Start with Relevance
Ask whether the website and the specific page make sense for the audience you want to reach. A numerically strong domain can still be a poor placement when the topic, readership or editorial context is unrelated.
Use Metrics as Evidence, Not Answers
DR, DA and estimated organic traffic are useful screening signals, but they are third-party measurements. Review trends, topical footprint, recent content and the actual site before accepting or rejecting a prospect.
Inspect the Editorial Footprint
Read recent posts. Look for coherent categories, useful writing, sensible outbound links, identifiable editorial standards and content that appears created for readers rather than only for placement buyers.
Review the Exact Placement Terms
Confirm what content is required, who writes it, expected turnaround, link attributes, number of links, editing rights, permanence or replacement terms, and the final URL you will receive. Save those details with the campaign record.
Measure What Matters
Record the placement and monitor whether it remains live, but do not treat a single link as the sole cause of ranking movement. Referral traffic, brand exposure, relevant mentions and business outcomes provide additional context.
Nofollow
The rel="nofollow" value tells search engines that the publisher does not want to imply normal endorsement through the link.
Sponsored
The rel="sponsored" value is designed for links that are advertisements or paid placements. Google specifically recommends sponsored or nofollow qualification for paid links.
Dofollow
“Dofollow” is common SEO shorthand for a normal link without nofollow/sponsored qualification; it is not an HTML rel value itself.
Normal Links
A normal HTML link without nofollow or sponsored qualification is sometimes called 'dofollow' in SEO discussions. 'Dofollow' itself is not a rel attribute.
Nofollow
rel="nofollow" is a qualification that tells search engines the publisher does not want to imply the usual endorsement through the link.
Sponsored
rel="sponsored" is intended for advertisements, sponsorships and other compensated links. Google recommends sponsored or nofollow for paid links.
Why the Distinction Matters
Link attributes are part of how publishers communicate the relationship behind a link. Buyers should verify attributes on the live page instead of assuming every placement will be treated the same way.