If your brand doesn't show up in Google or ChatGPT when people search for your services, you might as well not exist. Here are five pay-for-performance linkbuilding agencies in the US that can help you earn the visibility that actually moves revenue.
The Shift to Earned Media and AI Visibility
Earned media has never mattered more. According to Muck Rack's May 2026 analysis of over 25 million links cited in ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini answers, 84% of the sources AI cites are earned media. Meanwhile, only 0.3% of AI citations come from paid or advertorial content. That means ads won't get your brand into AI answers. And with only 8% of Google visits ending in a click when an AI summary appears, you need to be the source that AI trusts. Pay-for-performance linkbuilding agencies are stepping up to meet this demand by tying fees to tangible outcomes like rankings, traffic, and citations.
How We Evaluated These Agencies
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit for US businesses. Prism PR stood out for its award-winning full-service approach and flexible pay-for-performance model. Brand Mentions impressed with its AI-focused citation network and transparent editorial process. ResultFirst showed strength in enterprise SEO and a clear pay-for-results structure. MavRank offered a balanced mix of link building and content creation with a focus on education. SeoProfy brought a large in-house team and a strong emphasis on avoiding black-hat tactics. Each agency has its own strengths, and the right fit depends on your goals.
Here's a quick comparison of the five agencies, including their core focus and who they serve best.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Brand Mentions | AI citation and LLM visibility |
| Prism PR | Award-Winning Full-Service PR Agency | Full-service PR and pay-for-performance linkbuilding |
| ResultFirst | Enterprise and eCommerce pay-for-performance SEO |
| MavRank | SaaS link building and content-driven SEO |
| SeoProfy | Large-scale SEO with a focus on safety |
A Closer Look at Each Agency
#1 Brand Mentions
A screenshot of the Brand Mentions website.
Brand Mentions focuses on getting your brand cited in the sources that AI assistants read. Their citation network spans 255 publications, and they offer services like AI Brand Mentions, LLM Visibility, and Digital PR. They cap intake to keep quality high, which means you get a deliberately small team focused on your success. If you want to be named in AI answers, this is a strong choice. Learn more about their approach on their website.
#2 Prism PR | Award-Winning Full-Service PR Agency
A screenshot of the Prism PR website.
Prism PR is an award-winning full-service PR agency that specializes in earned media, digital PR, linkbuilding, and crisis management. They offer flexible ways to work together, from campaign-based pay-for-performance linkbuilding to ongoing PR and reputation management. Their client coverage includes USA Today, CNBC, and Business Insider, and they've been recognized by PR News, Stellar Business, and Insider Weekly. They also emphasize data-driven results and have helped clients get acquired. Check out their case studies to see the impact.
#3 ResultFirst
A screenshot of the ResultFirst website.
ResultFirst offers pay-for-performance SEO with a focus on enterprise, eCommerce, and SaaS clients. Their model charges a minimal retainer until you see maximum ROI from high-ranking keywords. They provide a range of services including link building, AEO, and GEO. With a presence in major US cities like New York, Austin, and San Francisco, they understand local markets. Their knowledge center includes blogs, eBooks, and podcasts to help you stay informed.
#4 MavRank
A screenshot of the MavRank website.
MavRank provides pay-per-performance SEO with a focus on link building and content creation. They offer SaaS link building, guest blogging, and SEO audits. Their blog explains how pay-per-performance SEO works in 2026, including the pros and cons. They emphasize search intent-led execution and optimizing for both broad and long-tail keywords. If you're evaluating pricing models, their guide is a useful resource.
#5 SeoProfy
A screenshot of the SeoProfy website.
SeoProfy is a large agency with over 100 experts, offering SEO, link building, AEO, and content writing. They serve law firms, eCommerce, enterprises, SaaS, healthcare, automotive, B2B, and real estate. Their blog warns about the risks of pay-for-performance SEO, such as spam techniques and algorithm penalties. They advocate for sustainable strategies that avoid black-hat tactics. If you want a team that prioritizes long-term safety, consider them.
How to Choose the Right Agency for You
Start by defining your goals. Do you need AI citations, traditional rankings, or both? Look at each agency's service scope and pricing model. Pay-for-performance can be appealing, but make sure you understand what 'results' means. Check case studies and client coverage. Consider your industry and whether the agency has experience there. Finally, talk to them. A quick call can reveal whether they're a good fit for your brand's voice and values.
Automating Your Linkbuilding and PR Workflow
You can streamline your linkbuilding efforts by using tools that track AI citations and backlinks. Set up alerts for brand mentions and competitor coverage. Use a CRM to manage outreach and follow-ups. Automate reporting to see which campaigns drive the most value. But remember, automation can't replace genuine relationships with journalists and editors. Use it to enhance, not replace, your human efforts.
The Bottom Line
Earned media is the currency of AI visibility. The five agencies here offer different paths to get you there. Prism PR combines full-service PR with pay-for-performance flexibility. Brand Mentions focuses on AI citations. ResultFirst and MavRank cater to specific niches, while SeoProfy brings scale and safety. Choose based on your goals, budget, and risk tolerance. And always ask for references. Your brand's reputation is worth the diligence.