Why aren’t my clients’ websites climbing the rankings, even after all that content work? If you’re running an SEO agency, you’ve probably felt the sting: you fix on-page SEO, write killer blogs, but the rankings just don’t budge. The culprit? Most likely, it’s your link building strategy (or lack thereof).
Are Traditional Link Building Tactics Still Enough?
Let’s set the record straight. Yes, backlinks still matter, a lot. But Google’s gotten smarter. Those old tactics (think: mass directory submissions, generic outreach, or buying links) are now about as effective as trying to win the Tour de France on a tricycle. Modern link building is creative, relationship-driven, and rooted in quality, not quantity.
SEO Simplified: Backlinks are like online word-of-mouth. The more respected sites that mention you, the more search engines see you as trustworthy.
What Actually Works for Agencies in 2025?
After analyzing over 500 agency campaigns (and, honestly, making our fair share of mistakes), we’ve found that the best results come from a mix of digital PR, content-driven outreach, and smart automation. Let’s dive into 10 strategies you can use right now, no black-hat tricks, no expensive tools required.
1. Build “Linkable Assets” That Journalists Actually Want
Forget boring “ultimate guides.” In 2025, data-driven studies, infographics, and interactive tools are link magnets. For example, a local real estate agency could publish a “2025 Homebuyer Trends Report” with original survey data. Journalists love unique angles, and these assets get cited again and again.
Why This Matters: One strong, widely-cited asset can earn you dozens of high-authority links, much more valuable than chasing hundreds of low-quality links.
2. Use Digital PR for Natural, High-Authority Links
Digital PR is about pitching stories to journalists and bloggers. Tools like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and Qwoted connect you with reporters looking for expert quotes.
Pro tip: Set up Google Alerts for your clients’ niche to spot trending topics and jump on timely opportunities.
3. Try Podcast Guesting (It’s Not Just for Influencers)
Appearing as a guest on podcasts in your client’s industry is a goldmine for relevant backlinks. Most podcast hosts include guest bios and website links in their show notes. We’ve seen agencies land 10+ quality links in a single month just from podcast outreach.
4. Leverage Link Reclamation
Ever find your client mentioned online, but without a link? Reach out and politely ask for one! Use tools like Ahrefs Content Explorer or Google Alerts to monitor unlinked brand mentions.
5. Collaborate on Industry Roundups and Expert Panels
Contribute to expert roundups or virtual summits. These collaborative pieces often include backlinks to all participants. For example, a boutique marketing agency could join a “2025 Digital Marketing Predictions” roundup.
6. Create Resource Pages (and Get Listed on Others)
Resource pages are curated lists of helpful links. Build your own to attract links, and reach out to be included on others. Example: “Top 10 Small Business Tools for 2025.”
7. Launch Local Partnerships
Partner with local organizations or sponsor community events. These often result in backlinks from trusted local sites, great for businesses targeting specific regions. (We once helped a Madrid bakery sponsor a charity run, and they landed links from three local news outlets!)
8. Offer Testimonials in Exchange for Backlinks
Write testimonials for tools and services your agency or clients use. Many companies feature these on their site with a backlink. It’s a simple win-win.
9. Use Automation (But Don’t Overdo It)
Automation tools like Pitchbox or BuzzStream can streamline outreach and follow-ups. But here’s our hot take: nothing beats a personalized email. Use automation for prospecting and reminders, but always personalize your outreach.
Pro Tip: When we first used bulk outreach, our response rates tanked. Personalization takes more time, but we saw a 3x increase in positive replies when we tailored our pitches.
10. Share Success Stories and Case Studies
Publish case studies showing how your agency drove results. Reach out to industry blogs or partners to feature your story. These often attract links from industry peers and potential clients.
How to Track Link Building ROI (and Prove It to Clients)
Clients care about results, not just activity. Use a simple framework to measure ROI:
- Track new backlinks (quantity and quality)
- Monitor keyword ranking improvements (TrueRanker makes this a breeze!)
- Measure organic traffic growth
- Report on leads or conversions from linked pages
With TrueRanker, you can tag and track specific link building campaigns, monitor ranking changes by location or device, and create simple reports your clients will actually understand. (We’re all about making SEO less of a mystery, and more of a results engine.)
Link Building Tools & Automation: What Really Helps?
There are plenty of tools out there, Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, but honestly, many agencies overpay for features they rarely use. Our advice? Pick tools that are:
- Easy to use (so your team actually uses them)
- Affordable (especially if you’re managing lots of clients)
- Focused on what matters: prospecting, outreach, and tracking results
TrueRanker is a great fit for agencies looking for simple, cost-effective rank and backlink tracking.
Mini Case Study: How One Agency Doubled Their Backlinks in 3 Months
One of our users, a small agency in Barcelona, focused on podcast guesting and local partnerships for a B2B client. Using TrueRanker to monitor keyword movement, they saw:
- Backlinks doubled (from 45 to 90)
- Top 10 keyword rankings up by 40%
- Organic traffic increased 37%
The key? Consistent outreach, tracking progress weekly, and quick pivots when certain tactics didn’t work. (We love seeing our users win, especially when they skip the overcomplicated stuff!)
Implementation Tips: How Often Should You Build Links?
Consistency beats intensity. We recommend:
- Set a monthly link target (e.g., 5-10 quality links per client)
- Review and adjust every quarter
- Use a simple calendar: Outreach Mondays, Follow-up Thursdays
- Track everything in your SEO tool for easy reporting
Industry-Specific Link Building Ideas
Every niche has unique opportunities. For example:
- Restaurants: Collaborate with food bloggers, sponsor local events
- Law firms: Write expert legal guides for local news outlets
- Ecommerce: Create gift guides and partner with influencers
Think about where your target customers spend time online, and meet them there.
SEO Simplified: Link building is like networking, some connections open doors, others… not so much. Focus on quality over quantity.
FAQs: Link Building for Agencies in 2025
What is the best link building strategy for agencies in 2025?
The most effective strategy combines digital PR, high-quality content creation, and targeted outreach. Focus on earning links from relevant, authoritative sites in your client’s industry.
How do I know if a backlink is high quality?
Look for backlinks from sites with high domain authority, real traffic, and relevance to your niche. Avoid links from spammy, irrelevant directories.
Can I automate link building completely?
No, automation can help with prospecting and follow-ups, but personalized outreach is crucial for success. Over-automation often leads to low response rates and burned bridges.
How do I report link building results to clients?
Use clear, simple reports showing new backlinks, improved keyword rankings, and organic traffic growth. TrueRanker’s reporting tools make this easy for agencies.
How long does it take to see results from link building?
Typically, you’ll see ranking improvements within 2-4 months, depending on your niche and competition. Consistency is key, don’t expect overnight miracles.
Ready to Level Up Your Link Building?
Link building doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on creative outreach, smart tools, and tracking what actually works, your agency can deliver real SEO results, without burning out or blowing your budget. TrueRanker is here to make tracking and reporting your wins easy, so you can spend more time building links and less time wrestling with spreadsheets.
