Choosing a SaaS link-building agency can be quite challenging. You can’t just go for the first one that promises results. You should look for an agency that not only knows their stuff, but can actually fit your growth stage, goals, and budget, because what works for a startup won’t work for a scale-up — and vice versa.
In this guide, we will show you how to choose the right link-building partner for your SaaS business. Armed with these tips, you’ll avoid many costly mistakes and find a reliable partner who will help improve your SEO efforts without wasting precious time.
Start by Understanding Where Your SaaS Is Now
Before you even start Googling agencies or asking for referrals, take the time to figure out exactly where your SaaS business stands right now. Your growth stage determines the kind of SaaS link-building services you should be looking for. Different stages call for different strategies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Are You Just Launching and Need Brand Visibility?
If you’re still in the early days—maybe you’ve just launched your product or are about to—your biggest need is to get your name out there. You shouldn’t be chasing DR90 backlinks right away (even if that sounds nice). What you need first is visibility: mentions, niche placements, and building a bit of trust.
At this stage, look for an agency that can help you get published on niche blogs, early-stage startup communities, and sites that your target customers read. You want foundational links—ones that slowly boost your domain rating and help search engines notice you.
Are You Growing and Want Better Rankings?
If you’ve been around for a while and you’re starting to see your traffic trickle in, you’re ready to level up. Now it’s not just about visibility anymore. You want stronger links that help you rank high in SERPs.
A good agency at this point will focus on higher authority sites in your industry and help you earn backlinks to key landing pages, comparison posts, and product features.
Or Are You Established and Aiming for High-Authority Links Only?
If your brand has already made a name for itself in the market, your link strategy should be laser-focused. This is the “quality over quantity” phase.
You don’t need a bunch of random links anymore. At this stage, your goal is to secure top-tier placements on industry-leading blogs, news outlets, and sites that Google views as credible and trustworthy. You also want an agency that understands thought leadership and can position your team as industry experts.
What to Look for in a Link-Building Agency
Now that you’ve figured out where your business stands, let’s talk about how to choose a SaaS link-building agency that fits the bill. And, before you ask it, it’s not just about price or promises.
Experience With SaaS Companies
First off, make sure they have real SaaS experience. Link-building for SaaS is a whole different beast compared to eCommerce or B2C. The agency should understand your customer journey, how your product is sold, and how content drives the pipeline.
Ask to see case studies from other SaaS clients. If all they’ve done is dental offices and lifestyle blogs, keep looking.
Real Websites With Traffic – Not Link Farms
Here’s a big red flag: if all their backlinks come from sites you’ve never heard of—and those sites get little to no traffic—they’re likely using link farms. These sites are made just to sell links, and Google spots them very quickly.
You want links from real websites with actual visitors. Ideally, those visitors would include your potential customers.
Clear Communication and Link Approval
Don’t settle for a black-box approach. You should know what kind of sites they’re targeting, how they’re getting links, and whether you can approve them before they are published.
Some agencies keep clients in the dark until the monthly report comes in. That’s not good enough. Look for clear processes, open communication, and a shared strategy.
No Shady Promises Like “100 DR90 Links in a Week”
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Any agency promising 50 or 100 high-DR links in a week is either stretching the truth or using spammy tactics that could hurt you in the long run.
Real link-building takes time. Trust the agencies that are upfront about that.
How Budget Affects Your Options
Let’s be real, budget plays a big role in your choice. Here’s what to expect at different price points.
$1,000–$3,000/month — Entry-Level, Slower Pace
If you’re working on a budget, you’ll get fewer links per month, and they’ll likely be from smaller sites. This is fine if you’re just starting out and need to build a base. Don’t expect strategy, content, and outreach to come together at this level. You may need to be hands-on, helping with content or approving opportunities.
$3,000–$6,000/month — Stable Growth, Mid-Tier Placements
This is the sweet spot for many growing SaaS companies. You’ll get consistent links, better placements, and maybe some strategy support too.
You can expect a mix of niche sites, business publications, and some mid-level authority domains. The agency should handle outreach, content, and approvals, giving you more time to focus on growth.
$6,000+ — Faster Scaling, Better Sites, Strategy Support
If you’ve got the budget, you’re in the fast lane. Agencies working with budgets of $6,000+ can help you scale link-building efforts, land placements on major websites, and align link-building with your broader content and SEO strategy.
You might get dedicated account managers, custom dashboards, and even co-branded content or PR-level outreach.
Test Before You Commit Long-Term
Before signing a 6- or 12-month contract, test the waters. See if the agency offers a 1- to 2-month trial or a small initial project. This will help you understand how the team communicates, what sites they use to land links on, and whether their strategy actually makes sense for your brand.
Final Tip — Choose for the Stage You’re In, Not the One You Hope For
It’s tempting to plan big and go for an agency that promises fast results, especially if you’re dreaming of becoming the next big player in your niche. However, the best move is to choose an agency that fits where you are right now.
If you’re a startup, stick to the basics. If you’re growing, invest in strategy. And if you’re a well-established brand, go for premium, top-tier links to boost your industry exposure.
Skipping steps can backfire — both financially and SEO-wise. Build your authority right, and the rankings will follow.