Link Building Report: Reconcile Work and Results

Start with a decision summary and an easy-to-review log

The summary should state new work, unresolved approvals, changes to existing references and recommended next actions. Behind it, retain source-level records. A large export is useful only when the reader knows what its rows represent.

Separate proposed sources, communications or submissions, confirmed new live references, older references discovered this period and existing references checked again. Newly discovered does not automatically mean newly delivered. Record the measurement date and the agreed counting rules.

Seeing a link does not establish acceptance

The example includes an issue that still needs a decision. A link being live does not mean it meets the agreed delivery criteria. Google’s link-attribute guidance supports recording the actual relationship. It does not certify a particular placement or business arrangement.

Check a small sample before trusting the total

Here is a separate, entirely fictional ledger. Each row represents one link on one source page. The opening check has four live links on domains A, B and C.

Closing live links are 4 + 2 new − 1 removed + 1 restored = 6. Closing live domains are A, C, D and E: four. D is newly added to this example’s known source history; E returned and should not be described as a first-time domain. Reimporting L5 or checking it twice creates no additional link.

These are presence counts, not an assertion that every record was accepted under a contract. A real summary should also show acceptance status and any exceptions. The counting guide explains why records, source pages and domains should remain distinct.

Keep changes, approvals and fees visible

For a removed or altered reference, record when it was observed and what changed. Identify who investigates, whether the destination is still suitable and whether follow-up is included. A publisher controls its own page; the agency’s agreement determines any review, replacement or refund entitlement.

Do not assume permanent placement or automatic free replacement. Separate agency labor, writing, publisher charges and tools. A pending fee belongs in the decision summary, not hidden inside a green status.

Search Console’s Links report is sampled and may include historical links. It cannot replace current page-level checks as a complete delivery ledger. Similarly, a vendor quality score should not hide a disclosed relationship or an unresolved approval.

Explain performance without assigning false credit

Review target pages over a stated period with consistent measures. Record relevant page revisions, other campaigns, seasonal demand and tracking changes. More clicks during the month do not prove that the links caused them; a live reference does not prove an inquiry or revenue.

Finish with a specific decision: continue the source approach, investigate an exception, improve the destination, change the review criteria or pause pending clarification. Google’s policies require attention to the actual practice and purpose, not a blanket safety label.

Use the procurement questions if the report cannot be reconciled. Stormy’s listed link service still needs its actual methods, categories, fees and acceptance rules confirmed; this illustration does not establish them.