Is link building really complicated and expensive?
Some platforms offer backlinks at exorbitant prices, while others lack transparency or relevance.
Linkuma stands out in this landscape by offering quality links at affordable rates, with a simple operation and an accessible team. I wanted to test this service thoroughly to see what it really has to offer. Here is my detailed, unfiltered, and honest opinion.
This article is for both curious beginners and experienced SEO professionals. Here you will find a summary of my experience, strategic advice, and a frank perspective on the positive aspects, without overlooking a few weaknesses.
The goal: to help you know if this link building platform can fit your SEO strategy, whether you have a tight budget or a more ambitious link building plan.
(Warning: Long article of about 3000 words, so take a deep breath, and if you don’t have time, feel free to check out their offer by clicking directly on the button below!)
Introduction to Linkuma
This platform was launched in November 2022 and has already made a name for itself in the SEO field. Why? Because the prices start at €7 excluding tax, which is quite rare for a sponsored backlink.
It features a catalog (of about 1,200 exclusive sites) spread across a dozen themes. You can filter according to your needs: animals, cooking, finance, home, health, sports, etc.
The offers
- Starter (€7 excluding tax)
- Backlink on a generalist site
- Article of at least 300 words, including writing
- Guaranteed indexing in 21 days (or publication of another article as a bonus)
- Linkuma (€10 excluding tax)
- Link on a more themed site
- Article of at least 450 words
- Writing included in the price
- Boost (€30 excluding tax)
- Sites with more robust metrics (CF, TF, DA acceptable)
- Article of at least 500 words
- Ideal if you are targeting a strategic page of your site
The service includes writing, so you do not need to prepare the article yourself. The length of the content depends on the package chosen. I was able to check the editorial quality: it’s not literary style, but it’s correct, without major errors, and the team strives to incorporate relevant keywords when we indicate them.
Interface and ergonomics
From the registration, I found the interface simple. You access a dashboard with an overview of your orders. I appreciate the clarity, as each order displays the status (in writing, in validation, published).
You can also filter by project (useful when managing multiple sites). You don’t need to be a digital pro to find your way around; everything is clearly indicated.
Support and advice
Linkuma aims to be human. The team responds quickly to questions. I was able to discuss my doubts regarding anchor choice, and I received constructive feedback.
I even tested full delegation, where Linkuma manages an entire campaign (selection of sites, organization of publications). This option will appeal to those who lack time or in-depth knowledge.
My first steps (field test)
I started gently:
- Two Starter links (€7 each) for a small secondary blog.
- One Linkuma link (€10) for a more serious niche site.
In just a few clicks, I chose the theme close to my topic (I was able to compare the Trust Flow, Domain Authority, etc. stats for several spots).
Linkuma does not immediately give you the precise URL of the site, but you can see the key metrics before paying, which is reassuring. I placed the order, indicated a few instructions (anchor, writing angle, etc.), and then waited for publication.
Result:
- The two Starter links arrived in about 48 hours. The article is 300-350 words, neat, with a small introduction, a few paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- The Linkuma link (€10) took one more day because I requested a more complex anchor and a specific angle. The 450-word article was decent, subtly mentioning my site without excessive self-promotion.
Guaranteed indexing
I like the idea of guaranteed indexing within 21 days. If Google does not index the page, Linkuma publishes a second article without removing the previous one.
In my case, the links were indexed within about ten days, visible via Google Search Console. No issues at this level.
Relevance of sites
For the Starter package, these are generalist sites. We do not expect a lot of traffic or national press. In a quick test with Ahrefs, I noticed that one of the sites has a DR (Domain Rating) around 10, and the other a DR of 15.
It’s not huge, but for €7, it’s coherent. The Linkuma link (€10) points to a more niche blog, DR around 20, TF 15. It’s still modest, but the authority is not bad for such a price. I’ve seen worse elsewhere for much more.
Possible strategies with Linkuma
1) Diversifying your link profile
Link building relies on variety. We do not want only large media; we also need medium or even smaller sites to appear natural.
And we can say they fulfill this role at an affordable price. You can inject several links per month in different themes to strengthen your SEO web.
2) Testing varied anchors
Since you can easily order one or more links, you can work on:
- Brand anchors (e.g., “BrandName”)
- URL anchors (e.g., “https://mysite.com”)
- Exact or partial anchors (e.g., “leather shoes”)
Since they allow you to specify the desired anchor, it’s best to do so. But it’s better to play cautiously, using 1 or 2 exact anchors for every 5 or 6 brand or generic links. The final ratio depends on your overall strategy.
3) Boosting a particular page
You can decide to send a Boost link (€30) to your most important page. The article will be longer (500 words), and the site will often have a higher TF or DA.
This saves you from investing €100 or €200 for a backlink on major media. However, don’t expect to reach a site like “Le Monde.” We remain in the intermediate sphere, which can already suffice for progressive link building.
4) Coupling Linkuma with other platforms
We sometimes read that multiplying the same network is not ideal. Linkuma already has its 1,200 exclusive sites, but nothing prevents you from diversifying by ordering from elsewhere too.
The advantage is that they remain cheaper than most competitors. It’s interesting to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
What results to expect?
SEO does not happen overnight. Your €7 links will not instantly propel you to the first page.
But by accumulating coherent backlinks over several months, we can observe an increase in visibility. I’ve measured a few positive signals within 2 to 3 weeks:
- Secondary site (small blog): +4 to +5 positions on a competitive keyword (we started from page 3).
- Niche site: slight increase in organic traffic (about twenty additional visitors per week).
Nothing extraordinary, but it’s already something, especially for such a modest investment. In the long term, we’ll see if progress continues.
✅ Major advantages
- Attractive prices: €7 for a backlink, still one of the most accessible offers on the market.
- Indexing guarantee: reassuring, you don’t waste your money on an unindexed page.
- Writing included: saves time if you don’t want to write yourself.
- User-friendly interface: quick grasp, easy ordering.
- Human support: you get concrete feedback, more appreciated than automated responses.
⚠️ Small limitations to know
- No very large sites: Linkuma does not host ultra-prestigious spots (press, essential magazines).
- Catalog smaller than some older platforms: 1,200 sites is already good, but you may encounter limits in ultra-specific niches.
- Basic sponsored articles: the writing is decent but not extraordinary. For ultra SEO articles, you may need to refine it.
Nonetheless, these limitations do not detract from the platform’s interest for normal use. If you are looking for local link building, it’s perfect. If you aim for hyper-premium backlinks, you will need to look to other, more expensive networks.
To summarize
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Details on the Boost offer
Some ask me if the Boost offer (€30) is really worth it. It all depends on your need. Linkuma selects a site with higher metrics (sometimes a TF around 25-35, a DA > 20).
It’s superior to the standard Starter or Linkuma offers, which often limit themselves to more modest blogs. The article is over 500 words long, allowing for a more natural link insertion.
I tried the Boost offer to boost (justly) the main product page of an e-commerce business. The article was published on a themed blog about decor and craftsmanship.
I found the tone of the article quite correct, with an anchored link on a main keyword. The blog itself does not display massive traffic (based on my estimates), but it is well positioned in a niche.
I observe a slight progression of the e-commerce page for medium-competitive queries.
It’s not a “miracle” backlink. However, combined with other SEO actions, it provides an additional block. At €30 per block, it’s quite reasonable. You can afford to focus on 2 or 3 key pages of your site without blowing your budget.
Feedback on indexing
They often mention that they cover indexing. In my case, I checked the GSC:
- The Starter articles indexed in 8 and 10 days.
- The Linkuma article (€10) took 9 days.
- The Boost article 12 days.
Nothing abnormal; Google sometimes takes its time. I didn’t need to request the second free article.
In other tests, some reported that their page took time to index, and they were indeed offered a bonus article. So the promise is kept.
Differences with other platforms
I have used several competing platforms. Some offer links starting from €15 or €20. Others start at €5 but impose very short articles or suspicious sites.
Linkuma is in my opinion a good price balance. There is a certain professionalism, a guaranteed indexing, and a sufficient panel of correct sites without paying an arm and a leg.
Practical scenarios
1) Small personal blog
Tight budget: €20 per month.
- I take 2 Starter links (€14) and possibly one Linkuma (€10) every other month.
- I vary the anchor (one brand anchor, one URL anchor, one partial anchor).
- I space the orders (one link every two weeks).
With this plan, we inject juice regularly. We do not obtain premium backlinks, but it’s better than nothing, and it remains natural.
2) Rapidly expanding e-commerce site
More comfortable SEO budget (€100 per month).
- I take 5-6 Linkuma links (€10) to cover various pages (categories, important products).
- I sometimes slip in 1 Boost link (€30) for the homepage or the pillar category.
- I note my positions on a spreadsheet before and after publication (using a rank tracking tool).
After 3 months, I see if there is an improvement. If yes, I continue. If not, I adjust the anchors or supplement with other formulas (guest blogging, other platforms).
3) SEO agency managing 10 clients
Need for volume, time savings:
- Linkuma offers delegated management. The agency can brief the team on anchor and target pages.
- The “cheap” aspect allows charging more accessible link building packages to clients or creating an interesting margin.
- With 10 clients, you can order 50 links per month, including 5 or 10 in Boost.
The platform then reports the progress of publication. The agency quietly tracks its performance while managing other aspects (on-site content writing, etc.).
The importance of a solid brief
Writing is included, which is relieving. But you still need to provide some guidelines to get a coherent article. I suggest specifying:
- The theme: mention the lexical field that corresponds to your site (e.g., “women’s fashion,” “sports nutrition,” etc.).
- The desired anchor: if you do not specify anything, Linkuma will insert a link on a sometimes generic keyword.
- The style: a neutral tone, an informative or promotional angle.
This avoids having to reread an article that talks about your site in too vague a manner or veers into an unrelated subject.
Feedback on the editorial quality
I did not expect a goldsmith’s work. At €7 or €10, you don’t get a high-end copywriter. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised. The texts are sufficiently correct to appear natural.
Some catchy phrases, a body of text divided into paragraphs, a neutral tone. The spelling is generally clean, even though I sometimes noticed small awkward turns of phrase.
Some feedback from other users
I discussed with other SEOs who also tested. The overall opinion remains positive. We keep seeing the same comments:
- “Very good for regularly feeding links.”
- “The support is accessible and responsive.”
- “No ultra-heavy sites, but a satisfactory quality-price ratio.”
- “Ideal for progressive and adaptable link building.”
No one is shouting “miracle,” but no one is complaining about a scam either. There’s a consensus: it works well in a linking strategy, especially if you don’t have a huge budget.
Measuring long-term effectiveness
Link building requires patience. I usually track my positions using a dedicated tool (Rank Tracker or others). I’ve noted the progress:
- After 1 month: indexing confirmed, a few positions gained, nothing revolutionary.
- After 2-3 months: an important keyword moved from 28th to 15th place. Others gained 2-3 places.
It’s quite encouraging. I’ve also implemented optimized on-site content and created some semantic clusters. The backlinks act as a complement. I believe that if you have a healthy site, a reasonable anchor/brand ratio, you can consolidate your SEO without breaking the bank.
Tips to fully benefit from Linkuma
- Plan over time: order 1 or 2 links per week, rather than 10 at once. Link building should seem progressive.
- Mix Starter and Linkuma: do not limit yourself to the Starter package, otherwise you risk accumulating too many basic sites. Add some more themed links.
- Slip in a Boost from time to time: target your strong pages, hoping for a better SEO impact.
- Vary your anchors: include naked URLs, brand, generic (e.g., “more info”), and some targeted anchors.
- Analyze the stats: check if the site hosting you has at least some traffic or SEO signals (TF, CF, DA). Linkuma provides this data.
- Prioritize sites related to your theme: better to have a cooking blog if you sell utensils, for example.
Global vision, a useful tool for progressive link building
Linkuma fits well into my workflow. I consider it an ally to cover several sectors, map my pages, and diversify my linking.
Plus, you do not find yourself overwhelmed by management due to the simplicity of the interface. This helps to organize everything into a coherent SEO plan without mobilizing a colossal budget.
The 1,200 exclusive sites are sufficient for many themes (finance, animals, sports, home, etc.), unless you are in an ultra-specific micro-niche.
Sometimes I would have liked to see a larger choice, but they frequently renew. The guaranteed indexing also reassures me since it’s annoying to buy a phantom link that never appears on Google’s radar.
How I envision the future
I plan to continue using their services in the coming months for several projects:
- My affiliate site: a Boost link per month on the homepage, plus one or two Starters for internal articles.
- Another budding blog: small budget, so I’m counting on 5 Starter links every month to build a base for link building.
- Client project: one of my clients has agreed to allocate €100 per month for link building. I will mix between 5 Linkuma links and 1 or 2 Boost links, coupled with other platforms to reach more well-known media.
I hope to see sustainable organic improvements. It’s important to combine this link building with good on-site content, clean internal linking, and correct technical SEO. Links alone do not perform miracles, but they provide extra juice.
This is what I really think:
What I prefer about them
- The price: €7 or €10 is a reasonable budget for testing or volume.
- The clarity: I understand where my money goes, I see the metrics, I validate the article before publication.
- The support: I had an actual exchange, not a chatbot, and I was even given some advice on anchor ratio.
- The ergonomics: the platform isn’t a maze. You click, pay, validate, wait for publication, it’s done.
Possible criticisms
- Fewer big sites: if we are looking for a backlink on a national media, we won’t find it with Linkuma.
- Quality of texts: it’s basic sponsored writing. For marketing or advanced storytelling, it’s better to provide your own content.
- Limit of 1,200 sites: that’s already quite a bit, but other platforms have 2,000, 3,000, or more. On rare themes, the selection can sometimes be limited.
Advantages ✅ | Disadvantages ❌ | |
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Price | Affordable: €7 or €10 to test or build volume | Fewer large sites available |
Clarity | Transparency on budget usage, validation before publication | Basic text quality, not suitable for storytelling |
Support | Human exchanges and practical advice (anchor ratio) | Limitation to 1,200 sites, restricted choice on specific themes |
Ergonomics | Simple and intuitive platform | – |
To conclude my Linkuma test
Linkuma seems reliable and effective for “everyday” link building. We are not in the premium category, but it’s consistent with the prices offered.
I see this platform as a way to build a natural link structure, thanks to mid-range backlinks on correct blogs or sites, and to advance in SEO.
This is not a magical formula that propels your site to pole position, but a tool among others in your SEO toolbox.
I appreciate the indexing guarantee, the ability to choose my anchors, and the simplicity of ordering. The first positions garnered reassure me that Linkuma has its place in an accessible link building strategy.
Final note: test in small doses to see the impact on your positions. If your keywords progress, trigger more links or add a Boost formula. Keep an eye on the Search Console to check that everything is going well.
Over time, you will identify the spots that suit you, the ideal publication frequency, and refine your SEO. Linkuma will not disappoint you if you use it wisely.
To sign up and discover the platform: https://app.linkuma.com/
Happy link building, and it’s your turn to play!