Link Removal Services: what's the loss and gain for Businesses?

Everyone's been at it recently – SEO teams sifting through exported spreadsheets of link reference data, attempting to identify inferior websites and poor quality backlinks. This has become standard practice following Google's Panda and Penguin updates throughout 2012 and 2013.

During backlink analysis for a new client experiencing ranking decline, the findings proved shocking. Webmaster Tools showed no manual penalty notification. However, the backlink profile revealed high volumes of keyword-rich anchor text sourced almost exclusively from directories. Upon closer inspection, many directories operated from identical hosting accounts and IP addresses, with at least three network groups displaying dominant link patterns, using repeated anchor text.

The verdict was straightforward: automated penalty. However, investigation uncovered an unexpected twist.

The Real Surprise

Having paid for directory link submissions in the first place, you now have to pay again to get them deleted. Website owners of offending directories monetise the removal process itself – a frustrating additional cost for businesses already suffering ranking loss, reduced eCommerce sales, and diminished leads.

Remove Unwanted Backlinks: the System

An affiliate scheme emerged from the high demand for link removals, providing an automated solution to handle unmanageable email removal requests from directory owners.

According to Ahrefs, one such removal service had 157 backlinks at the time of writing – likely referral links from client directory contact pages. Simple maths illustrates the revenue stream: assuming ten removal requests per directory across 157 domains at £38 per removal, the service generates approximately £59,660, minus the 14% affiliate commission.

The Silver Lining

Since Google's updates, these low-quality directories have been relegated to obscurity, and most digital marketers now avoid them entirely. While link removal remains necessary for recovery, the industry has shifted toward better practices going forward.