How do agencies or consultants build high-quality backlinks in 2025?

[saifr25]

I’ve noticed that white-hat backlink strategies are getting more complex and competitive lately. Curious to know — how are professionals building backlinks these days without running into Google penalties?

Do you focus more on outreach, HARO, digital PR, or niche edits? Are there platforms or partnerships that have worked better for you in recent months?

Also wondering if freelancers or agencies typically offer these services bundled in SEO packages. Just trying to understand how the ecosystem works from the client side.

 

[summmer]

In 2025, most agencies I’ve seen mix several tactics, guest posting on niche-relevant sites, HARO/featured expert quotes, and digital PR for newsworthy content. Niche edits still work but require vetting sites carefully to avoid spammy footprints. Many freelancers and agencies bundle these into broader SEO packages so clients get link building, content, and on-page work together.

 

[saifr25]

saifr25

I have never used HARO technique. I think it is quite difficult and time taking. yes PR is a good way and they attract natural backlinks too.

 

[Questlot]

Backlinking now is less about quantity, more about trust. Outreach still works, but only if you’re hitting real sites. HARO and digital PR are gold, though they take effort. Niche edits? Risky if you buy them in bulk — Google catches on quick.

Agencies will always promise “high-quality links,” but 70% of the time it’s just recycled guest posts on random blogs. If you’re paying, demand to see the domains first. One solid link from a legit authority site will beat 50 weak ones every single time.

 

[hipcat]

hipcat

Glad to see someone gets it. There are still so many SEO agencies selling backlink "blasts", which tells me they have no idea what they are doing and are not worth hiring. Any agency that suggests a blast of anything you should run from!

QUALITY will beat quantity every time now. It's not 2005 anymore.

 

[bijutoha]

bijutoha

I agree with you; those backlink 'blasts' are a clear red flag. One strong, relevant link does way more for long-term results than hundreds of spammy ones ever could.

 

[bijutoha]

I’ve noticed that the best backlinks continue to emerge from genuine outreach and PR-style content, rather than those quick fixes. Platforms like HARO or Help a B2B Writer can be helpful, but you’ll have mixed results. Usually, agencies include link building in their SEO packages, while freelancers tend to charge for it separately. It’s all about quality over quantity these days.