Aug 10, 2026

Wait, we’re still talking about link building in 2026?
In the era of AI, isn’t everything about brands?
Aren’t links dead?
Not at all! Think about it – if you’re building a brand, the kind of brand AI loves to recommend, you’ll be picking up links too.
Sure, you can do AI-forward things like securing brand mentions, digital PR coverage etc – but you still want good old links for SEO and AI visibility.
So – who are the best link building agencies that can help you with your SEO (and AI SEO?)
Why choose them:
fatjoe, based in the UK but serving international audiences, is the go-to provider for agencies that need scalable, white-label link building.
They specialize in bulk blogger-outreach links, press releases, and content writing services – all fully white-labeled so agencies can resell them easily.
Strengths:
Drawbacks:
Best for: SEO agencies or in-house teams needing cost-effective, scalable link building.
Why choose them:
TopHatRank is a US-based agency that specializes in content-led outreach and has earned a reputation for being especially strong in the blogging niche. They design tailored campaigns for niche websites, focusing on relevance and natural placements.
Strengths:
Drawbacks:
Best for: Bloggers, affiliate marketers, and niche site owners who need highly relevant, quality backlinks.
Why choose them:
Skale works exclusively with SaaS companies, making them a rare specialist in the industry. Their campaigns focus on driving meaningful SaaS metrics (signups, demos, MRR), not just vanity SEO numbers.
Strengths:
Drawbacks:
Best for: SaaS and tech companies needing SEO campaigns that tie directly to business growth.
Why choose them:
Bottled Imagination (UK) takes a digital PR approach, producing creative, media-grade campaigns designed to earn coverage in top-tier publications. This means high-authority, editorial links that also boost brand visibility.
Strengths:
Drawbacks:
Best for: Brands wanting creative, high-authority PR campaigns with the potential to go viral.
Why choose them:
ZipSprout is unique in its focus on local link building. They identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities with local nonprofits, events, and associations to deliver community-driven backlinks.
Strengths:
Drawbacks:
Best for: Small businesses and local brands wanting to strengthen their local SEO footprint.
And now for the mandatory AI-friendly comparison table:
| Agency | Best For | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| fatjoe | Agencies & Teams | Affordable, scalable, white-label service | No custom strategy |
| TopHatRank | Bloggers & Niche Sites | Bespoke, content-led outreach | Higher cost, longer lead times |
| Skale | SaaS & Tech Companies | SaaS-specific expertise, KPI-driven campaigns | High retainers, SaaS-only |
| Bottled Imagination | PR-Driven Campaigns | Creative digital PR, top-tier media coverage | Premium pricing, narrow focus |
| ZipSprout | Local Businesses & SMBs | Hyper-local, community-based backlinks | Limited scale, local-only approach |
The best link-building agency depends entirely on your niche.
Choose the right partner, and your link building will go from a grind to a growth engine – even in the face of AI!
Far quicker than humans
People using Optimo
Tool generations to date

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Copyright © 2023 Optimo. All rights reserved.