Once both parties have agreed on terms, it is time to fulfill the exchange. This article covers what fulfilling your side looks like, how proof submission works, and how an exchange gets marked complete.
How the Completion Process Works #
After both parties agree to proceed, the exchange follows a straightforward sequence:
- Both parties fulfill their respective sides by placing the agreed link on the agreed page using the agreed anchor text
- Each party submits proof by providing the live URL where the link has been placed
- PitchResponse verifies that the links are live and accessible
- The exchange is marked complete
The Backlink Exchange operates on an honor system. PitchResponse facilitates the agreement and tracks the process, but the actual placement of links is carried out by each party independently. The proof submission step is how both sides confirm to each other and to the platform that they have delivered on their commitment.
Fulfilling Your Side of the Exchange #
When it is time to place your link, refer back to the terms you agreed to: the URL on your site where the link should be placed, the anchor text and any agreed alternative phrasing, and the destination URL on the other party’s site you are linking to.
Place the link within the body of the content in a way that reads naturally. A link embedded meaningfully within a relevant sentence carries more SEO value and looks more credible than one appended awkwardly at the end of a paragraph. If the other party provided suggested copy during the request process, this is a good time to refer back to it.
Once the link is live and the page has been saved and published, you are ready to submit proof.
Submitting Proof #
Within the exchange record in your My Requests area, you will find the option to submit proof of completion. Provide the live URL of the page where you have placed the link. This allows the other party and PitchResponse to confirm the link is in place and accessible.
The other party will do the same on their end. Once proof has been submitted by both sides and the links have been verified, the exchange will be marked complete in the platform.
If Something Goes Wrong #
Link exchanges are built on mutual good faith, and in most cases both parties follow through without issue. If you have fulfilled your side of an exchange and the other party does not deliver, or if a link disappears shortly after being placed, here is how to handle it:
- Follow up within the platform via the exchange record or notes area
- Give reasonable time, as some sites take a few days to publish or update content
- Contact PitchResponse support if you believe a party has acted in bad faith, as our team reviews flagged exchanges
Maintaining the integrity of completed exchanges is important for the health of the marketplace. Sites or users with a pattern of non-completion may be removed.
Keeping Track of Your Exchanges #
Your My Requests area gives you an ongoing view of all your exchanges across every status: pending, in progress, and complete. Use this as your source of truth for what has been agreed, what is still outstanding, and what has been delivered. It is also a useful record if you ever need to reference the terms of a past exchange.
For tips on getting the most out of every exchange, whether you are listing your site or submitting requests, see 06. Tips for a Successful Backlink Exchange.