In the original article, I examined an unsolicited offer of guest posts on a private blog network. The sites raised a straightforward question: would I want my brand associated with them?

That is a better starting point than asking how many backlinks a package contains. Read the pages. Look at the audience, the editorial quality and why your business belongs there. A placement bought purely to manipulate rankings is not the same as earning a recommendation or advertising to a relevant audience.

Ask what the work is for

Ask your agency to show the actual placements and explain their purpose. Would a potential customer find them useful? Is there a credible reason for the publisher to mention you? A spreadsheet of domains does not answer either question.

My view in the original discussion was that links should follow worthwhile work, like applause after a performance. Build something worth recommending rather than treating link volume as the goal.

Investigate before taking action

An unfamiliar backlink is not proof of an attack or a reason to remove it. Investigate the specific links, patterns and documented impact before considering disavowal. Do not make bulk changes from a tool score alone. Get a specific diagnosis before acting.

See our SEO work and guide to recognising spammy backlink proposals.