How Much Does a Backlink Cost?
The honest answer: it depends entirely on the tactic. Directory submission runs about $1 per link at scale; guest posts and niche edits run far higher. Here's the real breakdown.
What you get
per directory link at our Starter/Elite tiers
typical niche edit or guest post cost per link
guest posts on higher-authority publications
if you do directory submission yourself with our free tools
How it works
- 1
Cheapest: directory submission
Free if DIY, or roughly $1/link at our paid tiers — the most predictable cost per link.
- 2
Mid-range: guest posts
$50-1,500+ per placement depending on the host site's authority, plus content-writing time or cost.
- 3
Avoid: PBNs and cheap link farms
Low per-link cost but carries real penalty risk — see our PBN backlinks page for why.
- 4
Budget accordingly
Mix tactics: directory submission for volume and baseline DR, guest posts/PR for targeted authority.
Pricing
One-time, per project. No monthly retainer.
Starter
Submission to 100+ directories
- Submission to 100+ directories
- Handpicked, relevant listings
- Detailed submission report
- Email support
Pro
Submission to 200+ directories
- Submission to 200+ directories
- Everything in Starter
- Priority email support
- 15% discount on paid listings
Elite
Submission to 300+ directories
- Submission to 300+ directories
- Everything in Pro
- Priority email support
- 27% discount on paid listings
“Day 1 — no backlinks. Day 30 — 400 backlinks. Amazing tool, got 3 customers. Made back what I paid for and then some.”
Vikram Kumar — Associate Software Engineer, TechScale Solutions
Frequently asked questions
Related pages
Guides, tools & comparisons
Factors Influencing Link-Building Costs
Link-building prices vary based on backlink quality, acquisition methods, industry competitiveness, and volume. High-quality links from authoritative sites cost more ($200-$2,000+) but deliver better results than cheaper options that risk Google penalties.
Submission Cost Calculator
See what submitting to directories yourself really costs — in hours and dollars.
Directory submission service vs DIY software
Should you pay a done-for-you directory submission service or buy DIY submission software? Compare quality, time, rejection rates and cost side by side.