog. Does that not count as “dofollow”?
Hi Chris,
For my blog it only refers to the comments. But dofollow/nofollow only refers to if Google counts the link for SEO or not. You can always visit a nofollow link, but it means Google doesn’t count that link as a backlink to the person’s website.
Hi Lisa, this is a great post about CommentLuv. I,m using CommentLuv and i notice it helps a lot to increase more traffic on my site. Thanks for sharing i really appreciate it.
Hey Lisa,
I’ve been deliberating if I should continue using Disqus or move to commentluv. But then again, I’m in the industry where backlinks count and I don’t want to just say no follow for my blog because I hate spammers. I should just moderate comments then. It’s painstaking but backlinks helps to those who are serious in the business of seo. And you can also opt not have a no follow for your comments.
🙂 happy blogging
Hello. I wanted to give you a note to verbalize my thankfulness. I have been watching your blog posts for a month and have got a ton of excellent tips and appreciated the way you have built your web site. I’m going to make my blog however I feel it is too general and I need to concentrate more on particular issues.
You need to have a natural looking link profile that includes no follow and all kinds of links.
This is the best of both worlds and provides links back to the commentator, and speak the name of the writer rather than a keyword or business services
Ohhh I seeee.. Thanks Lisa..
I’ve just decided to use nofollow on comment author link and dofollow on commentluv.
Do you have any idea how to make links in the body in comment to be dofollow and comment author link nofollow?
Lisa,
There’s really nothing wrong with having dofollow on comments right? Since your blog has so many posts already and it’s time consuming to check every comment and see if it’s within your “rules”..
I’ve created a blog myself and do you think it’s fine if I stay it as dofollow for the mean time and make it nofollow as soon as I posts more? OR should I make author link as nofollow and links in comment body dofollow?
It’s up to you and there is no right or wrong answer. I often suggest that newer blogs use dofollow because it may encourage more comments. Yes, spammers may target it more but if you’re willing to deal with it then by all means go dofollow. It’s definitely a case by case type of thing.
Lisa,
I totally respect your choice. I feel like it isn’t justified for others to tell you what you should do with YOUR blog. It is YOUR blog, haha. I don’t have CommentLuv installed on my blog currently, but would likely put it as nofollow until I was able to come up with a solution to stop spam fully. We know for a fact that a dofollow blog with CommentLuv would be heaven for spammers.
Using commentlove for my sites. It’s been doign wonders with links.
To dofollow or nofollow that is the question,
That is the site owner’s prerogative,
This above all: to be true to own self,
Truthfully putting it, Lisa!i
dangerous at the point of insanity? haha. that was well said. dofollow or nofollow with commentluv enabled is fine for me.
Awesome i will be adding comment lug to my blog then. Thanks you.
I joined comment lug but not yet installed the plugin because of the same issue you have is exactly what i have. I could say that its a little sneaky what your doing as you are taking advantage of other comment luv users.
But in reality I want to do the exact same thing I have watched that video with Matt Cuts a few months back and if i was as popular as yourself I would nofollow just as you did, I mean why damage your brand that you worked hard to build.
I mean commentors are still getting a link preview of there posts so I do understand both sides of the argument.
You cant win sometimes, damned if you do damned if you don’t.
Do you mind sharing the code modification you did for no follow?
Thank you
I don’t think it’s sneaky at all. There is still value from displaying a link to someone’s site — not everything is for SEO. What about just interest from seeing the link? You can still get traffic that way. And by the way, no modification needed anymore. It’s now an option in the CommentLuv control panel. The latest version now lets you choose dofollow.
Regarding CommentLuv, I’ve read about it on other websites, and it was highly recommended to increase visitors activity!
It sounds really good, thanks for the advice! I’ll start using it on my blog too! : D
Was looking for a pros & cons debate on this. Like Kristin above, I too haven’t decided yet. But your article put more things into perspectives. Good read.
it because only dofollow link will bring a good backlink and influence in SERP while nofollow link do not work in SERP at all.
So dofollow link blog automatic bring lot of reader and traffic to you.
dangerous at the point of insanity? haha. that was well said. dofollow or nofollow with commentluv enabled is fine for me.
Hey Lisa, we live in an opportunistic world, so everyone will grab the chance for self promotion. You bring up a good point, in that you don’t want your post to be a associated with seedy sites. On the other hand, most of your followers probably have something relevant to say on their sites as well that may be related to your posts. Let’s put it this way, do you associate every product advertised during your favorite t.v show with the show itself? Probably not. Without the advertisements, however, there probably won’t be a t.v show. Bloggers should support fellow bloggers, it’s the only way the industry can survive and maintain it’s popularity. I’m with Kristin Neudorfer on her comment, I see both sides as well.
*link to cheap enlargement meds*
LOL. Just kidding. Anyway, I still comment whether or not the comments is dofollow because the anchor text still helps Google determine what your site is about. So a link is still a link! 😀
Just watched that Matt Cutts video. You definitely need to nofollow your blog comments, you get all kinds of crazy people commenting on blogs, with not the best sites.
Nice Post Lisa, I Too Have A Comment Luv Option In My Blog
I also use comment & Keyword luv
I am so glad I discovered this weblog. My blog has a PR4 ranking so please add me to your listing too (if you have one). 🙂
Josh Rimer@YouTube Marketing Tactics … YouTube Marketing Tactics
I still can’t decide if I want to do ‘no follow’ allowance on my new site – I see both sides really. I do like Commentluv though – allowing for cross promotion with bloggers is a great support opportunity.
Hello Lisa…
As always I enjoy reading your posts and the comments of others who shared. I too agree with the position you take regarding CommentLuv. As stated… the privilege you offer (the dofollow links within your posts), to those who do comment on your postings is greatly appreciated and valued.
Its sad and unfortunate that some people feel they deserve more than others, and even want more. I agreed, one should work towards their own expectations and desires just as you have reached and succeeded with yours.
I understand back-links, inbound-links, and trackback-links, but what’s the purpose to link to crappy and spammy sites that can sabotage and ruin the credibility or reputation of your site. Personally, I think some people are out of their mind… they are ridiculous.
There is nothing like or more rewarding than creating a catchy topic that draws a lot of attention. This is what Google looks for, comments posted to well written topics… what better way to link to a site?
Anyway Lisa.. Luv your article and keep-um-cumming!
Hi Lisa,
Great post 🙂
I believe that a lot of
marketers get very frustrated trying tocreate a
serious business online, when all they learn are
all the tricks to get better SEO.
My advise is to focus on building a great
business, and the the rest will come eventually.
Don’t rush your business – instead enjoy
the journey online.
cheers
Tina
I just turned on all of my blog into dofollow with commentluv, it help me getting more traffic from bloggers/webmasters.
Interesting points. For me I use DoFollow and a spam filter so I can ‘endorse’ the comments I like but keep the pyramid schemes off. I think it’s the best of both worlds. But I totally take your point of CommentLuv NoFollow.
Pete
I think you are right. I think comments aim is above all to discuss the topic
I am thinking to use commentluv plug in for my blog, but want to know more about its reviews. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am a newbie blogger and thanks for your post this has helped me so much! I am going to make a few changes to my blog. I look forward to more of your posts.