More people across the UK are choosing freelancing as a way to take control of their income, time, and career. As of May 2025, there are now over 2 million freelancers working in the UK, which is showing a clear shift towards independent work and self-employment. To put it into perspective, freelancers represent almost half the entire solo self-employed population. Ultimately, the freedom of freelancing comes with the responsibility to build a strong digital presence. In a crowded online marketplace, you want to get noticed to boost your earning potential.
Freelancers need to master their own marketing to stand out. That means defining your audience, showing up consistently on social media, producing valuable content, and using web analytics to constantly improve your results. You are the brand, the marketer, and the strategist.
But being active online isn’t enough on its own. You also need to understand how to make yourself visible and build your brand authority, in other words, how to beat the many digital algorithms that control what people see.
Here are 5 link-building services that help you beat the algorithm.
The Algorithms Shaping Your Digital Presence
Online visibility isn’t random. It is controlled by algorithms that decide who gets seen, when, and by whom. To make matters worse, these algorithms are different from one platform to another.
On social media, the systems are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. For example, the TikTok algorithm rewards watch time, consistent posting, and content that sparks engagement. Meta’s algorithms across Facebook and Instagram prioritise posts that trigger shares and conversations. The YouTube algorithm pushes videos that retain viewers and encourage them to keep watching more on the platform. They all sound similar, but user behaviour is different between platforms.
While social media platforms can help you build awareness and grow your audience, they have one thing in common: They are not search engines. Clients may also search for your services on Google. So you also want to target Google’s algorithm.
To appear in search results, you need signals of authority. Regularly updated and relevant content is one. But nothing beats strategic link building, and that’s where partnering with specialist agencies can make a difference.
#1 fatjoe – Link Building Excellence for Freelancers
The agency fatjoe stands out as the top link-building service for freelancers, thanks to its affordable pricing, ease of use, and flexible, no-contract approach. On top of it, services are designed to support businesses of all sizes, and it’s ideal for solo professionals who need reliable SEO without being able to commit ot monthly retainers.
You can order exactly what you need and when you need it, which is a perfect option for many freelancers managing fluctuating budgets.
The Blogger Outreach service remains one of the favourites, with lower-DR placements beginning at just £60, and prices increase for higher-authority options. For freelancers, this allows you to start small and scale at your own pace when you are comfortable investing more.
Worth noting: fatjoe also has niche edits, content writing services, and press releases.
Right now, freelancers want to make the most of the only sales of the year, the SEO Black Friday deal, which gives 20% off existing wholesale pricing for the first 2,000 orders. So, if you are working on a tight margin, this limited-time saving is a great opportunity to secure high-quality backlinks at a lower cost.
Pros:
- No contract
- Choose your links DR
- Great link relevancy
- Fast turnaround
- Dependable support team
- 4.7 on Trustpilot
Cons:
- No personalised SEO strategy included
- No consultation before ordering
#2. LinkDoctor.io – Good for Credibility-Boosting Link-Building
LinkDoctor.io is the go-to choice for freelancers who need high-quality, niche-relevant link-building placements, such as consultants, specialist service providers, coaches, etc. LinkDoctor.io focuses on manual outreach on reputable sites that match your industry sector, so there are no bulk link packages.
Pricing typically will start around £250/300 per month for smaller campaigns. This is a premium option compared to some entry-level services, but the quality and relevance of the link can make it a suitable choice for many freelancers. Here, the priority is to build brand and expert authority.
Pros:
- High-quality, manual outreach for links
- Strong niche relevance for authority building
- Clear reporting
- 4.6 on Trustpilot
Cons:
- Higher starting budget
- Slower turnaround times
#3. Rhino Rank – Best for Affordable Visual Links
This is a fantastic mid-range option for those who want reliable, natural link placements without spending a large sum every month. Rhino Rank secures links that blend seamlessly into existing content or through guest posts. If you want quality without the high-level personalisation of premium agencies, this is the right call.
It’s worth mentioning that links are attractively priced, usually starting around £45-50 per link, where each link is placed within a relevant, existing article. Guest post prices vary depending on the site’s authority, but they remain accessible for freelancers.
Rhino Rank also offers visual links, which provide backlinks through images.
Pros:
- Visual links
- Affordable entry pricing
- Flexible options for link-building
- 4.6 on Trustpilot
Cons:
- Less personalised outreach services than some
- Reviews are mixed about link relevance
#4. The HOTH – Good Starter Packages for Freelancers
This agency is a popular choice for those who want simple, beginner-friendly SEO packages. The HOTH delivers a mix of services, including some fully managed campaigns and SEO bundles, which makes it a helpful point of contact for freelancers.
Budget-wise, you can expect guest post links to start around £50-£80 per link, depending on the authority you pick. The bundled packages combine link-building with content creation for added momentum.
Pros:
- Helpful SEO bundles
- Educational resources available
- Good digital marketing service replacement
- 4.6 on Trustpilot
Cons:
- Less control over placements
- Link quality varies deeply
#5. Legiit – Low-Budget Link-Building Marketplace
If you need budget-friendly, Legit is a marketplace where you can choose your seller based on your criteria, including price. The downside is that you will need to compare different sellers and pick the best suited for your needs; you can skip the research step, but this is at your own risk.
You can find basic link-building services from as low as £15, but a more reputable and niche-specific placement will be around £50-£120. So, while it’s easy to spend small, you may want to make smart (and more expensive) choices to get a real return.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly options
- Ideal for small orders
- Wide variety of niches and link placements
- 4.3
Cons:
- Sellers quality varies
- You need to pre-vet providers yourself
Verdict
There’s no denying that link-building is a crucial part of placing your freelancing business ahead in the SERPs, and all these brands deliver great results on it. It’s worth comparing each brand against your priorities and budget to make the best pick for you.
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