New York City is one of the most competitive SEO markets in the world. If you are trying to rank locally in NYC, or you are targeting national keywords from a NYC-based brand, you are competing with companies that invest heavily in content, PR, and authority building.
For this blog, I reviewed what is ranking and being recommended across major agency directories, then cross-checked each agency’s own site for clear link building or authority building signals. Clutch’s NYC SEO directory shows its rankings were updated on December 26, 2025. Semrush’s agency directory also lists dozens of link building providers in New York, which helps confirm how crowded the market is.
How we picked these NYC agencies
To keep this list useful (and not just opinionated), the selections are based on a blend of:
1) Verified review platforms and directories (fresh as of Dec 2025)
We referenced updated NYC lists and category pages from Clutch (SEO + Link Building), plus agency directories from Semrush and DesignRush, and The Manifest.
2) Service relevance
This is specifically for SEO + link acquisition (editorial outreach, digital PR, link building, content-led SEO, technical SEO that supports rankings).
3) A quick SERP reality check
We also reviewed agencies that show up prominently when users search for NYC SEO services (because strong agencies usually have a footprint—either via rankings, brand searches, or strong directory presence).
Best SEO & Link Building Agencies in NYC
Here is the list of top SEO and link-building agencies in New York City.
1) LinkGraph (New York, NY)
LinkGraph is listed as a New York based full-service digital marketing agency on The Manifest. Their site is also very direct about link building as a structured service, positioning it around “brand-safe” backlinks and authority growth. LinkGraph
If you want a more process-driven link building program (especially if you care about brand safety, quality control, and scaling content plus links together), they are worth considering.
2) Sure Oak (Brooklyn, NY)
Sure Oak is listed on The Manifest as being headquartered in Brooklyn, and it is strongly positioned around SEO plus link building. Their link building service page makes it clear they build custom strategies using competitor analysis and outreach, rather than generic packages only. They also publish link building packages and mention support beyond links, including content assets and digital PR.
If you are a SaaS, finance, or fast-growth brand that needs consistent authority building, Sure Oak is one of the most link-building-forward options in NYC.
3) HAROLinked — HARO-First Digital PR & Authority Link Building
HAROLinked specializes in earned, editorial link building through journalist platforms like HARO, Qwoted, and Featured, helping founders, executives, and brands secure credible media mentions that strengthen authority and search visibility.
Instead of relying on generic outreach, they focus on niche-relevant journalist matching, expert-led pitching, and clean reporting so businesses can build trust and rankings without risky tactics.
3) Zupo (New York City, NY)
Zupo appears on The Manifest as an NYC SEO agency. On their own site, they position themselves around SEO and thought leadership, and they also list digital PR services in their navigation, which matters because PR-led links tend to be more defensible long-term.
If you are B2B and want SEO that connects content, expertise, and authority building (not just “build links”), Zupo is a strong fit.
4) NuStream (New York, NY)
NuStream is listed on The Manifest as being in New York, NY. While they present themselves as full-service digital marketing, they explicitly include link building as part of SEO in their FAQ content.
If you want SEO plus supporting services like design, video, and broader digital marketing, NuStream is worth shortlisting.
5) Mimvi SEO (New York, NY)
Mimvi SEO is listed on The Manifest as headquartered in New York, and it is also described as offering SEO and PR. Their site explicitly calls out link building as part of their SEO approach, focusing on earning backlinks from relevant authoritative sites to improve rankings.
If you are a small to mid-sized business and want a straightforward SEO agency that includes link building as a core execution area, Mimvi is a practical option.
6) SEO Image (New York, NY)
SEO Image is listed on The Manifest as founded in 2002, headquartered in New York, and offering SEO plus public relations, which is a useful combination for authority building. Their website positions them as a long-running NYC SEO and online reputation management firm, with NYC and Long Island offices. They also publish educational content on link building techniques, which suggests link strategy is not an afterthought.
If you care about brand reputation alongside rankings (especially in high-risk niches), SEO Image is worth a serious look.
7) Primary Position (NYC)
Primary Position positions itself as a New York based SEO and internet marketing agency on its own site.
If you want a NYC-focused SEO partner and prefer agencies that clearly brand themselves around New York SEO specifically, Primary Position is a solid shortlist candidate.
What to ask before you hire any NYC link building agency
A lot of “link building” fails because it is treated like a commodity. A stronger approach blends off-page SEO with digital PR style thinking, earning mentions and links on sites your audience actually trusts.
When you talk to agencies, ask how they handle:
- The types of links they pursue (editorial PR links, guest posts, partnerships, resource links)
- How they evaluate relevance and quality
- Whether they provide reporting that includes live URLs, anchors, landing pages, and placement context
- How do they avoid risky tactics that can create long-term problems
Conclusion
In NYC, “best” depends on your goal. If you need a link-building-heavy SEO partner, agencies like LinkGraph and Sure Oak are very explicit about link building as a core service. If you want a blend of SEO, trust-building, and PR-driven authority, options like Zupo and SEO Image stand out because they connect SEO with thought leadership or PR.
