The 9 Best Startup-Friendly Link Building Agencies for Rapid Growth

The top-ranked Google result attracts nearly four times more backlinks than pages in positions two through ten. This statistic expresses why the best link building SEO agencies serving startup companies prove invaluable. A surprising trend shows that only 53.3% of marketers consider link building a crucial strategy, compared to 73.3% last year. This change creates a perfect chance for seed-stage startups to get ahead of competitors. Search engine algorithms still rank backlinks among their strongest factors, which makes professional link building services a vital investment rather than an optional marketing cost. Results tell a compelling story. Startups working with SaaS link building agencies typically see their organic traffic triple. These companies also generate 90% more leads and increase their sales by 60% year-over-year. B2B companies achieve the fastest success through dedicated SEO professionals. Your startup misses valuable organic demos and trials without an active link building strategy to outrank competitors. We created this list of premier SEO link building agencies for startups based on their proven track record of delivering results for companies similar to yours.

 

1. Mike Khorev

Mike Khorev key features

Mike’s service portfolio rests on five strategic pillars:

• AI-powered content optimization tailored for modern search tools
• White-hat link building through strategic outreach
• Technical SEO implementation (not just recommendations)
• Full-funnel content strategy targeting ideal customers
• Custom performance dashboards to track results

Mike stands out because

Mike stands out because he works with clients directly. You’ll work with Mike himself instead of junior team members. His technical expertise lets him manage everything – from spotting opportunities to implementing solutions.

His marketing attribution modeling helps identify growth bottlenecks. This method optimizes high-performing channels for positive ROI instead of chasing vanity metrics.

Mike Khorev pros and cons

Pros:

• Tech-specific focus with deep expertise in SaaS and IT sectors
• Evidence-based methodology using attribution modeling
• Technical background enabling advanced implementation
• AI integration for content optimization
• Direct work with an expert instead of account managers

Cons:

• Premium pricing compared to mass-market providers
• Results take 2-3 months to show full SEO effect
• Not suited for very early-stage startups with limited funds
• Best results need multi-month commitment

Mike Khorev pricing

Mike’s pricing structure is clear and based on business size and needs:

• Foundation Package: USD 2,500-4,000 monthly – Perfect for early-stage fintech startups – Technical SEO, content strategy, and simple link building included
• Growth Package: USD 3,500-7,000 monthly – Built for scaling companies – Advanced technical work, content production, and aggressive link acquisition included
• Enterprise Package: USD 7,000+ monthly – Designed for established organizations – Custom strategies and competitive analysis included

Startups with tighter budgets can access flexible engagement models and dedicated link building services starting at USD 700 per month. Each package needs a 6-month commitment.

Mike Khorev best for

Mike excels with:

• SaaS and B2B tech companies needing rapid organic growth in competitive markets
• Funded startups ready to scale through strategic marketing
• Technology firms with complex product offerings
• Knowledge-based businesses that benefit from structured content

 

2. Nine Peaks Media

Nine Peaks Media key features

Their B2B SaaS SEO Growth Program rests on five main pillars:

• Keyword Analysis and Mapping: They use Google Search Console, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to find valuable search terms at every buying stage
• Website Quality Audit: They take a full look at speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability, and indexation to fix technical problems
• On-site SEO: They optimize website structure and internal linking to make navigation better
• Content Strategy: They analyze existing content and spot trending topics that matter to target audiences
• Link Acquisition: They build quality backlinks through HARO outreach, guest blogging, and manual link insertions

Nine Peaks Media pros and cons

Pros:

• Quality placements on trusted sites with real traffic
• You can access metrics 24/7 through clear workflows
• Proven history of growing organic traffic
• Links appear in relevant, lasting editorial content
• Direct communication and strategy planning

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• Better suited for funded startups or established brands
• Results build up over 2–3 months
• Not the best fit for tight budgets

Nine Peaks Media pricing

They offer different pricing tiers based on your growth stage and link needs:

• Starter Growth Plan: 10–12 editorial placements monthly on DR 50–80+ websites, starting at $2,500/month (5-10 links)
• Scaling Authority Plan: 15–20 editorial placements monthly plus link profile cleanup and anchor optimization, at $5,000/month (10-20 links)
• Enterprise/Authority+ Plan: 30+ premium placements monthly on high-traffic sites, starting from $10,000/month (20+ links)

Nine Peaks Media best for

The company works best with:

• SaaS, B2B, and DTC brands that want to boost their organic authority
• Funded startups needing quick SEO growth
• Companies competing to outrank major competitors
• Brands with content teams looking for strategic SEO guidance

 

3. INSERT.LINK

INSERT.LINK key features

The 2-year old platform runs on a huge database of over 23 million live pages ready for link placement. Here’s what you get:

• Find relevant pages in seconds with instant search
• Complete metrics showing domain rating, referring domains, traffic, and keywords
• Content from 15+ industries across 127 countries
• Direct link placement through the platform – no outreach needed
• A simple three-step process: search, check pages, place your order

INSERT.LINK pros and cons

Pros:

• Your links appear in content that already ranks and gets organic traffic
• No more time wasted on outreach campaigns
• You see all important metrics before placing links
• Links go live within days
• New placement opportunities added regularly
• The support team knows their stuff

Cons:

• You can’t control much of the content around your link
• Site quality isn’t consistent
• Links might look less natural than in custom content
• You need to check site quality and relevance carefully

INSERT.LINK pricing

INSERT.LINK’s pricing works for different budgets:

• Pay-as-you-go: Links start at $10 with no strings attached
• Essential Plan: $65 monthly plans for SEO professionals

INSERT.LINK best for

These people get great results with INSERT.LINK:

• SEOs and business owners who need backlinks quickly
• Agencies using the white-label option for clients
• Freelancers and in-house teams who need speed and flexibility
• Startups building authority without creating content
• Businesses in tough niches like SaaS, finance, legal, and gaming

 

4. Authority Builders

Authority Builders key features

Authority Builders stands out with these notable features:

• Focus on authentic traffic – They partner only with sites that generate real organic traffic, which makes links more valuable for search rankings
• Content-driven approach – Editors review and place links in quality articles instead of low-value blogs
• Industry relevance – You can choose backlinks that match your market
• Link audit services – They provide a complete competitor link analysis to help you determine ranking requirements
• Transparent selection process – You can browse and select websites for your backlinks

Authority Builders pros and cons

Pros:

• Quality links from trusted websites with real traffic
• Straightforward process lets you pick relevant sites
• Works well for specialized industries
• Search engines and readers value their content-driven approach
• SEO expert Matt Diggity leads the company

Cons:

• Higher prices than budget options
• Pre-approved sites limit customization
• Link effectiveness comes without guarantees
• Site names remain hidden until purchase
• Reviews mention varying customer service response times

Authority Builders pricing

Prices vary based on domain authority, organic traffic, and niche relevance:

• Basic links: Start at $100 per link
• Mid-tier links: Cost between $200 to $400 per link
• High-level links: Premium spots cost $500+ per link

Authority Builders best for

These groups see the best results with Authority Builders:

• SEO agencies that manage multiple client campaigns
• E-commerce sites in competitive markets
• Bloggers and content creators who want to build credibility
• Companies that need custom link building strategies
• Businesses with specialized content needs in specific niches

 

5. Get Me Links

Get Me Links key features

The company stands out in the link building world for several reasons:

• Tested link building strategies – The team has refined their off-page SEO approach over five years
• Spam-free backlinks – Quality checks ensure each link avoids Google penalties
• One-time payment model – You won’t face recurring costs or link rental fees
• Fast delivery – 21-day turnaround time helps results flow quickly
• Full-service approach – The team manages everything from content writing to link placement

Get Me Links pros and cons

Pros:

• Flexible packages that work even for solo founders
• Custom solutions for specific verticals including local SEO
• Focus on contextual, in-content placements
• Quick delivery cycles for faster SEO results
• Great value at lower price points

Cons:

• Reports lack detail compared to competitors
• Quality varies between price tiers
• Not ideal for enterprise-level campaigns
• Little advanced technical SEO support

Get Me Links pricing

You’ll find options for every budget:

• Basic Package: Starting at $166+ per link
• Comprehensive Campaigns: Starting at $200+ per link
• Custom Options: Available for local businesses and specific needs

Get Me Links best for

This agency brings the most value to:

• Seed-stage startups with tight marketing budgets
• Local businesses that need custom SEO campaigns
• Solo founders who want to grow their SEO step by step
• Service-based startups looking to boost local visibility

 

6. Rhino Rank

Rhino Rank key features

Rhino Rank stands out with these services:

• Curated Links: Their specialty – placing backlinks in existing high-authority content to boost rankings
• Genuine Outreach: Each link comes through real outreach without PBNs or black-hat techniques
• Money Back Guarantee: Your first order up to $550 comes with a full refund option if you’re not satisfied
• White-Label Service: The first white-label link building agency that eliminates middlemen for better value
• 100% Manual Process: Links are custom-made for specific niches, websites, and industries

Rhino Rank pros and cons

Pros:

• Budget-friendly pricing compared to competitors
• Links placed in existing content with heavy traffic
• Manual outreach ensures quality control
• UK-based support team ready to help
• You retain control over URLs, anchor texts, and niches

Cons:

• Customer reviews point to backlinks on spam websites
• Links might disappear after the 3-month guarantee period
• Quality depends on price tier
• Limited to link building, not suited for complete SEO needs

Rhino Rank pricing

Rhino Rank keeps pricing simple:

• Curated Links: From $35 per link
• Guest Posts: From $95 per link
• Visual Links: Custom pricing based on requirements

Rhino Rank best for

These groups see exceptional results with Rhino Rank:

• Digital marketing agencies seeking white-label solutions
• SEO professionals who need reliable link building
• Startups with limited budgets looking for budget-friendly services
• Businesses in competitive niches that need to build authority

 

7. LinkGraph

LinkGraph key features

Several standout offerings make LinkGraph unique:

• Editorial guest posts naturally integrated into genuine blogs
• Contextual link insertions that blend seamlessly with the blog’s style and fresh content
• Authority-driven placements on sites with DA scores between 40-90
• Manual link outreach to websites with real traffic
• Clear reporting system that shows performance metrics

LinkGraph pros and cons

Pros:

• Quality control through manual outreach
• Results shown through transparent reporting
• Links from genuine websites with measurable traffic
• Different link types that match your SEO needs
• A team that responds quickly

Cons:

• Costs more than budget alternatives
• Custom plans need extra setup time
• Few do-it-yourself options
• Rankings improve gradually rather than overnight

LinkGraph pricing

Links start at $549 with various service levels:

• Simple guest post packages
• Premium authority placements
• Full SEO packages with content creation

LinkGraph best for

These companies get the best results with LinkGraph:

• Startups that want clean SEO practices
• Companies needing stable long-term rankings
• Businesses valuing clear communication
• Organizations building topical authority

 

8. The HOTH

The HOTH key features

The HOTH delivers a wide range of link building options:

• Complete SEO dashboard that tracks all your campaigns and provides practical insights
• Variety of link types including guest posts, niche edits, and Web 2.0 setups
• White label options for agencies looking to resell services
• AI Visibility features optimized for search engines and AI-powered platforms
• Managed SEO services for businesses who want to outsource their entire strategy

The HOTH pros and cons

Pros:

• The dashboard makes campaign tracking and report downloads simple
• Live Chat support team excels at addressing SEO needs
• 100% white-labeled service without black hat tactics
• Bulk orders qualify for 12.5% discount
• Customer reviews number in thousands

Cons:

• Link quality varies substantially between packages
• Many link sites show low organic traffic
• Prices run higher than competitor rates
• Customer feedback mentions AI-generated content
• Backlink sites sometimes lack industry relevance

The HOTH pricing

The HOTH’s pricing structure includes:

• Foundation packages start at $60 for 6 backlinks across three blog posts
• Link Outreach costs $230 for links from sites with 1,000+ monthly traffic
• Guest posting runs approximately $70 per article with relevant on-page SEO
• Managed SEO (HOTH X) begins at $500 monthly with a $250 setup fee

The HOTH best for

The HOTH proves particularly valuable for:

• Seed-stage startups that need flexible, budget-friendly options
• Small teams looking to compete with larger companies in search results
• Businesses that require visual campaign reporting
• Companies wanting steady link building growth
• Agencies needing white-label SEO solutions to resell

 

9. OWDT

 

Comparison Table

Agency	Starting Price	Key Features	Target Audience	Notable Pros	Notable Cons
Mike Khorev	$2,500/month	AI-powered content optimization White-hat link building Technical SEO implementation Full-funnel content strategy	SaaS and B2B tech companies Funded startups Tech firms	Direct expert collaboration Tech-specific focus Informed methods	Premium pricing2–3 month results timeline Multi-month commitment
Nine Peaks Media	$2,500/month	Keyword analysis and mapping Website quality audit On-site SEO Content strategy In-house link building	SaaS companiesB2B brands Funded startups	High-quality placements Simplified processes Strong traffic growth record	Premium pricing Not for limited budgets ROI takes 2–3 months
INSERT.LINK	$10/link	23M+ live pages database Instant search functionality Direct link placement No outreach required	SEOs Small to mid-sized businesses Freelancers	Quick turnaround No outreach required Clear metrics	Limited content control Quality varies Less natural placement
Authority Builders	$100/link	Traffic-focused sites Content-driven approach Link audit services Site selection options	SEO agencies E-commerce sites Content creators	High-quality links Clear process Expert management	Premium pricing Limited customization Masked site names
Get Me Links	$166/link	Proven strategies Spam-free backlinks One-time payment21-day turnaround	Seed-stage startups Local businesses Solo founders	Flexible packages Quick delivery Good value	Limited reporting Quality varies Basic technical support
Rhino Rank	$35/link	Curated link placement Genuine outreach Money-back guarantee White-label service	Digital agencies SEO professionals Budget-conscious startups	Affordable pricing Manual outreach Client control	Potential spam links3-month link guarantee Quality varies
LinkGraph	$549/link	Editorial guest posts Contextual links Manual outreach Clear reporting	Startup sLong-term focused companies Authority builders	Strong quality control Clear reporting Real traffic sites	Higher pricing Slower planning Limited DIY options
The HOTH	$60/package	Complete SEO dashboard Multiple link types White-label options AI visibility features	Seed-stage startups Small teams Agencies	Easy tracking Good support Bulk discounts	Link quality varies AI content issues Higher pricing
OWDT	Not mentioned	Paid placements Directory submissions Broken link building Blogger outreach	B2B and SaaS startups Technical SEO needs Established brands	Quality focus Full transparency Technical expertise	Premium pricing Slower results Limited pricing information

 

Conclusion

Link building is still a powerful tool in your startup’s SEO arsenal. Companies that work with specialized agencies typically triple their organic traffic and see 90% more leads with 60% higher year-over-year sales. These numbers show why quality backlinks are worth the investment. Your agency choice should line up with your budget limits and business goals. First-time founders often start with budget-friendly options like Rhino Rank or Get Me Links, which offer individual links under $200. Premium packages from Nine Peaks Media or Mike Khorev become more valuable as you grow.

Here are key factors to think about for your decision:

• Domain authority and traffic of potential backlink sources
• Industry relevance of the websites where links will appear
• Pricing structure and how it fits your available resources
• Delivery timelines and their match with your growth plans
• Communication style and reporting transparency

Many agencies also offer flexible engagement models. You can test their services before signing longer contracts. The best link building strategy grows with your startup’s progress. Quick results rarely lead to lasting success. Quality link building shows better rankings within 6-10 weeks, while the full SEO effect takes 2-3 months to show. This timeline needs patience but brings substantial long-term returns. A professional backlink strategy can boost your organic visibility and bring qualified leads to your doorstep. Your sales pipeline grows without constantly draining money on paid advertising. Ready for the next step? Book free consultations with agencies that match your needs. Ask about their process, look at their case studies, and get references from past clients. This research helps you find the right link building team – one that drives your startup toward sustainable organic growth.

 

Key Takeaways

Here are the essential insights for seed-stage startups looking to leverage professional link building services for organic growth:

• Link building delivers measurable ROI: Companies partnering with specialized agencies typically triple their organic traffic, generate 90% more leads, and achieve 60% higher year-over-year sales growth.
• Budget-friendly options exist for early-stage startups: Services like Rhino Rank ($35/link) and Get Me Links ($166/link) offer quality backlinks without breaking the bank, while premium agencies like Nine Peaks Media ($2,500+/month) provide comprehensive strategies for funded startups.
• Quality trumps quantity in link acquisition: Focus on agencies that prioritize high-authority sites with real traffic over cheap, low-quality backlinks that could harm your rankings.
• Results require patience but deliver lasting value: Expect meaningful ranking improvements within 6-10 weeks, with full SEO impact materializing over 2-3 months – much more sustainable than paid advertising costs.
• Choose agencies based on your specific needs: Technical startups benefit from specialists like Mike Khorev, while those needing fast placements should consider INSERT.LINK’s database-driven approach.

The competitive advantage gained through professional link building can transform your startup’s organic visibility, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified leads without the ongoing expense of paid campaigns. Start with free consultations to find the right partner for your growth stage and budget.

 

FAQs

Q1. What are the benefits of using a link building agency for a startup?

Link building agencies can help startups triple their organic traffic, generate 90% more leads, and achieve 60% higher year-over-year sales growth. They provide expertise in acquiring high-quality backlinks that improve search engine rankings and visibility.

Q2. How much should a startup expect to spend on link building services?

Costs vary widely based on the agency and services provided. Budget-friendly options start around $35-$166 per link, while comprehensive packages from premium agencies can begin at $2,500 per month. Startups should choose based on their specific needs and available resources.

Q3. How long does it take to see results from link building efforts?

Typically, meaningful ranking improvements can be observed within 6-10 weeks. However, the full impact of SEO and link building efforts often takes 2-3 months to materialize. Patience is key, as these strategies provide long-term, sustainable results.

Q4. What should startups look for when choosing a link building agency?

Startups should consider factors such as the agency’s focus on high-authority sites, industry relevance of potential backlinks, pricing structure, delivery timelines, and communication style. It’s also important to review case studies and request references from past clients.

Q5. Are there risks associated with link building for startups?

While professional link building can greatly benefit startups, there are risks if not done properly. Low-quality or irrelevant backlinks can potentially harm rankings. It’s crucial to choose reputable agencies that focus on quality over quantity and adhere to search engine guidelines.