Think of your link building strategy as a bulleye target.
1. (Outer ring). Free Directories (if done by mass) - 50-200 per month.
2. Paid Directories (Business.com, JoeAnt, etc.)
3. Article Directories / Social Bookmark Submissions
4. Blog Posts (150-175 words) - relevant blogs only (PPP). Social BMs.
5. Relevant Links (TLA)
6. (Bullseye) InfoGraphics / Natuaral Links / Link Bait Techniques
Once the outer-ring methods are used, focus on the rest every month. Relevancy and quality content are key. Also, avoid sites that have site-wide links. We've seen and tested that G is discrediting this technique, although that could be up for debate.
As far as Xrumer and other techniques listed here, use caution, if done right (relevancy), and limited, I'd place as an outer-ring technique, in terms of importance.
If you look at your link building strategy as a whole, following the bullseye method will reduce sandbox and penalties. I know, since its our job to rank clients high, and not get them blacklisted. Technique above has worked in mutiples, without one sandboxed client.
Additional notes:
I follishly transfeered all the links from the old domain to the new as well, which was silly, because I think the 301 from the old domain could have taken some heat from the "new domain" prejudice.
301 redirect was a good idea. Unless that was a poor neighborhood type site.
Also, if the domain is new, you will rank well for 2-6 weeks, if your site is relevant and stickly, Google will then place you where it feels you belong. This is when you focus on the potent link building samples ive noted above (inner-rings), using 25-40% anchors, padded with other anchors, followed by some domain brand anchors.