Fat Joe vs The HOTH vs Vazoola

Comparing link builders? Here are three good options to consider…

Need to build links? Not sure where to begin?

A partnership with a link-building agency can make all the difference, but you have so many options to choose from. How do you pick?

Link building continues to be one of the most powerful methods of SEO, but out-sourcing it to the right agency can be a challenge. Many businesses struggle to find a partner that provides cost, quality, and scalability without any compromise on transparency.

Three of the most well-known link-building services – The HOTH, Fat Joe, and Vazoola – offer different levels of customization, automation, and support.

But which one is right for you?

Our guide compares their services, strengths, and weaknesses so that you can make an informed decision.

Before comparing, let's run through a quick 3-minute checklist to screen any link-building partner.

Manually audit sample placements. Review an agency’s past placements to check for relevance and quality. Make sure the links are naturally placed within content, not forced or surrounded by spammy outbound links. Avoid providers that hesitate to show you their real examples.

Key Takeaways:

• If you want to choose the right link-building service, you must balance cost, quality, scalability, and customization.
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• The HOTH, Fat Joe, and Vazoola each have unique strengths and weaknesses tailored to different types of agencies and businesses.
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• Transparency, customization, and support levels vary between agencies, so it’s essential to vet services before you make a commitment.
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Table of Contents:

• How to Vet a Link-Building Partner
• Comparison: The HOTH vs. Fat Joe vs. Vazoola
  • The HOTH
  • Fat Joe
  • Vazoola
• Choose the Right Fit for Your Agency

How to Vet a Link Building Partner (3-Minute Checklist)

When you evaluate a link-building service, ask these key questions from our link building guide so you know that you’re partnering with a trustworthy link-building partner.

✅ Do They Offer Transparency?

A reliable agency provides detailed link reports, placement transparency, and clear pricing upfront. Avoid services that hide domain details or charge hidden fees.

✅ Can They Provide Examples of Their Work?

Ask for sample links, case studies, and domain metrics before committing. A good partner should have a proven track record of securing high-quality placements.

✅ Do They Allow Customization?

The ability to choose anchor text, niche-relevant sites, and domain authority (DA/DR) preferences is necessary for effective link-building.

✅ What Is Their Replacement Policy?

Links can disappear or get removed. A reputable service should offer free link replacements for lost or low-quality links.

✅ Can They Handle Your Scale and Needs?

Whether you need a few high-quality links or bulk orders for multiple clients, make sure that your link provider can accommodate long-term growth.

Vetting a link-building service helps you make sure you invest in quality backlinks that improve your SEO rankings but maintain credibility. Read our full guide on how to vet link builders here.

Look for a diverse link profile. A strong link-building strategy includes different types of backlinks. Providers should offer a mix of guest posts, editorial links, media mentions, and niche edits. Relying on only one type of link can make a site vulnerable to algorithm changes.

Comparison: The HOTH vs. Fat Joe vs. Vazoola

Each of these link-building services has its own distinct approach to SEO. Below is a detailed breakdown of what they specialize in, who they’re best suited for, and potential downsides to consider.

The HOTH

The HOTH is a content marketing agency and link builder that was founded in 2010.

• Specializes in: Full-service SEO, including link-building, content creation, and local SEO.
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• Best for: Agencies looking for an all-in-one SEO partner.
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• Strengths:
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  • Offers a full suite of SEO services, including guest posts, press releases, and content creation.
  • Simple ordering process with pre-set packages for easy scaling.
  • Good for agencies that want an end-to-end SEO solution rather than just link-building.
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• Potential Drawbacks:
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  • Premium pricing—you pay for convenience rather than affordability.
  • Limited customization on link placements compared to specialized link-building providers.
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  • Customer support can feel impersonal due to the platform’s automation-heavy model.
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• What The Hoth Reviews Say: According to Shopper Approved, The HOTH holds a 4.8/5-star rating, with many users praising its ease of use but noting that costs can be higher than competitors.

Fat Joe

Fat Joe is another popular link building agency and content marketer that has been in operation since 2012.

• Specializes in: Link-building and content marketing with a self-service platform.
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• Best for: Agencies looking for a straightforward, no-frills link-building solution.
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• Strengths:
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• • Easy-to-use, self-service platform that allows agencies to order backlinks on demand.
  • Affordable pricing compared to full-service SEO firms.
  • Fast turnaround times with pre-negotiated publisher relationships.
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• Potential Drawbacks:
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• • No dedicated account managers—support is limited compared to more hands-on agencies.
  • Less customization on anchor text and placement compared to Vazoola.
  • Works best for bulk link orders rather than targeted, high-quality placements.
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• What Fat Joe Reviews Say: Shopper Approved gives Fat Joe a 4.8/5-star rating, with customers appreciating the quick service but noting that link quality can be hit or miss.

Vazoola

Established in 2010, Vazoola is a content marketing and link building agency that specializes in custom and white label link packages.

• Specializes in: High-quality, personalized link-building services tailored to agency needs.
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• Best for:
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• • Agencies looking for affordable, high-quality backlinks.
  • Businesses that need customizable, niche-specific placements.
  • Companies managing multiple clients and requiring scalable solutions.
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• Strengths:
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• • Best value for money – high-quality links at competitive pricing.
  • Offers customized link placements with full transparency on where links are placed.
  • Dedicated account managers provide hands-on support.
  • Fast turnaround times with a network of vetted publishers.
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• Potential Drawbacks:
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  • Not ideal for those looking for a completely automated, self-service platform.
  • Requires some communication with the team to maximize results.
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• What Vazoola Reviews Say: Shopper Approved rates Vazoola 5 stars, with many users highlighting its high-quality backlinks and excellent support team.

Investigate each publisher’s network quality. A provider’s publisher network should go beyond high DA/DR metrics. Ask if they have exclusive relationships with reputable sites or rely on public marketplaces. Prioritize partners with real editorial outreach, not just guest post farms.

Choose the Right Fit for Your Agency

Sure enough, each link-building partner has its strengths, so making the best choice depends on your specific needs:

• If you need a full-service SEO provider, The HOTH offers a comprehensive solution but comes at a premium price.
• If you want affordable, bulk link-building with minimal interaction, Fat Joe is a good option.
• If you’re looking for custom, high-quality backlinks with hands-on support and scalable pricing, Vazoola is the best fit.

Before committing to a partner, use our handy vetting checklist to make sure the service aligns with your SEO goals.

Want expert advice? Schedule a strategy call with Vazoola today to explore how our customized approach can help you build high-quality links efficiently.

Pro Tip:

Before you make a commitment to bulk purchases, test a provider with a small, varied order. Request different link types, domain authority ranges, and content formats. This trial will reveal their true quality, communication, and reliability.