rogerd - 2:02 pm on Apr 4, 2007 (gmt 0)

Over the years, some WebmasterWorld members have reported good experiences with inexpensive in-house link monkeys - high school students, stay-at-home parents, etc. Obviously, some training would be needed, but these individuals are far more likely to respond to your direction than a firm that wants to get your links as quickly as possible and move on to the next project.

I haven't done any offshore link dev outsourcing, but based on my experience with other kinds of projects, I'd suggest looking for the following characteristics in a bidder:

1) They tell YOU how they build high quality links, not just say, "no problem, we do that!" when they read your specs.

2) Excellent rating history on similar projects, preferably over an extended period of time.

3) Realistic pricing - if a price seems too good to be true, it probably means the firm is taking shortcuts. (Needless to say, though, a high price doesn't by itself indicate quality.)

Regardless, be very specific with your criteria and communicate well and frequently with your contractor. Ask them to start with a smaller number (say, ten) for your review.

Not all poor outsourcing jobs happen because the contractors are unethical or untruthful - in some cases, the problem may be either an incomplete understanding of your specs or the feeling that these specs are "suggestions" instead of firm requirements that must be met in order to get paid. Most contractors communicate in English, but that doesn't mean they find it easy to understand your concepts. Communicate & clarify.

Don't pay up front - use an escrow system with impartial arbitration. Most contractors will try hard to meet your specs both to get paid with no hassle and to preserve their quality rating.