What is Link Building?
Link building is a critical component of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), referring to the process of obtaining hyperlinks from other websites to your own. These hyperlinks, known as “links,” are used by search engines to crawl the web, both between the individual pages of your website and between different websites.
The concept of link building originates from Google’s PageRank algorithm, which was one of the first major algorithms that significantly influenced the SEO industry. Named after Larry Page, one of Google’s founders, the algorithm quantified the value of links, treating them as votes of confidence, or endorsements from one website to another. It was believed that a page linked by many other credible pages was likely more valuable than a page with fewer links.
Despite numerous changes to Google’s algorithm since then, link building remains an essential part of SEO strategy. It’s no longer a game of who has the most links; the focus is now on the quality and relevance of those links. High-quality links are from reputable, relevant sites and are earned rather than bought or easily obtained. Google’s updates, especially the Penguin update, further emphasized this by penalizing sites engaging in manipulative link building practices.
What is a Link Building Service?
Picture this – you’re throwing a grand party, and you want as many people as possible to attend. But how do you get the word out? You could invite a few close friends and hope they tell others. Or, you could ask well-known influencers in town to announce it, bringing in loads of folks who trust their judgment. Now, that would be one heck of a party, right?
That’s what link-building services do for your website. They’re the party promoters of the online world.
In the early days of the internet, Google came up with a brainy idea, called the PageRank algorithm. Google treated every link to your site as a vote of confidence – a bit like an invitation to your awesome party. Websites with the most links won the popularity contest, shooting up to the top of search engine results.
But, as always, some folks tried to game the system, using spammy and manipulative techniques. They were like those party crashers who just come for the free food. This forced Google to become more sophisticated, shifting its focus to the quality of links, not just quantity.
So nowadays, it’s all about getting the right links. A link from a well-established, relevant site? That’s like an invite from a top influencer. Google will see it, nod approvingly, and boost your visibility in its search results. But a link from a spammy or irrelevant site? That’s like a dubious invite from a notorious party crasher – it might do you more harm than good.
Link building services are experts in scoring high-quality, legitimate links. They use a variety of strategies, from creating awesome content that others want to link to, to networking with reputable websites and influencers. They’re all about making your website the talk of the town (or rather, the internet), helping you attract more visitors and climb up the search rankings.
Just remember, as with any party, it’s not just about the number of guests. It’s about having the right people who genuinely appreciate and enjoy what you have to offer. In the same way, link building is about forming valuable connections that enrich your website and provide a better experience for your users.
So, to wrap it up, a link building service is like your personal party promoter, working behind the scenes to make your website the hottest ticket in town!
So we’ve taken up the task to curate a list of the top 10 best link-building services to save you some time researching:
| Top Services | Link Type | Price Range | Rating | Turnaround Time | Metrics Transparency | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OutreachZ | Blogger outreach, guest posts, niche authority | Affordable | 4.9 | 1-3 weeks | Yes | Massive marketplace, full control, timesaver |
| RankZ | Personalized advice, guest posts, SEO analysis | Moderate | 4.7 | 3-6 weeks | Yes | Expert guidance, in-depth SEO analysis |
| uSERP | Quality backlinks, blogger outreach | High | 4.8 | 4-8 weeks | Yes | Trusted by top brands, quality-over-quantity |
| Screaming Frog | Brand recognition, influencer partnerships | High | 4.5 | 4-6 weeks | Yes | Diverse team, organic backlinks, PR expertise |
| Digital Current | Algorithm analysis, infographics | High | 4.6 | 3-5 weeks | Yes | Industry trend tracking, white-hat tactics |
| Whitespark | Citation building, Google My Business | Moderate | 4.4 | 2-4 weeks | Yes | Creative approach, local SEO tools |
| LinksThatRank | Strict quality guidelines, manual link building | High | 4.7 | 4-8 weeks | Yes | High-quality links, natural traffic growth |
| FatJoe | Hassle-free, blogger outreach, press releases | Moderate | 4.5 | 2-4 weeks | Yes | Intuitive dashboard, diverse services |
| Linkology | Niche targeting, quality content | Moderate | 4.4 | 3-6 weeks | Yes | Customized approach, top authority websites |
| Siege Media | High-value content distribution | High | 4.8 | 6-10 weeks | Yes | High-quality content, results-driven strategy |
1. OutreachZ
With their unique approach to blogger outreach, OutreachZ has been rated as one of top link building services by searchengineland.com. Thanks to their massive and ever-growing marketplace, you are free to take your link building strategy into your own hands by choosing to have your links published only on the blogs that are the most relevant authority in your niche. Their platform is a massive timesaver that acts as the connecting point between backlink seekers and bloggers who are willing to link back to their websites in exchange for great content. Transparency is their middle name; every blog has all the industry-relevant metrics displayed next to it in a user-friendly and intuitive interface, including DA and DR.
2. RankZ
If you prefer having an experienced expert to guide you on your guest posting journey, RankZ is the platform to choose. Their devoted team of SEO professionals will examine your case and advise you on the best steps to take to secure the top search engine rankings. This managed SEO service provider is known for having a personalized approach based on each customer’s individual needs. The benefit of working with them is that you will also get an in-depth SEO analysis of your website to help you figure out where your website is most in need of SEO improvements. To keep things transparent and organized, every backlink they’ll build for you will be listed in a detailed report containing the exact URL and the most important industry metrics such as DA and Organic Traffic.
3. uSERP
This link-building services provider is a household name in the SEO industry, earning the trust of some of the most highly-trafficked websites in the world such as Monday, Robinhood, Freshworks, and others. Utilizing a quality-over-quantity approach to link building, uSERP will gradually build backlinks to your website to ensure a natural boost in search engine rankings. They don’t mind facing a challenge, and they will get your website to the top of Google even in the most highly competitive markets. Whether it’s through blogger outreach or other methods, they have the expertise to deliver results
4. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog houses some of the industry’s most talented marketers, PR experts, and SEO specialists, making it one of the most diverse teams with the right skills to tackle any challenge you throw their way. They’re about more than just rankings – the goal is to make your brand a recognizable name in your industry. They believe your website will truly start getting organic backlinks and mentions once you enter that territory (notice their focus lies on “attracting” rather than “building” backlinks). Either way, their overall strategy incorporates initiating mutually-beneficial relationships with bloggers and influencers to propel your way to the top. They also offer supportive services such as social media management and content writing.
5. Digital Current
This is one of those link building agencies that never rest on their laurels. Instead, they strive to keep on top of the latest industry trends by analyzing the pattern of change in the algorithms – after all, this is a very “do or die” industry. Utilizing a systematic approach to link-building using white-hat SEO tactics exclusively, they have all the tools and know-how to propel your website to the top of the search engine rankings. To do so, they rely on more than just written content alone – think of stunning infographics, partnering with influencers, blogger outreach, and more.
6. Whitespark
Whitespark is an SEO provider with an edge. Best known for their citation-building approach, they will help you drive more traffic and sales using all the tools and methods available in a creative way. If it makes sense in your industry, they will recommend tapping into the potential of Google My Business, for which they’ve also developed their own management service. Their other paid tools and services include a reputation builder, a rank tracker, and a local citation finder. Ultimately, their website promises to help you get more customers from Google, which is exactly what they will help you achieve.
7. LinksThatRank
As the name implies, LinksThatRank is one of the best link building services that builds every single link manually without resorting to automation or spammy tactics. Unless the link meets strict quality guidelines covering everything from relevance, authority, and diversity, it will not be built. One of the criteria they use is strictly sticking to building links from websites that are already naturally receiving a lot of traffic, so you won’t find them using static cookie-cutter pages. This is why sourcing backlinks from them won’t be the cheapest endeavor, but in the end, you’ll find it well worth the money spent.
8. FatJoe
FatJoe is one of those link building services that don’t want to give you any hassle. Right off the cuff, you’re presented with an intuitive dashboard from which you can place and track your orders. Depending on your needs, there are plenty of SEO services to choose from, including blogger outreach. In essence, the agency will do all the heavy lifting for you and get in touch with relevant bloggers in your niche without you having to lift a finger. They also advise you to incorporate press releases into your SEO strategy to keep your backlink profile diversified.
9. Linkology
When doing SEO, one of the hardest things you’ll find yourself doing is identifying the best backlinking opportunities in your niche. Linkology’s unique contribution is that they are willing to help you and make it easier by finding the top authority websites in your niche that are open to linking back to you. Once they’ve identified them, they will proceed to write top-quality content with backlinks that direct traffic to your website and get you noticed by the search engines. With their quality-driven approach, working with link building companies like these is a surefire way to get the much sought-after credibility in your market or niche.
10. Siege Media
Siege Media is an SEO agency that perfected its craft of producing organic backlinks through high-value content distribution. We’re talking about the kind of content the world’s top brands wouldn’t think twice about publishing on their main website and this particular agency has indeed worked with the best of them: AirBNB, Zillow, TripAdvisor, and many others. Focusing on quality rather than quantity, they won’t tell you the exact number of backlinks to expect each month, but they will give you a ballpark figure.
How to Choose a Link Building Service
More often than not, you get what you pay for, so pricing, while important, shouldn’t be the only factor based on which to select the best link building services for the job. You should look for the following:
- Reputation. In the SEO and link building industry, reputation is everything. Check what their clients are saying on various review portals, social media, etc.
- Backlink quality. You want your chosen provider to be working with quality backlink sources as well as follow the best industry practices (we’ve discussed this more in-depth under one of the previous sections).
- Communication. If they make you feel valued as a customer, this is a good sign. It also makes it more likely you’re dealing with someone who’s willing to go the extra mile to accommodate the specific needs of your business.
- Transparency. You should know exactly what you’re paying for. In other words, the service provider should give you the relevant metrics such as Domain Rating (DR), Domain Authority (DA), etc.
- Reporting. This is especially important with link building services that come with a monthly subscription. You want to know exactly where you stand and what you’re getting for your money.
The benefits of working with link-building companies
There are numerous benefits to integrating link building services into your online marketing strategy, including but not limited to:
- Higher search engine rankings. Old-school digital marketers used to joke that the best place to hide a dead body is on the second page of Google. So either you’re on the first page or buried underneath the weight of other listings, both organic and paid.
- More traffic to your website. Once you start conquering the search engines you’ll be getting more clicks, which translates to more visits and more sales.
- Time savings. It’s much more convenient to let an expert handle this part of your business so you can focus on what you excel at and devote yourself to making it a success.
- Avoiding penalties. The backlinks built to your website must be of high relevance and come from high authority domains. If, however, they are built from dubious sources in large volumes over a short period of time, you are likely to get penalized by the search engine algorithms. Working with trustworthy link building services helps you avoid the problem.
- Establish your brand as an authority in your niche. With higher visibility comes making your voice heard by the industry. With a larger share of the market, you will be recognized as an expert in your field.
- Measurable results. Compared to traditional forms of advertising, SEO yields consistent and measurable results. You can track if things are working and scale your link building campaigns on demand.
Costs of Link Building Services
The price link building companies will charge you mostly depends on the quality and volume of backlinks sought. This can be anywhere between $150 and $1000. If the link is obtained through guest posting, someone will need to write the article, which can add to the initial cost. If you’re willing to do this part yourself, the only cost is your time, otherwise hiring a writer (or letting the agency do it) will be an additional expense. Keep in mind that certain industries are generally more expensive than others when it comes to link acquisition. Examples include real estate, loans, casino, and finance.
Avoiding Shady Link-Building Services
Beware of ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions, effective link-building necessitates a strategy customized to your brand’s specific needs and niche. Avoid services promising quick, unrealistic results and value transparency in a service provider, as those withholding information about their tactics and targets are likely to be using automation or PBNs.
Finally, avoid unreasonably cheap services that are likely to use poor-quality content and engage with link farms. Quality backlinks necessitate time, effort, and expertise.
DIY Link-Building Tactics
You might prefer a hands-on approach to link-building. Tactics like link reclamation can recover lost backlinks due to URL changes. “Ego baiting” can generate backlinks by flattering and involving influencers in your content. Content co-creation with recognized experts can broaden your reach and attract diverse backlinks.
Lastly, leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and BingAI for content auditing, making it more appealing for backlinks. AI can also help with advanced keyword research, understanding user intent, and predicting trends, allowing the creation of targeted content that attracts high-quality backlinks.
Some questions to ask before picking the right link building service
FAQs
- How long have you been in the link-building business?
Experience often correlates with quality in the link-building industry. While there are exceptions, it’s safer to work with an agency with a demonstrated history of consistent results and client satisfaction.
- Can you outline the specifics of your link-building services?
Transparency is critical. Will they provide a comprehensive report detailing their efforts and the resulting metrics? You should also inquire about the types of backlinks they’ll be focusing on, such as guest posting, broken link building, or social media backlinks. Remember, a healthy backlink profile is a diverse one.
- What does your link-building process involve, and what do you need from me?
Clarity is key. The agency should clearly articulate their process and any requirements on your end. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for more information. For instance, if they’re doing guest posting, will they create the content, or is that up to you?
- When can I expect the project to be completed?
While quality and relevance take precedence over speed in link building, having an estimated timeline can help you manage your SEO campaigns better.
- Do you provide regular progress reports?
A trustworthy link-building agency should provide regular updates, offering transparency on their efforts. The reports should reveal key metrics like the source of the backlink and the domain’s DR and DA rating.
- Are your link-building techniques Google-friendly?
While most agencies will claim compliance with Google’s guidelines, it’s wise to probe deeper. Ask about their specific link-building techniques, their use of automation, and the sources of their backlinks. Gauge their responses against your own knowledge and expectations.
Specific Link Building Techniques
- HARO Link Building: Platforms like HARO connect experts with journalists, offering opportunities to earn authoritative backlinks (HARO).
- Digital PR: This strategy involves creating compelling stories or campaigns to attract media attention and high-authority backlinks.
- Guest Posting: Writing articles for other relevant websites to secure backlinks (Insight on Guest Posting).
- Niche Edits: Adding links to existing content on relevant sites.
- Skyscraper Technique: Improving upon existing popular content to attract backlinks (Skyscraper Technique).
- Managed Link Services: Comprehensive services offering a mix of link building tactics customized to specific goals.
The Importance of E-E-A-T in Link Building E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust) has become increasingly important in link building. Editorial links from reputable sources enhance a site’s authority and trustworthiness, a crucial factor in Google’s ranking algorithm (E-E-A-T Importance).
Risks in Certain Link Building Practices
- Private Blog Networks (PBNs): These can lead to Google penalties and are considered unethical (PBN Risks).
- Non-newsworthy Press Releases: Overusing press releases for link building is spammy and generally ineffective.
- Tiered Link Building: This tactic involves building links to your backlinks. It’s risky and often involves unethical practices (Tiered Link Building).
Customized Link Building Strategy A successful link building strategy should be tailored to a brand’s specific needs, ensuring it aligns with the target audience and industry niche. A one-size-fits-all approach is less likely to yield optimal results (Custom Strategy Insight).
Cost-Effectiveness of Link Building Services The cost of link building services varies based on the quality and type of links. It’s essential to balance cost with potential SEO benefits, considering factors like the industry sector and content creation requirements (Cost Analysis).
DIY Link Building Tactics For those preferring a hands-on approach, tactics like link reclamation, ego baiting, and content co-creation are effective and budget-friendly options. Utilizing AI tools can also enhance content strategy and keyword optimization (DIY Tactics).
Conclusion
Despite Google’s cautious stance on link-building tactics and services, it remains a necessary challenge for businesses to navigate. Choosing the correct link-building partner can make all the difference, as it can equip your website with quality backlinks that boost your search engine rankings while staying within the guidelines. It’s crucial to establish realistic expectations regarding outcomes and costs, remembering that in SEO, quality often trumps quantity, and the best results require patience and persistence. Remember, the goal is not just to build links, but to establish your brand as a reliable authority within your niche.