Link Building

Freelancer vs Agency: Who Builds Better Backlinks?

10 Jul 2025

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Backlinks are very important for SEO.

If you want your website to rank higher – backlinks still play one of the biggest roles. In fact, a study by Backlinko found that pages with more websites linking to them usually rank better on Google.

That’s why so many businesses turn to backlink building services. But when it is time to actually build those links, there is one big decision to make –

Should you hire a freelancer or go with an agency?

The choice you make can directly affect your rankings, your budget, and even your brand’s reputation.

In this blog, we’ll compare the pros and cons of link building freelancer vs agency – so you can choose the option that truly works for you.

Link Building Freelancer Vs Agency – Quick Comparison

	Freelancer	Agency
Cost	Lower – starts around $50/link	Higher – $100 to $400/link or retainer model
Approach	Manual, personalized	Structured, process-driven
Flexibility	High – custom to your needs	Limited – mostly package-based
Communication	Direct, one-on-one	Through account manager or support team
Scalability	Limited – solo or small team	High – full team handles large volume
Niche Relevance	Often strong – some specialize in niches	Varies – depends on client base and systems
Turnaround Time	Slower for high volumes	Faster due to more manpower
Reporting	Basic or optional	Detailed monthly reports and live tracking
Transparency	Varies – depends on individual	Varies – some may outsource without disclosure
Best For	Small sites, tight budgets, one-on-one needs	Growing brands, big campaigns, fast scaling

According to a survey by Authority hackers, 74% of SEO professionals said link building is the hardest part of SEO. And most of them outsource it.

Understanding Backlink Building Services

Before you decide between link building freelancer vs agency – it is important to understand what these services actually include.

What Are Backlink Building Services?

Backlink building services are professional solutions offered by individuals or companies to help you earn links from other websites. These links act like signals to Google – showing that your site is trusted and worth ranking. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of showing up on the first page.

Backlink building services are meant to improve your website’s visibility on search engines by increasing the number of quality backlinks pointing to your pages.

Example of backlink building services

Let’s say you run a fitness blog and want to improve your rankings, but you don’t have time to build backlinks yourself. So, you hire backlink building services.

They might research relevant health websites, reach out to a trusted fitness magazine, pitch a blog idea, write the article, and get your website link placed naturally within the content.mThat way, you get a quality backlink without doing all the outreach and writing yourself.

Why Are Backlinks So Important for SEO?

Backlinks are one of the strongest signals Google uses to decide which pages deserve to rank higher. More than content or keywords alone – links show your site is trusted by others.

Here’s why backlinks are so important –

They increase your website’s authority
They help Google discover and index your pages faster
They improve your chances of ranking for competitive keywords
They send referral traffic from other websites
They build trust and credibility with both users and search engines

Note – Without backlinks, even the best-written pages can struggle to show up in search results.

Types of Backlinks You Should Know

All backlinks are not the same. Some are strong and boost your SEO. Others can do more harm than good. Here are a few common types –

Editorial backlinks – These are links you get naturally when someone mentions your website in a blog or article. They are considered high-quality.
Guest post backlinks – You write content for another site and include a link back to yours. It is a controlled way to earn links from relevant websites.
Niche edits – These are links added to existing content on a website, usually through outreach. If done right, they look natural and pass value.
Business directory links – These come from sites that list businesses. Some are useful for local SEO, while others are just spammy.
Forum and comment links – Usually low-quality and often ignored by search engines. Use sparingly, if at all.

White Hat Link Building Services

This means building backlinks in a way that follows Google’s rules. No shortcuts. No shady tactics. White hat backlink building services focus on creating real value – like guest posting on a relevant blog, or earning a link because your content helped someone.

These links take more time to build, but they are safe + trusted + long-lasting.

Manual Link Building Services

Manual backlink building services means someone is personally doing the outreach and choosing where to place your links. They are not using software or mass-automation tools. A person is actually emailing webmasters, writing content, and selecting high-quality sites.

Manual outreach takes more effort – but the links are usually better and far more relevant to your niche. It also reduces the risk of penalties, since you are not relying on spammy tactics or paid link schemes.

Also read: Top 7 Backlink Checker Tools

Link Building Freelancer vs Agency: Key Differences

When you start looking for backlink building services, you will mostly come across two options – link building freelancer vs agency. Both can help you build links, but how they work is quite different.

Who Is a Link Building Freelancer?

A link building freelancer is an individual who offers backlink building services independently. They usually work solo or with a very small team. Freelancers often take on one client at a time or a few projects at once. You deal with them directly – no middleman, no account manager. Some freelancers focus on manual outreach. Others offer guest posting or niche edits based on your needs.

Freelancers are often more flexible and hands-on – which is great for small businesses or personal websites.

What Is a Link Building Agency?

A link building agency is a company that provides backlink building services as part of a broader SEO offering. Agencies usually have teams – SEO specialists, outreach managers, writers, and project coordinators – all working together.

They follow structured systems. Many agencies offer monthly packages, pre-defined link placements, or niche-specific outreach at scale. You may not speak to the person building the link directly – but you get an entire support team instead.

Agencies work better for brands that need volume, fast turnaround, or a long-term link strategy.

Service Offerings: Link Building Freelancer vs Agency

Freelancers and agencies offer backlink building services in very different ways. Freelancers focus on personal, hands-on service. Agencies work with systems and scale. Here is how their offerings compare –

Freelancer Services

Freelancers usually take on fewer clients and offer more flexibility. Their approach is often manual and tailored to each project.

One-on-one link building strategy
Custom outreach based on your niche
Manual email outreach to site owners
Personalized guest post pitches
Content writing for specific placements
Pay-per-link or project-based pricing
Flexibility to adjust goals month to month

Agency Services

Agencies use set processes and offer packages. They are built to handle more volume and deliver consistent output.

Predefined link building packages (e.g. 10 guest posts/month)
Scalable outreach using internal tools and teams
Access to a wider network of websites
SEO and content teams handling different parts
Monthly reporting with tracked metrics
Fixed pricing with ongoing retainers
Campaign timelines and structured workflows

Freelancers adapt to you. Agencies expect you to adapt to their system. Both can work – if their offering matches your business needs.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Link Building Freelancer

Freelancers are a popular choice for businesses that want direct communication + flexibility + affordable link building services. But they also come with a few risks.

Pros of Hiring a Freelancer

Personalized attention – You work directly with the person doing the work. That means better communication and a link strategy tailored just for you.
Lower cost – Freelancers usually charge less than agencies when it comes to backlink building services. Many offer flexible pricing, especially for startups and small businesses.
More flexibility – Need a last-minute change or a custom approach? Freelancers are often more open to adjusting the plan based on your needs.
Direct communication – You are not routed through an account manager. Feedback and changes happen faster in freelancer backlink building services.
Niche experience – Some freelancers specialize in specific industries. If you find one in your niche, they often bring more relevant contacts and placements.
Pay-per-link option – Many freelancers offer pricing based on results (per link), which is helpful if you are testing the waters.

Cons of Hiring a Freelancer

Limited capacity – A single person can only handle so much. If you need a large number of links each month, they might not keep up.
Risk of inexperience or bad practices – Not all freelancers follow Google’s guidelines when offering backlink building services. Some may use black-hat tactics or sell links from low-quality sites.
Lack of tools and systems – Most freelancers don’t have a big team or SEO tools. They might not be able to offer complete white hat backlink building services or deep research.
No process or reporting – Many freelancers don’t have proper systems for tracking progress or reporting. You may be left guessing what’s happening.
Inconsistent quality – The quality of links can vary depending on their mood, effort, or time constraints. You might get a great link one month, and a weak one the next.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Link Building Agency

Agencies are better suited for larger websites, growing brands, or those who want scalable backlink building services. But you will trade off some control and pay a higher price for backlink building services.

Pros of Hiring an Agency

Team expertise – You get a team (SEO strategists, outreach experts, writers). Each person handles a part of the process, which can lead to better results.
Structured link building packages – Agencies usually offer set packages like “15 guest posts per month” or “DA40+ niche links.” It is easy to plan your budget and goals.
Better reporting and reviews – Agencies track metrics, share reports, and have a reputation to maintain. You can also check reviews before signing up for their backlink building services.
Scalability – Need 30–50 backlinks a month? Agencies have the systems and manpower to make that happen.
Proven frameworks – Agencies often follow tested workflows that reduce mistakes and improve turnaround times.
Established relationships – Agencies often have long-term partnerships with high-quality sites, which can get you placements you would never access on your own.

Cons of Hiring an Agency

Higher cost – You are paying for a full team and overheads. Agencies cost more than most freelancers when it comes to backlink building services.
Less flexibility – Agencies follow systems. It might take longer to make changes or get a custom solution.
Hidden outsourcing – Some agencies quietly outsource work to cheaper freelancers or vendors. You may not know who’s actually building your links.
Cookie-cutter approach – Larger agencies may treat your site like one of many. You get a standard backlink building service – not one built around your niche or goals.

Link Building Freelancer Vs Agency: Cost Comparison

Let’s talk numbers because cost is one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to link building freelancer vs agency.

What Is the Cost of a Freelancer for Backlink Building Services?

Freelancers usually charge per link, per hour, or per project. Prices can vary depending on their experience, niche, and how manual the work is.

Per link: $50 to $150
Small monthly projects: $200 to $1000
Custom outreach campaigns: Starts at $500+

Freelancers are a good option if you have a small budget or want to pay as you go.

What Is the Cost of Hiring an Agency for Backlink Building Services?

Agencies often work on monthly retainers or packages. They charge more because you are getting a team, a process, and support.

Per link (package-based): $100 to $400
Monthly retainer: $1000 to $5000+
Enterprise-level campaigns: Can go beyond $10,000/month

Pro tip – Always ask how they calculate the cost. Does it include content writing, outreach, approval, and placement – or just the link?

Quality vs Cost: What’s More Important?

When it comes to backlink building services, cheap is not always smart. And expensive doesn’t always mean better. The real challenge is finding that middle ground – affordable backlink building services that still deliver quality.

Let’s break it down.

Cheap Links Can Be Costly Later

It is tempting to go for the cheapest option – especially when you are just starting out. But backlinks from shady websites, link farms, or spam directories can hurt your rankings instead of helping.

Google’s algorithms are smarter than ever. If they catch you using low-quality or manipulative links, your site can lose traffic – or worse, get penalized.

Manual Beats Automated in Terms of Quality

Manual backlink building services take time. Someone actually researches websites, sends emails, negotiates placements, and creates content that fits naturally. That’s the kind of effort Google rewards.

On the other hand, automated tools or bulk link sellers might get you dozens of links overnight – but most of them won’t matter. Some may even damage your SEO.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Quick Wins

Good links build trust over time. They come from relevant, high-authority websites. And they help your content rank steadily and safely.

It is better to get 5 strong backlinks a month than 50 weak ones that vanish or get flagged later.

So yes, cost matters. But don’t let price be your only filter. Always ask –

Is this link going to help me rank better six months from now?
Or just look good in a spreadsheet today?

Outsourced SEO Link Building: Who Does It Better?

Outsourcing link building is common – but not always honest. Whether you choose a freelancer or an agency, you need to know who is actually doing the work.

Because here is the truth – some providers don’t build links themselves at all. They just pass your project to someone else and keep a cut.

Agencies That Offshore Work Without Telling You

Some agencies outsource link building to third-party teams overseas. That is not always a bad thing – if it is managed well and done ethically.

But the problem starts when they don’t tell you. You think a trained expert is handling your campaign, but in reality, it is being passed to the lowest bidder.

The result? Generic content + poor-quality backlinks + wasted budget.

If your report shows backlinks from irrelevant sites or foreign domains with no traffic – it is a red flag.

Freelancers Who Act as Middlemen

Believe it or not, some freelancers also do the same. They act like they are doing manual outreach but secretly buy links from vendors or Fiverr gigs.

You pay for quality, but what you get is a $10 link stuffed into an old blog post on a spammy website.

This kind of outsourcing happens more often than you think – and most clients never find out.

How to Vet Your Link Building Provider

If you are going to invest in white hat backlink building services – ask direct questions –

Who I actually building the links?
Are the links placed manually or through software?
Can I approve the sites before placement?
Do you use paid placements or real outreach?
Can you show examples of recent links you have built?

Also, check for signs of real effort – personalized emails, site relevance, good content, and natural anchor text. If everything looks too fast, too cheap, or too vague – step back.

In short, it is not just about who you hire – but how honest they are about the work behind the scenes.

How to Choose the Right Option – Link Building Freelancer Vs Agency?

Freelancer or agency? It is not an easy decision. But asking the right questions – and knowing what to watch out for – can save you time + money + a lot of SEO trouble.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before you sign any contract or send payment, ask these –

How do you find backlink opportunities?
Can you share examples of recent backlinks you’ve built?
Do you write the content yourself or outsource it?
Will I approve websites before you place the links?
What metrics do you track – traffic, DR, relevancy?
How long will it take to see results?
Do you offer white hat and manual link building only?

The way they answer these will tell you a lot. Clear answers show confidence. Vague replies or dodging simple questions? That is a warning sign.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Promises of “X backlinks in 24 hours”
No samples or past results to show
Links on unrelated or low-quality sites
No clear process or reporting
Prices that seem too good to be true
Poor communication or slow replies

If they can’t explain how they will build your links, they probably shouldn’t.

Choose Based on Your Business Size and Budget

If you run a small site or blog and want a hands-on approach, a freelancer might be enough – just pick someone with a solid track record.
If you are a growing business that needs consistent volume and reporting – an agency may be a better fit.
If you are on a tight budget, start small. Even a few high-quality backlinks are better than 100 weak ones.

The right choice is the one that fits your current goals.

Quick Decision Guide: Link Building Freelancer vs Agency?

Choose a Freelancer if…	Choose an Agency if…
You are on a tight budget	You need links at scale
You prefer one-on-one communication	You want full SEO support, not just links
You only need a few links per month	You need monthly reports and clear structure
You want flexibility and personal support	You are working on a long-term SEO campaign

Conclusion

Backlinks are powerful – but only if they are built the right way. And choosing who builds them is just as important as the links themselves. The best choice for backlink building services depends on your goals + your budget + how much control you want over the process. Some businesses even use both – starting with a freelancer, then switching to an agency as they grow.

Whatever you choose – make it an informed decision. Do your research and focus on long-term value.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a link building freelancer and an agency?

A freelancer works independently and offers custom services. They usually handle everything personally. An agency has a team and follows set processes. They often offer larger link building packages. Freelancers are more flexible – while agencies are built for scale.

Are freelancers cheaper than agencies for backlink building?

Yes, freelancers are usually more affordable. They often charge per link or per project. Agencies cost more but provide structured systems, reporting, and access to a team of specialists.

Can agencies offer better white hat link building services?

Not always. Some agencies follow strict white hat practices – but others outsource to low-quality vendors. A good freelancer can offer excellent manual and white hat link building too. It depends on who you hire.

What are some good link building packages to consider?

Look for packages that offer like, Relevant backlinks in your niche, Links from high-traffic or high-DR websites, Manual outreach (not automated tools), Approvals before placement, Avoid packages that promise hundreds of links for a low price.

How do I verify the quality of a backlink building service?

Ask for recent examples of live links. Check the sites for traffic, relevance, and domain rating. Also, ask if the links were placed through manual outreach or automation. Real services will be open about their process.

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