Getting backlinks is important for ranking higher on Google. But building them takes time, effort, and the right skills. Many website owners don’t have the time or experience, so they look for freelance link builders to do the work.

While hiring SEO link builders sounds easy, it comes with risks. Not all link-building experts follow safe practices, and choosing the wrong person can harm your site. This guide will help you understand the risks, what to check before hiring, and if there’s a better way to build links.

The Risks of Hiring Freelance Link Builders 🚨

At first, hiring a freelance link builder seems like an easy fix—pay them and get backlinks. But the reality is different. Many freelancers don’t follow a long-term strategy, and poor-quality backlinks can hurt your website.

1) Unreliable Link Quality

Freelancers often focus on delivering links fast, not ensuring they help your website. Some use spammy websites or low-authority sources, which Google ignores or penalizes. A bad link profile can be costly to fix.

2) Risky SEO Practices

Some SEO link builders use black hat tactics like PBNs, paid links, or link farms. If Google detects this, your website could lose rankings or get penalized.

3) No Control Over Link Placements

You don’t always know where your links will go. Some link-building experts use irrelevant sites, which won’t help your SEO.

4) Extra Costs, No Real Gains

Cheap freelance link building might seem like a good deal, but bad links can cost more in the long run. Fixing penalties, removing toxic links, or seeing no improvement in rankings can waste time and money.

Instead of taking risks, work with professional link builders who use ethical, proven methods to grow your site the right way.

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Freelance Link Builder

Hiring a freelance link builder isn’t just about finding someone who can create backlinks. You need to be clear about your SEO goals, budget, and expectations before hiring. Here’s what you should know:

1. Do You Understand Link Building?

Before hiring, you should have a basic idea of how link building works. This helps you:

• Avoid spammy services that can harm your site.
• Understand how backlinks impact rankings and website authority.
• Choose the right strategy for your business needs.

If you’re unsure, take some time to learn the basics before making a decision.

2. Is Your Website Ready?

Even the best links won’t help if your site isn’t in good shape. Make sure:

• Your site has at least 10-50 pages of quality content.
• It is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
• Google has indexed your website (Search “site:yourwebsite.com” on Google).
• Your site already has some organic traffic.

If your website isn’t optimized, focus on SEO and content first before spending on link building.

3. What’s Your Link Building Goal?

Different businesses need different types of links. Before hiring, be clear about what you want:

• Need to rank higher? Focus on high-quality guest posts and niche edits.
• Want more brand exposure? Look for mentions and PR-based links.
• Competitors ranking above you? Check their backlink profiles and do better.

A clear goal makes it easier to find the right freelancer.

4. How Much Can You Spend?

Link-building rates vary based on quality and competition. Typical costs:

• $50 – $100 per hour for experienced freelancers.
• Higher rates for competitive industries like finance and tech.
• Some charge based on Domain Rating (DR)—the higher the DR, the higher the price.

5. Where Will the Links Come From?

Not all backlinks are good. Before hiring, ask the freelancer:

• How do you get links? (Guest posts, blogger outreach, niche edits, etc.)
• What sites will the links come from? (Relevant and trusted sites or random blogs?)
• Do they follow Google’s rules? (Avoid link farms and PBNs).

One quality link is better than 10 bad ones. Always go for relevance and authority over quantity.

How to Find and Hire a Reliable Freelance Link Builder?

Here are more simple steps you can take when hiring a freelance link builder without repeating what we covered earlier:

Step 1. Set Clear Expectations

Before hiring, be clear on what you want. Instead of just asking for backlinks, define:

1) Define the Type of Links

Not all backlinks are the same. Some freelancers focus on guest posts, while others specialize in niche edits or HARO links. Decide which type suits your website and communicate this upfront.

2) Set a Monthly Link Goal

Determine how many links you need per month. This depends on your budget and niche competition. Some industries need fewer high-authority links, while others require a steady flow of backlinks.

3) Choose Preferred Websites

Specify the type of sites you want links from. If you need links from industry blogs, news sites, or educational platforms, mention it. Also, tell them what to avoid, like spammy or irrelevant sites.

4) Be Clear About Your Budget

Freelancers charge different rates based on link quality. Some charge per hour, others per link. Set a budget early to avoid unexpected costs and find the right professional link builder for your needs.

Being clear from the start prevents confusion, saves time, and ensures you get links that actually help your rankings.

Step 2. Choose the Right Hiring Platform

Different platforms have different types of freelancers—some are experienced, while others might not deliver the quality you need. Here’s a look at where you can find SEO link builders and what to watch out for.

1) Upwork & Fiverr – Cheap but Risky

Freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr offer many freelance link builders at different prices. While these platforms make hiring easy, quality can be hit or miss. Some freelancers build genuine white-hat backlinks, while others use spammy tactics that may hurt your site. Always check reviews, work samples, and past client feedback before hiring.

2) LinkedIn – Professional but Expensive

LinkedIn is a great place to find professional link builders with proven experience. Many freelancers here have a solid background in SEO link building, but their rates are often higher. If you’re looking for quality over quantity, this platform is a good choice.

3) SEO Groups & Forums – Some Good Finds but No Guarantees

SEO communities like Facebook groups, Reddit, and niche forums sometimes have skilled freelance link builders offering their services. You might find hidden gems, but there’s no system to verify quality. Some freelancers do great work, while others may use risky SEO practices. Always ask for samples, case studies, or referrals before hiring.

4) Referrals – Trustworthy but Limited Choices

Getting recommendations from other marketers, business owners, or industry experts is one of the safest ways to find a reliable link builder. Since they come recommended, they likely have a good track record. However, availability may be limited because top SEO link builders are often in high demand.

Each platform has pros and cons. To avoid low-quality links that could hurt your website, take the time to vet candidates carefully and choose wisely.

Step 3. Assess Their Past Work

A freelancer might claim to be the best link builder, but without proof, it’s just words. Here’s how to verify if they truly deliver quality SEO link building services.

1) Look at Their Previous Links

Ask them for links they’ve built before. Good links should:

• Be placed on real websites (not spammy or fake sites).
• Fit naturally within well-written content.
• Come from relevant websites in your industry.

If most of their links come from low-quality blogs, link farms, or PBNs, avoid them. Bad backlinks can hurt your site’s rankings instead of improving them.

2) Ask for Case Studies or Results

A skilled SEO link builder should have case studies showing:

• What types of backlinks they built.
• How the links helped rankings and traffic.
• The strategies they used (guest posts, HARO, niche edits, etc.).

If they have no proof of results, they may not be as experienced as they claim.

3) Check Their Link Building Process

Ask how they build links. A reliable professional link builder will use white-hat SEO methods, such as:

• Blogger outreach (contacting real website owners).
• Writing valuable guest posts instead of forcing links.
• Earning links through genuine content marketing.

Avoid freelancers who sell cheap bulk links. These are often spammy and can harm your website’s SEO.

By checking their past work, you can avoid low-quality link builders and hire someone who actually knows how to improve rankings the right way.

Step 4. Avoid Red Flags

Not all freelance link builders follow ethical SEO practices. Some take shortcuts that can harm your website in the long run. If you’re not careful, you may end up paying for low-quality links that do more harm than good. Here’s what to watch out for:

1) Guaranteed Rankings & Link Placements

No SEO link builder can promise specific rankings or guaranteed link placements on high-authority sites. If someone claims they can get you to page 1 of Google or secure links on major websites with 100% certainty, it’s a red flag. Real link building experts focus on strategic outreach, not shortcuts that could backfire.

2) Lack of Transparency

A reliable link builder should be open about their process and where they plan to place your links. If they avoid sharing details, they may be using PBNs, link farms, or other black-hat techniques.

3) Very Low Prices

Good backlinks take effort. If someone offers cheap backlinks at unrealistic prices, they’re likely cutting corners by using automated tools or low-quality websites. These links won’t add value and may even get your site penalized.

4) Selling Pre-Made Link Lists

Some freelancers offer guest post placements on a list of sites. While this may sound tempting, these sites are often overused for link-selling and lack real authority. Quality SEO link builders focus on genuine outreach to secure the right placements.

5) Rushed Turnaround Times

Building quality backlinks takes time. If a freelancer promises dozens of links in a few days, they’re likely using black-hat tactics that could damage your website’s reputation.

Choosing the right freelance link builder requires careful screening. Avoid these red flags to ensure you’re investing in ethical and effective link-building strategies.

Step 5. Start with a Paid Trial

Before committing to a freelance link builder, test their skills with a paid trial project. This helps you see their approach, communication, and the quality of backlinks they can provide—without taking a huge risk.

Why is a Test Project Important?

Many freelancers claim to offer high-quality backlinks, but not all deliver. A trial project lets you see their actual work before trusting them with your SEO strategy.

What Should You Check?

• Outreach quality – Are their emails personalized, or just bulk messages?
• Website selection – Do they get backlinks from trusted, relevant sites, or spammy ones?
• Content integration – Do they add links naturally, or force them in poorly written content?
• Timeliness – Do they meet deadlines without cutting corners?

How to Set Up a Trial?

1. Give clear instructions on what kind of links you need.
2. Start with 2-3 backlinks to check their process.
3. Review everything carefully before moving forward.

If their work is authentic and valuable, you can hire them for a larger project. If not, you avoid wasting money on bad links.

Step 6. Keep Communication Clear

Good communication is key when working with freelance link builders. Since they are not part of your daily team, clear instructions and regular updates help avoid mistakes and delays. Here’s how to ensure smooth collaboration.

Use a Shared Tracking System

Keep everything organized in a simple spreadsheet or project management tool like Trello, Asana, or Google Sheets. Track:

• Links placed
• Websites targeted
• Any pending approvals or revisions

This way, both you and the link builder can stay on the same page without back-and-forth confusion.

Set a Communication Schedule

Decide how often you need updates—whether it’s weekly reports, bi-weekly calls, or email check-ins. A freelancer who updates you regularly is more reliable. If they disappear for weeks, it’s a red flag.

Be Responsive but Not Overbearing

Answering questions quickly helps keep things moving. But avoid micromanaging—let the professional link builder do their job while ensuring they follow your requirements.

Ask for Clear Proof of Work

Instead of just getting a list of backlinks, ask for:

• The website’s domain rating and traffic
• A screenshot of the published link
• The anchor text used

A freelance link builder who values transparency will have no problem sharing this information. If they avoid it, reconsider hiring them.

Keeping communication simple and structured makes link building easier for both sides. It also ensures you’re getting quality results instead of wasting money on links that won’t help your SEO.

Alternatives to Hiring a Freelance Link Builder

Hiring a freelance link builder isn’t the only option; in many cases, it may not be the best. Consider these alternatives if you want consistent, high-quality backlinks without the risks of unreliable freelancers. 

They can save time, ensure better results, and provide a more structured approach to SEO link building.

1) Hire a Link Building Agency

Hiring a link-building agency takes the guesswork out of the process. Agencies have established relationships with high-authority websites and follow proven strategies to get you quality backlinks that actually help your SEO.

Why It Works

Unlike freelancers, agencies provide structured campaigns with clear timelines. They focus on safe, white-hat methods, so you don’t risk penalties from spammy links. You get reliable results without managing the process yourself.

Outreach Monks – Your Link-Building Partner

With 10+ years of experience, Outreach Monks has helped businesses in various industries secure high-quality backlinks. Whether you need guest posts, blogger outreach, or white-label link building, we ensure safe and effective strategies. Want stronger backlinks? Let’s talk! 🚀

2) Train an In-House Team

If you want full control over your link-building strategy, training an in-house team can be a good option. This means hiring and teaching your own staff to handle SEO outreach, content creation, and backlink strategies.

Having an internal team means they will understand your business, goals, and brand voice better than an external freelancer. You won’t have to worry about low-quality backlinks or outsourced work that doesn’t match your strategy.

The Challenges

Building a skilled team takes time and investment. You need to train them, provide access to SEO tools, and stay updated with Google’s changing rules. If you need quick results, this may not be the best option.

3) DIY Link Building 

If hiring someone isn’t an option, you can build links yourself. This method saves money and gives you full control, but it takes time and effort.

You can create guest posts, answer questions on Quora, or reach out to websites for link placements. Finding broken links on other sites and offering your content as a replacement is another smart way to earn backlinks.

Challenges to Expect

Building links on your own requires patience, outreach skills, and SEO knowledge. Without the right approach, you may struggle to get quality links or end up wasting time on low-impact backlinks.

4) Buy Safe and High-Quality Backlinks

If done the right way, buying backlinks can help your website grow. But if done poorly, it can lead to penalties. That’s why it’s important to focus on quality over quantity and choose white-hat backlinks that follow Google’s guidelines.

Where to Buy Safe Backlinks?

Work with trusted SEO link builders who use ethical strategies. Avoid services that promise thousands of links for cheap, as they often provide low-quality or irrelevant backlinks that won’t help your rankings.

Strong backlinks from reputable sites help improve your website’s credibility and rankings while keeping you safe from Google penalties. If you need reliable backlinks, Outreach Monks offers proven white-hat link-building services that drive real results for businesses across different industries. 🚀

Conclusion

Getting backlinks is important, but how you get them matters even more. A freelance link builder might work, but without the right checks, it can lead to poor-quality links that do more harm than good.

The key is to focus on safe and effective ways to build links. Whether you hire an expert, train a team, or do it yourself, always choose quality over quick fixes. A strong, trusted link profile takes time but brings long-term results.

FAQs on Hiring Freelance Link Builders