For the past several years, I’ve been responsible for overseeing link teams of various sizes. I’ve tried both client-based and task-based assignments and currently manage a small group that utilizes both approaches.
This system works for us right now. It could change if we grow, but I’m pleased with our current workflow. I have visibility over all team activities, from potential contact sites to negotiation emails, and I like being able to personally approve everything that leaves our office.
Today, I’d like to discuss the pros and cons of structuring link-building teams based on clients versus tasks, and offer pointers to help you determine which structure might be best for your team.
Client-Based Link Work
Client-based work is exactly what it sounds like: team members mainly handle link development for one client. They may work with multiple clients, but all their efforts are dedicated to those specific clients—from finding new link partners to negotiating link placements.
In terms of equality, it’s one of the best ways for link builders to work, as no one is consigned to the less enjoyable parts of the process.
Pro: Intense & In-Depth Knowledge
The advantage of focusing on one client is the opportunity to get to know them thoroughly.
After a few months, you can ideally home in on the most relevant link opportunities, focus on the client’s full range of offerings, and gain the confidence of feeling like an expert on what the client does and how link development can support them.
When a link builder is assigned to a new client, it typically takes about a week to start seeing results. Switching them to a new project for just a few days often ends up being a waste of time and money. Familiarity with a site takes time.
Con: Burnout & Boredom
Burnout occurs when working on the same thing for a long period, which is common in many aspects of link development.
Often, I can tell when a link builder needs a new challenge and can reassign them to another client. However, if that’s not possible, burnout becomes a potential issue.
Our most common complaint is, “I can’t think of any new ideas for this client.”
Task-Based Link Work
With task-based work, each team member handles a specific facet of link building rather than focusing on a client. This allows team members to become experts in a process like outreach and enables more trial-and-error testing.
Pro: Efficiency
Some people are better at specific tasks than others. A task-based team capitalizes on this, making everyone more efficient. If you’re adept at finding new link partners but dislike sending emails, or if you excel at negotiation or content writing but struggle to find the right sites, this system works well.
Properly structured, a task-based team ensures that weaknesses in one area are covered by others.
Con: Lack Of Challenge
This can be another form of burnout. Doing the same thing repeatedly can make it hard to advance, even if you’re good at it, leading to stagnation.
If your job only involves sending outreach emails based on a given list of sites, you might quickly become dissatisfied—unless you’re one of those rare types who enjoys repetitive work.
2 Major Factors To Consider
When deciding which structure is right for your link-building team, consider these factors:
- Individual Personality: Consider each link builder’s personality, goals, and work performance. For example, our main link builders have different strengths and preferences. One prefers focusing on one client at a time. Another keeps an eye on all clients. The third excels with specific tasks like updating old links or contacting a provided list of sites. In our small team, this works well.
- Ultimate Responsibility: Someone needs to make the final call on links and justify them to the client. In our case, that’s me. If a client dislikes a link we built, I address the issue. Ensure that someone is responsible for the final decision, regardless of your team structure.
However you structure your team, it’s crucial to work efficiently while keeping everyone satisfied. Happiness isn’t always a typical goal in link building, which is unfortunate given how tedious it can be. It has its amazing moments too, and I believe in doing everything possible to keep my team happy while getting the work done.
Remember: If your link builders aren’t confident enough to work independently—whether it’s with a client or on a task—ensure they have someone for support.
Even my long-term employees have questions and experience burnout. I also face burnout and find that discussing it with someone helps me feel refreshed. Your team will always benefit from support.
