Using web dev agencies to generate backlinks

[MortgageMonks]

Going to start by saying I'm totally new here, so apologies in advance is this is a dumb question!

I run a site that is focused on home buyer education. The site is brand new, so no almost no link profile, and I'm trying to grow my backlinks.

On twitter I've had success with real estate agents sharing my articles to their followers, which is great. It helps them educate their customers and feeds the social media beast.

I realized that realtors, mortgage brokers, and insurance agents (all relevant to my niche) don't usually run their own websites. Many of these sales people leverage agencies, and often the agencies offer blog posting as part of their service offerings.

I'm tempted to do some outreach to these agencies and offer to write guest posts. I figure they get free, quality content and I beef up my link profile. Is this a bad idea? Are there any risks with this approach?

[ClaytonJ]

There are literally 1000's of articles on link building.  My experience is that every industry and each website has to adopt and develop their own niche way to create backlinks. So in short there is usually no easy answer. It is just hard but enjoyable work.

Here is a great WBF on targeted link building. https://moz.com/blog/targeted-link-building-in-2016

My personal view on your suggestion is to go for it. Seems a reasonable approach, have no idea on success but certainly worth the try. Even if it fails you will learn from the process.

[MortgageMonks]

Hey John,

Thanks for the advice! I guess my real question is does this carry any risk? I don't want to verge into black hat territory, and I definitely don't want a penalty!

Aaron

[ClaytonJ]

Aaron

See google policies, but in short what you are suggesting is fine from where I sit. You are doing some hard work to hopefully have them publish your blog post. Unless I have missed something... it is a strong tick..

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/66356?hl=en

[MortgageMonks]

Seems like it's worth giving it a shot! Thanks for your help John

[ClaytonJ]

The method you have described is no or low risk.  The only factor I would look at is the domain authority of teh sites you are targeting to make sure it is beneficial.