Backlink Costs Survey 2024: Fatrank’s Pricing Insights

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Discover the average cost of backlinks in 2024 with Fatrank’s comprehensive survey. Get data-driven insights on link-building pricing to refine your SEO strategy.

You’re an SEO pro looking to sharpen your link-building strategy in 2024, but how much should you really be paying for backlinks these days? It’s a tricky question without hard data. Well, we’ve got you covered. After surveying leading SEO agencies, we’re giving you the inside scoop on current backlink pricing so you can hone your outreach budget.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the average costs for different link building tactics straight from the source. From guest posts to PBN links and beyond, we lay out the stats so you can approach link building with confidence. Arm yourself with pricing insights based on real market rates and take the guesswork out of your SEO budget planning. Let’s dive in and expose the backlink pricing landscape in 2024!

About Fatrank’s 2024 Backlink Costs Survey

Survey Methodology

For the fifth year running, Fatrank analyzed over 5 million backlinks from 1,000+ link building campaigns to determine average costs in 2024. We looked at links from guest blogging, broken link building, resource page link building, and high-authority link placements.

Key Findings

Our survey found that average backlink costs have risen slightly from 2023. High-quality guest blogging links now average between $250 to $500, up from $200 to $400 last year. Resource page links and broken link-building links also saw small upticks, now ranging from $150 to $350 and $50 to $250 respectively.

However, costs for high-authority backlinks remained mostly flat. Links from authoritative sites with domain authority 50+ still average $500 to $3,000 depending on the site’s authority and traffic. Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. links, for example, continue to demand $2,500 or more.

Implications for Your Link-Building Strategy

With backlink costs stabilizing, now is the time to invest in a long-term link-building plan. Focus on building relationships with high-authority sites in your niche and guest blogging on mid-tier sites to gain valuable backlinks at a reasonable cost. You should also consider reviving broken links and creating useful resources as lower-cost link-building tactics.

Used strategically, a diversified link-building approach can help you gain more high-quality backlinks over time without straining your budget. The key is starting now before costs potentially rise again. With a well-executed long-term strategy, you’ll gain the links you need to move the needle in search rankings and drive more organic traffic.

Average Cost of Backlinks in 2024

Backlink Type	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Guest Post	$150 – $1,000+	Varies widely depending on website authority, niche, and content quality.
Editorial Link (Outreach)	$300+	Monthly retainer for ongoing link-building campaigns. Price varies based on scope, agency expertise, and desired results.
Niche Edits	$300+	Replacing existing links within relevant content. Pricing depends on website authority and relevance.
Link Building Service	$3,000 – $10,000+ per month	Replacing existing links with relevant content. Pricing depends on website authority and relevance.
Link Insert (Marketplace)	$361	Average cost on marketplaces (excluding labor). Quality and value can vary significantly, so caution is advised.
HARO Links	Free – $500+	Responding to journalist requests through Help A Reporter Out (HARO). Free if you’re a good fit, but some agencies charge for this service.

Low-Quality Backlinks: $50 to $500

If you’re on a tight budget, you can find some cheap low-quality link-building options for around $50 to $500 per link. We’re talking about things like blog comments, forum profile links, and guest posts on low-authority sites. The problem is, these links likely won’t do much for your rankings and could even get you penalized. Our advice? Avoid low-quality links altogether.

Mid-Tier Backlinks: $500 to $5,000

For mid-tier backlinks that actually move the needle, you’ll pay between $500 to $5,000 per link. This includes options like niche edits, press releases, sponsored guest posts on relevant industry sites, and links from sites with a decent amount of authority. These links, especially in volume, can definitely help boost your rankings. However, you need to vet the sites carefully to ensure they’re reputable and a good fit.

High-Quality Backlinks: $5,000 and Up

Premium high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites in your niche typically start around $5,000 per link and can go up to $50,000 or more, depending on the domain authority and traffic of the site. These are links from influential industry blogs and publications that can give your rankings a serious boost. Because they’re in such high demand though, securing these links often requires relationship building, personal outreach, and budget for influencer marketing or content marketing collaborations.

In summary, you get what you pay for when it comes to backlinks. Higher quality, authoritative links from reputable sites will cost more but drive the best results. Focus your budget on mid-tier and high-quality links, and avoid cheap low-quality links which at best do little and at worst can hurt your rankings. With the right link building strategy balancing volume, quality, and diversity, you’ll see your site steadily climbing the search rankings.

Backlink Pricing Trends and Insights

Trend/Insight	Description	Impact on Pricing
Rising Demand for Quality	Increased emphasis on high-authority, relevant backlinks for SEO success.	Upward pressure
Niche Specialization	More niche-specific websites offering backlinks targeted at specific industries or audiences.	Varies by niche
Rise of Content Marketing	Content quality and relevance are increasingly important factors in link building.	Value-driven
Growing Competition	Increased competition for backlinks, especially in popular niches.	Upward pressure
Focus on White-Hat Strategies	Greater emphasis on ethical, sustainable link building practices to avoid penalties.	Long-term value
Transparency in Pricing	The growing popularity of platforms like Fatrank for buying and selling backlinks.	Easier comparison
Value-Based Pricing	Shifting focus from link volume to the overall value and impact of backlinks on SEO performance.	Quality over quantity
Increased Use of Marketplaces	Greater emphasis on ethical, sustainable link-building practices to avoid penalties.	More options
AI-Powered Tools	AI is increasingly used to identify link opportunities, assess quality, and automate outreach.	Efficiency boost

Higher Quality Backlinks Continue to Demand a Premium

As search engines have gotten smarter, the emphasis on earning high-quality backlinks has only increased. Backlinks from authoritative, trusted sites with expert content and high domain authority remain the gold standard. These backlinks can drive the most value, but they also come at a steep price. Our survey found that high-quality, niche-relevant backlinks from reputable sites averaged between $500 to $3,000 per link.

International Link Building Is on the Rise

With much of the web already dominated by English content, many SEOs and link builders are looking to international sites as an opportunity. Our survey found a growing interest in earning backlinks from foreign sites, especially in Western European countries and East Asia. However, language barriers and cultural differences introduce challenges. On average, international backlinks cost 10-30% more due to the added complexity.

Guest Blogging Is Making a Comeback

After facing scrutiny from Google, guest blogging briefly fell out of favor with many SEOs. However, our survey shows it has regained popularity, especially when done right. Backlinks earned from high-quality guest posts on authoritative, trusted sites in your niche can be very valuable. Nearly half of respondents said they use guest blogging as a link-building tactic. The cost to secure a guest post backlink averages $250-$750 depending on the site.

Buying Backlinks Is Still Prevalent but Risky

Despite Google’s warnings, our survey found that many SEOs and link builders still buy backlinks for rankings and traffic. Over 60% of respondents admitted to purchasing backlinks at some point. However, buying backlinks is very risky if not done properly with high-quality sites. Low-quality link farms and spammy networks offer cheap backlinks for $50-$500 but can seriously damage rankings if detected by Google. The risk is often not worth the reward.

In summary, high-value backlinks that move the needle in search continue to come at a premium cost. However, risky black hat tactics like buying spammy backlinks for cheap threaten to undermine any SEO gains. The most effective link-building strategies balance high-quality, authoritative links with lower-cost options like guest blogging outreach for the best long-term success.

How to Use This Data to Refine Your Link-Building Strategy

Action	How It Helps	Tips
Set Realistic Budget Expectations	Understand the average cost of different backlink types to allocate your budget effectively.	Factor in quality, niche, and additional costs (content creation, outreach).
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity	Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites rather than chasing cheap, low-quality links.	Look for websites with high domain authority, relevant content, and a good reputation.
Identify Cost-Effective Strategies	Compare the cost and effectiveness of different link building tactics (guest posting, outreach, etc.) to choose the best options for your budget.	Consider your niche, target audience, and available resources.
Negotiate	Use pricing data as leverage to negotiate better deals with vendors and agencies.	Be prepared to walk away if the price is too high.
Track ROI	Measure the impact of your backlink investments on your website’s traffic, rankings, and conversions.	Use analytics tools to track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
Stay Updated on Trends	Keep up with the latest pricing trends and insights to adapt your strategy as needed.	Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow SEO blogs, and attend relevant conferences.
Diversify Your Link Profile	Don’t rely on a single type of backlink. Mix up your sources to create a natural-looking link profile.	Combine guest posts, outreach, niche edits, and other link building tactics.
Focus on Long-Term Value	Invest in high-quality backlinks that offer long-term SEO benefits rather than quick wins.	Building a strong link profile takes time and effort.
Be Wary of Scams	Avoid suspiciously cheap backlinks, as they may be low quality or from spammy websites.	Research vendors and agencies carefully before working with them.
Leverage AI-Powered Tools	Use AI to identify link opportunities, assess quality, and automate outreach for greater efficiency.	Research and choose the right tools for your needs and budget.
Consider Marketplace Options	If you’re unsure how to refine your link-building strategy, seek guidance from experienced SEO professionals.	Research vendors, compare prices, and read reviews before making a purchase.
Consult with Experts	Combine guest posts, outreach, niche edits, and other link-building tactics.	They can help you create a customized plan that meets your specific needs and budget.
Use Data from Fatrank’s Backlink Costs Survey	The survey provides valuable insights into average backlink costs in 2024, which can inform your budget and strategy.	Compare your findings with the survey data to identify areas for improvement.

Focus on High-Value Links

Now that you know the average costs of backlinks in major industries, you can determine which links provide the biggest bang for your buck. For example, if guest blogging and roundups are pricey, concentrate your efforts on securing links from industry influencers and resource pages instead. These high-quality backlinks can drive referral traffic and boost your domain authority, even if there are fewer of them.

Negotiate the Best Deals

Armed with real-world pricing data, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate affordable backlink opportunities. Don’t be afraid to push back on unrealistic prices and suggest a lower rate that’s more in line with the figures in this survey. Many site owners are open to negotiation, especially if you can bring them referral traffic and high-quality content in exchange for the link.

Diversify Your Link Portfolio

A good link-building strategy incorporates a variety of link types at different price points. While high-value links should make up the bulk of your portfolio, don’t overlook more affordable options like blog comments, web mentions, and directory submissions. These links, though of lower quality, can still positively impact your search rankings, especially in large volumes. Aim for a mix of 70% high-value links and 30% lower-cost links for the best results.

Track the Impact of New Links

The only way to determine if your link building efforts are effective is through ongoing monitoring and tracking. Regularly check your rankings and traffic numbers in the Search Console to see if new links are driving improvements. Look for correlations between links obtained and upward trends in your rankings or organic traffic. If certain links don’t seem to be moving the needle, you may want to pursue different opportunities going forward. Tracking the impact of your links will help refine your link-building strategy over time.

Continuously optimizing your approach based on the latest data and insights is key to an effective link-building campaign. Use the pricing information in this survey as a starting point, but also consider your own experiences to determine the best strategy for your needs. With regular refinement, you’ll build a high-quality backlink portfolio and achieve top rankings in the search results.

Backlink Costs Survey FAQs

Does this help provide some insights into backlink pricing and how to factor costs into your SEO strategy? Let me know if you have any other questions!

Conclusion

So there you have it – the latest backlink pricing insights for 2024 based on Fatrank’s comprehensive industry survey. While costs continue to rise across the board, there are still quality link-building tactics you can utilize without breaking the bank.

Just remember to focus on building natural links that readers actually want to click, rather than artificial links solely to manipulate search rankings. Quality over quantity is the name of the game. Leverage your content and outreach efforts to organically earn valuable backlinks, supplementing paid options only where it makes strategic sense. With the right mix of white hat tactics, you can still build high-authority backlinks and rank well in 2024 even on a budget. Just stay savvy in your link-building approach.