Definition
A Link Marketplace is a digital platform connecting link buyers (advertisers, SEOs, agencies) with sellers (publishers, webmasters, site owners). These marketplaces come in different forms: overtly black hat platforms selling mass links without quality control (SEOClerks, BHW forums), grey hat platforms offering sponsored articles with links (niche edits, guest posts) with minimal oversight, and professional platforms like LemmiLink that operate within an editorial framework with site verification, metric monitoring, and quality guarantees. Google considers buying links intended to manipulate rankings as a violation of its guidelines. The fundamental difference lies in the approach: black hat link marketplaces sell raw links in bulk, while LemmiLink offers an ecosystem where links are integrated into relevant editorial content on verified niche websites, creating real value for both readers and search engines.
Key Points
- Platforms connecting link buyers and sellers, with highly variable quality and compliance levels
- Spectrum ranges from black hat (mass links, PBNs) to professional (editorial articles on verified sites)
- Google considers buying links to manipulate rankings as a guideline violation
- LemmiLink stands out as an editorial marketplace with site verification, metric monitoring, and quality content
Practical Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Google prohibits buying links with the explicit purpose of manipulating search rankings. However, links within the context of transparent sponsored articles and quality editorial content, with rel=sponsored or nofollow attributes, are a common and accepted practice. LemmiLink operates within this editorial framework.
Prefer platforms that verify publisher sites (metrics, real traffic, niche relevance), require quality editorial content, offer transparency about sources, and provide link tracking over time. Avoid marketplaces selling mass links at low prices without quality control.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07