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How to Choose the Right Link Building Company in 5 Steps

Andrews Mark

Link building remains one of the most effective SEO strategies for driving website growth. The number and quality of external sites linking back to you directly strengthens metrics vital for higher rankings. However, accomplishing successful link building at scale is easier said than done.

The outreach, content creation, and relationship building required takes extensive effort that most in-house teams struggle with. This leads many brands to seek guidance from specialist link building agencies and services. But not all companies operate to standards that deliver lasting results.

As an SEO consultant, clients often ask me, “How do I pick the right link building company for my business?” By following this 5-step evaluation checklist, you can vendor shop wisely to choose an ideal partner:

Step 1: Define Your Core Link Building Goals

Before evaluating vendors, get crystal clear on the overarching goals fueling your investment. Common objectives why brands leverage link builders include:

  • Increase referring domains to improve domain authority
  • Boost keyword rankings for traffic and lead generation
  • Expand brand visibility and awareness
  • Amplify conversions from organic channels

Knowing your “why” behind acquiring links allows properly framing campaign tasks and reporting around what matters most – the impact to your search presence. Track metrics like rank improvements, site visits, and conversion rates over time rather than just links gained month-to-month.

Step 2: Determine Your Link Building Budget

Next, define realistic budget ranges you can allocate towards services on either a monthly or project basis. Link building costs vary extensively based upon factors like:

  • Link placement types – Editorials cost more than basic web 2.0 links
  • Domain authority of sites linked from – Higher authority equals higher pricing
  • Location targeting – Getting links from foreign sites costs more

Typical investment scales look like:

  • Solo link building consultants – $1,000 to $2,500 monthly
  • Small link agencies – $2,500 to $5,000 monthly
  • Large premium providers – $5,000+ monthly

Step 3: Discover and Vet Link Building Companies

Now it’s time to scour the web for promising link building providers to evaluate. Search Google, Clutch, and social media using variations of terms like “link building services”, “backlink companies”, “link building agency [your location]”.

Create a spreadsheet to capture notes on vendors you encounter. Look for trends like client list caliber, thought leadership content, and mentions/awards from industry publications.

Then develop a shortlist of 3-5 serious contenders for further examination.

Step 4: Interview and Question Prospective Firms

Here’s where extensive vetting separates link builders using proven tactics from potential risks. Specific key questions to ask would-be partners include:

  • What are your exact link prospecting and outreach processes?
  • How do you assess risks of techniques to align with Google’s guidelines?
  • Can you share examples of successful link campaigns for past clients?
  • What monthly reporting is provided on links earned?

Probe into how they go after placements, particularly around link diversity and building editorially-given links at scale versus easily automated web 2.0 properties.

Insist upon transparency and evidence demonstrating positive ROI – not just promises. Any quality agency will gladly showcase examples and client results rather than make bold, unsubstantiated assertions.

Step 5: Compare Deliverables and Investment Models

As a final step, place vendors side by side examining key variables including:

  • Types of links the promise to attain monthly
  • Guarantees backed by monetary incentives like rank improvements
  • Overall link volume that can be built for proposed budgets
  • Contract flexibility if temporarily pausing or scaling efforts

Some providers lock-in annual contracts while others prove more customizable across months depending on shifting priorities. Find terms fitting your risk tolerance.

And mostly seek evidence that proposed pricing maps to serious growth in visibility and control over search landscape positioning month after month – not just fodder for reports.

Careful Selection Keys Link Building Success

Moving the needle through high authority links demands working with seasoned professionals deploying proven tactics. While vetting providers takes time upfront, your diligence ensures confidently investing where return is realistic and risk minimal.

Be leery of firms eager to take money while dodging questions or unwilling to demonstrate substantive outcomes spanning years for similar clients. However costly quality may be, positive ROI and continued website strengthening are the ultimate goal. Think long-term.

Choose your link building partner carefully and always tie activity directly to overarching business and revenue KPIs. With the right team moving the needle through weighted links over time, achieving search visibility leadership is within reach.