Building backlinks is important to optimize SEO. Effective backlink building helps make a website visible to search engines. But the question is, how should you build backlinks? There are two popular ways. The first option is using a guest post service. The other is doing manual outreach.
Both are intended to get backlinks for your website. However, their work is different. One gives you ready-made solutions, while the other requires time and effort. The confusion is about which one is better.
In this article, we will discuss both methods and how they work. This will help you decide which method to use for your website.
What Is a Guest Post Service?
A guest post service is a paid service. You pay someone to write up some content with your backlink attached to another site. These websites will have good traffic and authority.
There is no need for you to write content yourself. You do not have to contact websites, either. The service provider handles everything. Thus, many website owners choose this option.
All you have to do is give the link of your website and targeted keywords. After that, the service provider writes the content, including the link to your website and then posts it on a high-authority website. These services often claim to deliver the results faster. Most of them deliver backlinks within 7 to 14 days.
What Is Manual Outreach?
Manual outreach is where you do everything yourself. You search for websites. You check if they accept guest posts. Not only that, but you then go on to contact them one by one. You have to send emails, must explain who you are and your offer. This process can be time-consuming, which is why many businesses turn to a SaaS link building agency to streamline outreach, secure high-quality placements, and scale their backlink efforts more efficiently.
Once they give their consent, you can write the post. They review your post, then publish it with your link. Manual outreach takes time. You can send 50 emails and only get 5 replies.
Only 2 or 3 of them may agree to publish your post. However, this allows you full control. You choose where to send your link and simultaneously build real partnerships.
Comparing the Two Methods
Having a look at both options side-by-side will make it easier to determine which one is better.
1. Time and Effort
Guest post services save time. You don’t have to write or send emails. You just place an order, and you’re done.
Manual outreach requires effort. You must find websites, send many emails and write your own posts.
Guest post services are easier if you do not have time. Manual outreach, however, is better if you want more control.
2. Cost
Guest post services charge for each link. Prices vary according to the website’s quality, starting from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per post. If you do everything yourself, manual outreach is cheaper. But it takes more time.
The cost will accumulate if you hire a writer or a virtual assistant. Both methods can actually be the same in the long run. How much work you do yourself is a factor.
3. Link Quality
Guest post services sometimes use Private Blog Networks (PBNs). These sites may look real, but they are made just for link building. Search engines do not like PBNs. Manual outreach gives better link quality. You reach out to real websites. These sites usually have real traffic and followers.
Link building statistics highlight how tough it is to earn quality links—As per Ahrefs, 66.5% of all pages have zero backlinks. Getting just a few good-quality links matters a lot. For this reason, link quality is more important than link quantity. Manual outreach will result in safe and trustworthy backlinks.
4. Success Rate
Guaranteed links are offered through guest post services. There is always a link, considering that it’s paid. Getting manual outreach does not guarantee anything. Some people may not reply. Some may say no.
Generally speaking, manual outreach has an average success rate of 8-10%. It means that you will send 100 emails, and only 8 to 10 may convert. However, those 8 links can be strong 8 links. If they come from top blogs, they have more weight.
Why People Choose Guest Post Services?
Some businesses and SEO agencies use guest post services because they save time. Additionally, they do not have to go through the pain of rejection. The links are delivered fast, allowing them to concentrate on other parts of the SEO.An SEO expert can help evaluate which guest post opportunities will actually benefit your site’s authority.
Guest post services also provide a long list of websites. You can select a website in terms of domain authority, traffic or niche. Many of them even give you a report with the backlink, anchor text, and live URL. This process is very smooth.
Guest posting is used by over 60% of blogs, as they write up to 5 guest posts per month to increase their website’s position. This indicates how widespread it has become. But the quality can vary. Some services use poor websites. This can harm your SEO over time.
Why Manual Outreach Still Works Better
Manual outreach still wins in terms of trust. If you talk to website owners yourself, you are being treated seriously. They know you are not buying links. You are offering value.
This builds relationships. In fact, you may be invited to write again in the future. Some sites share your post on social media, which gives it more visibility.
Additionally, you can check each site manually. This will help you get rid of low-quality or spam blogs. The search engine now looks primarily at link quality instead of quantity, making manual outreach safer.
Which One Actually Works Better?
If we talk only about results, both methods work. But the key is how you use them. Guest post services work well when:
- You choose trusted providers.
- You check the quality of each site before ordering.
- You use them for less important pages.
Manual outreach works better when:
- You want long-term SEO results.
- You care about quality more than quantity.
- You want to build brand authority.
Manual outreach is more effective. It builds stronger links and your personal network. But it is not easy. It takes time and effort, and if you are just starting out, you may find it hard.
That is why some people mix both methods. They use services for quick wins. And they do outreach for strong, long-term results.
How to Do Manual Outreach the Right Way
If you choose manual outreach, do it properly. Here’s how:
- Find websites that match your niche. Check if they publish guest posts.
- Read 2–3 of their articles. Understand their tone and topics.
- Send a short email. Keep it personal. Do not use templates.
- Offer 2 or 3 headline ideas. Make sure they are unique.
- Write good content. Follow their style.
- Add your link naturally inside the content.
Do not push for a backlink. Focus on value. If the post is useful, most websites will allow your link.
Final Thoughts
Guest post services are very fast and easy. This is helpful if you do not have time and want quick backlinks. However, in this case, you have to check the quality.
Manual outreach is slow but strong. It delivers trusted links that will eventually help you grow. For best results, combine both. Small growth can be achieved using guest post service, but strong growth means using manual outreach.
Link building is not just about links; it is about building your brand. Choose the method that fits your goal, but never take shortcuts. Your SEO depends on it.
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