Link building
Backlink prices: what makes them vary
Why two links do not cost the same, what pushes the price of a backlink up or down and how to judge whether a price is fair.
The price of a backlink can vary enormously. The difference is not always justified, but it usually rests on a few simple criteria. Knowing them helps you compare and avoid overpaying.
The criteria behind the price
The strength of the site
A site that gets a lot of traffic from Google, ranks for many keywords and has solid links (Trust Flow, Domain Authority, referring domains) costs more. That makes sense: it is also what gives the link its value. See the 8 criteria for choosing a site.
The topic
Some industries are more in demand and more competitive: finance, insurance, health, gaming, real estate. Sites in these topics are often more expensive because advertisers are ready to invest more there.
Language and country
Prices vary by market. A site in a language where quality sites are rare can cost more than an equivalent site in a more common language.
The link format
- Sponsored article: the basic format, with a link in a new article. See how to buy it right.
- Link insertion: a link added to an existing article, often already indexed and sometimes already ranking.
- Footer or homepage link: a brand link visible across the site, often rented by the year. See when it is useful.
Number of links and writing
An article with a single link to you remains the norm. Extra links in the same article usually cost more. Writing may be included or charged separately depending on the platform.
Guarantee period
A link that disappears after a few months is not worth the same as a link guaranteed for several years. Always compare the guaranteed duration, not just the price.
What should not drive the price
- Chains of middlemen: when a link goes through several resellers, each one adds a margin without adding value.
- A single inflated metric: a site with high authority but no traffic and no keywords does not deserve a high price.
How to judge whether a price is fair
- Compare sites with the same topic, the same language and a similar level of traffic.
- Look at the cost against the real strength of the site, not just one metric.
- Check what is included: writing, number of links, publication time, guarantee.
- Be wary of very low prices on sites with very high metrics: there is often a problem.
Transparency first
On RankoPress, the price of every site (excluding VAT) is shown before you sign up, next to its metrics. A sponsored article includes one dofollow link, writing is available, publication is instant on 80% of the sites and every link is guaranteed for 3 years.
Frequently asked questions
Is an expensive backlink always better?
No. The price should match the real strength of the site: traffic, keywords, link quality and topic. Always compare several equivalent sites.
Is one expensive link better than several cheaper ones?
It depends on your goal. A balance between a few strong sites and more specialised ones often gives a more natural profile.
Does the price include writing?
It depends on the platform. Always check what is included before ordering.
Keep reading
Link building: a guide to getting started What link building is, why links still weigh in rankings and how to build a clean strategy, step by step. Sponsored articles: how to buy them the right way What a sponsored article is, what it should contain, how to choose the publishing site and what to check after publication. How to choose a site for a backlink: 8 criteria Topic, traffic, keywords, Trust Flow, authority, referring domains, outbound links, indexing - what to check before buying a link.