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SEO agencies focus on optimizing website content for search engines and managing keyword research for businesses. By outsourcing these tasks, you can free up your team’s time and resources for other priorities without needing to hire an in-house expert. However, finding the right agency can be challenging with so many choices available.

Using my experience with marketing software and services, I evaluated and compared several of the top SEO agencies available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best provider for your needs.

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Best SEO Agency Summary

Tools Price
Netpeak Pricing upon request
HawkSEM Pricing upon request
HigherVisibility Pricing upon request
Straight North Pricing upon request
Boostability Pricing upon request
Coalition Technologies Pricing upon request
Outpace Pricing upon request
Keever SEO Pricing upon request
WebFX Pricing upon request
Thrive Agency Pricing upon request
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How To Choose An SEO Agency

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of SEO services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesAlign the SEO agency’s strategies with your business goals, whether it’s increasing organic traffic, improving search engine rankings, or boosting sales through conversion rate optimization.
Service Scope and SLAs Ensure the agency’s services cover your needs, and their SLAs provide clear deliverables. A full-service agency will cover everything from on-page SEO and link building to local SEO and PPC campaigns.
Support AvailabilityCheck if the SEO team offers support when you need it, including off-hours or weekends, especially if you’re targeting specific SERPs and aiming for prompt adjustments to meet algorithm updates.
Cost and Pricing StructureUnderstand if pricing fits your budget and if there are hidden fees. Look for an SEO company that offers transparency in costs, including add-ons like technical SEO audits and keyword research.
Communication and ReportingLook for regular updates, clear communication channels, and comprehensive reporting on metrics like organic search performance, backlinks growth, and online presence to stay informed of your SEO campaign’s progress.
Industry ExperienceChoose an agency familiar with your industry’s unique demands, whether it’s ecommerce, SaaS, healthcare, or local businesses, to develop a custom strategy that aligns with your sector’s ranking factors.
Technology and ToolsEnsure they use up-to-date tools that align with your tech stack, from web design and social media management platforms to SEO consulting software and analytics tools that can track website traffic and online visibility.
Client ReferencesAsk for references or case studies to verify their success with similar clients. A strong track record and documented results in increasing qualified leads or search engine optimization services for small businesses demonstrate their credibility.

Best SEO Agency Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best SEO agencies that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for data-driven SEO insights

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Netpeak provides SEO, PPC, and web analytics services focused on enhancing online visibility and performance. They primarily work with companies aiming to expand their digital reach using data-driven strategies.

Why I picked Netpeak: Netpeak uses detailed analytics and reporting to guide your SEO efforts, helping your team make informed decisions based on real data. Their local SEO and PPC services ensure that you’re reaching the right audience effectively. By continuously monitoring and adjusting campaigns, Netpeak keeps your marketing aligned with changing trends and performance goals.

Netpeak Standout Services: website audit provides a thorough analysis of your site’s SEO performance, helping you identify areas for improvement and optimize your content for better search rankings. Link building strengthens your domain authority by acquiring quality backlinks, which enhances your site’s visibility and credibility in search results.

Target industries: Ecommerce, travel, real estate, education, and finance.

Specialties: Local SEO, mobile SEO, competitor analysis, link building, and technical SEO.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Knowledgeable about technical SEO challenges
  • Offers flexible packages for small businesses
  • Specializes in local SEO strategies

Cons:

  • Primarily focuses on Eastern European markets
  • Limited customer support outside business hours

Best for PPC integration

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

HawkSEM offers a variety of digital marketing services, including SEO, PPC management, and conversion rate optimization, tailored to enhance online visibility and drive results. Their main client base includes businesses looking to integrate paid and organic search strategies for comprehensive marketing success.

Why I picked HawkSEM: HawkSEM specializes in combining paid and organic strategies to make your PPC efforts more effective and helping your brand show up on the first page of Google. Their team members use advanced analytics to track and optimize campaign performance, ensuring your marketing is efficient and focused. This approach helps you get the most out of your online advertising.

Standout Services: HawkSEM provides conversion rate optimization, helping your team improve website performance by focusing on turning visitors into customers. Their content marketing services ensure your brand message reaches the right audience, boosting engagement and driving conversions.

Target industries: Ecommerce, technology, healthcare, finance, and education.

Specialties: SEO, PPC management, conversion rate optimization, content marketing, and analytics.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Focuses on maximizing return on investment
  • Provides tailored solutions for various industries
  • Strong PPC and SEO capabilities

Cons:

  • May require long-term contracts
  • Limited focus on small businesses

Best for franchise SEO

  • Free proposal available
  • Pricing upon request

HigherVisibility provides digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, and social media marketing to boost online presence and support business growth. They primarily work with franchises and multi-location businesses seeking to improve search visibility across multiple markets.

Why I picked HigherVisibility: HigherVisibility specializes in franchise SEO, offering tailored strategies for the unique challenges of franchises, like managing local listings and regional SEO. They ensure your franchise locations are optimized for local searches, helping you boost visibility and customer engagement. This focus on multi-location optimization makes them a solid choice for businesses with a wide market reach.

Standout Services: HigherVisibility provides local listing management, which ensures your business information is accurate and consistent across online directories, enhancing your local search visibility. Their pay-per-click advertising services help your team effectively target and attract potential customers through strategic ad placements.

Target industries: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, and automotive.

Specialties: Franchise SEO, local SEO, PPC management, social media marketing, and web design.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Develops customized strategies for multiple locations
  • Expertise in managing local business listings
  • Specializes in franchise SEO services

Cons:

  • Limited international services
  • Limited availability for immediate project starts

Best for B2B marketing

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Straight North provides digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, and web design to boost lead generation and online visibility. They primarily work with B2B companies looking to strengthen their digital marketing efforts and attract qualified leads.

Why I picked Straight North: Straight North specializes in B2B marketing, offering SEO and PPC strategies that align with your goals. Their focus on lead generation helps turn your marketing efforts into real, measurable results. With detailed reporting and analytics, they give your team the insights needed to optimize campaigns effectively.

Standout Services: Straight North offers web design services that create visually appealing and user-friendly websites, enhancing user engagement and conversion rates. Their lead validation services ensure the quality of inbound leads, helping your team focus on prospects with the highest potential.

Target industries: B2B, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance.

Specialties: B2B marketing, lead generation, web design, PPC management, and SEO.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides comprehensive reporting
  • Develops effective lead generation strategies
  • Specializes in B2B digital marketing

Cons:

  • Standardized processes may lack customization
  • Limited focus on industries outside of B2B

Best for affordable packages

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Boostability provides SEO services like website optimization and local search strategies, focusing on small businesses looking for affordable ways to boost their online presence. Their clients are typically businesses aiming to increase visibility on a budget.

Why I picked Boostability: Boostability offers budget-friendly SEO solutions designed for small businesses. They focus on improving your local search results and driving organic traffic, helping you get the most out of your investment. With scalable options, your team can access essential SEO services without a high price tag.

Standout Services: Boostability offers website optimization services that enhance your site's performance and search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Their local search strategies help your business appear in local search results, increasing visibility among nearby customers.

Target industries: Small business, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality.

Specialties: Local SEO, website optimization, keyword research, content creation, and link building.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers scalable service options
  • Provides effective local search strategies
  • Specializes in small business support

Cons:

  • Staff may lack training for complex scenarios
  • Primarily focuses on U.S. markets

Best for ecommerce sites

  • Free proposal available
  • Pricing upon request

Coalition Technologies provides digital marketing services like SEO, PPC management, and web design, focusing on ecommerce businesses. They mainly work with online retailers aiming to strengthen their digital presence and increase sales.

Why I picked Coalition Technologies: Coalition Technologies focuses on ecommerce, making them a strong choice if you’re looking to boost online sales. They offer tailored SEO strategies to increase product visibility and drive customer engagement. Their web design services also ensure your site is easy to use and geared toward conversions.

Standout Services: Coalition Technologies is known for their custom web design, which ensures your site is not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for user experience and conversions. They also offer PPC management, helping your team effectively target and reach potential customers through paid advertising.

Target industries: Ecommerce, retail, healthcare, technology, and finance.

Specialties: SEO, PPC management, web design, email marketing, and conversion optimization.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Data-driven strategies for SEO & marketing
  • Manages social media and email marketing campaigns
  • Provides web design and development services

Cons:

  • Limited availability for immediate project starts
  • Standardized processes may lack customization

Best for startup clients

  • Free SEO consultation is available
  • Pricing upon request

Outpace provides SEO services like on-page and off-page optimization, website development, and user experience enhancement. They work mainly with startups and small businesses across industries, using data-driven strategies to boost online visibility.

Why I picked Outpace: Outpace offers flexible SEO packages designed to meet the needs of startups. Their data-driven approach keeps your SEO efforts efficient and focused on delivering a solid return on investment. With expertise in technical and content SEO, they help your team navigate the complexities of digital marketing effectively.

Standout Services: Outpace provides technical SEO services that ensure your website is optimized for search engine algorithms, enhancing its visibility and ranking. Their content writing services help your team create engaging and SEO-friendly content that resonates with your audience and improves website traffic.

Target industries: SaaS, healthcare, ecommerce, technology, and retail.

Specialties: On-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, content writing, and user experience optimization.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers a variety of SEO services
  • Specializes in supporting startup growth
  • Custom SEO strategies for unique business needs

Cons:

  • May require long-term service commitments
  • Primarily focuses on U.S. markets

Best for personalized service

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Keever SEO provides SEO services like keyword research, on-page optimization, and local SEO to boost search visibility and drive online growth. They primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses looking for personalized attention and tailored strategies.

Why I picked Keever SEO: Keever SEO focuses on personalized service, creating strategies that fit your specific business needs. They build strong relationships with you, getting to know your unique goals. This approach helps your team get SEO solutions that align closely with your objectives.

Standout Services: Keever SEO offers local SEO services that enhance your visibility in local search results, helping you attract nearby customers effectively. Their keyword research and analysis services identify the best opportunities for improving your search ranking, ensuring your content reaches the right audience.

Target industries: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, and real estate.

Specialties: Local SEO, keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers month-to-month contracts
  • Provides transparent, detailed reporting
  • Develops customized SEO strategies

Cons:

  • Basic packages may have limited features
  • Primarily focuses on U.S. markets

Best for small business growth

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

WebFX provides digital marketing services like SEO, PPC management, and content marketing, catering mainly to small and medium-sized businesses across diverse industries. Their clients are typically businesses aiming to increase revenue and strengthen their online presence.

Why I picked WebFX: WebFX focuses on helping small businesses grow with personalized digital marketing strategies aimed at boosting revenue. They offer tools like MarketingCloudFX, which help you target your audience better and improve content effectiveness. This makes WebFX a good option if you’re looking to grow your business without hiring in-house experts.

Standout Services: WebFX is known for its ecommerce marketing, which helps your team optimize product listings and increase sales through data-driven strategies. They also offer conversion rate optimization, ensuring your website turns visitors into customers by improving user experience and engagement.

Target industries: Retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology.

Specialties: SEO, PPC management, content marketing, social media advertising, and conversion rate optimization.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Designs infographics and motion graphics
  • Creates content for blogs and social media
  • Provides SEO link building packages

Cons:

  • Time difference may cause delays
  • May require a long-term commitment

Best for local SEO expertise

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Thrive Agency provides digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and web design, aimed at boosting online visibility and engagement. They primarily work with small to medium sized businesses looking to strengthen their local search presence.

Why I picked Thrive Agency: Thrive Agency focuses on local SEO to help your team increase visibility in regional Google search results, connecting you with local customers effectively. They optimize Google My Business profiles and local citations to strengthen your online presence. This focus on local search makes them a strong choice for businesses needing targeted regional marketing.

Standout Services: Thrive Agency offers social media marketing services that engage your audience across various platforms, driving brand awareness and customer interaction. Their website design services ensure your site is visually appealing and user-friendly, providing a seamless experience for visitors.

Target industries: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, and real estate.

Specialties: Local SEO, PPC management, social media marketing, web design, and content marketing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasizes transparent communication with clients
  • Provides customized strategies for various industries
  • Offers a wide range of digital marketing services

Cons:

  • Some services may require long-term contracts
  • Standardized processes may lack customization

Other SEO Agencies

Here are some additional SEO agencies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Single Grain

    For SaaS companies

  2. Victorious

    For a data-driven approach

  3. Cali Web Studios

    For creative web design

  4. SocialSellinator

    For social media engagement

  5. SMARTBOOST

    For AI-driven insights

  6. Media Components

    For multilingual SEO services

  7. JSL Marketing & Web Design

    For small business branding

  8. All Cyber Solutions

    For cybersecurity-focused SEO

  9. Autus Digital Agency

    For real estate marketing

  10. Cambridge Web Experts

    For academic SEO strategies

Related Reviews

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:

What Do SEO Agencies Do?

SEO agencies are firms that specialize in search engine optimization (SEO) services to improve search engine rankings and increase online visibility for businesses. These services address challenges like low search visibility and ineffective online marketing strategies, which can impact website traffic and conversion rates. Providers might offer things like:

  • Keyword research and analysis
  • On-page optimization techniques
  • Link building strategies
  • Content creation and content marketing
  • Technical SEO audits

Businesses and marketing departments typically seek out an SEO company or digital marketing agency to enhance their digital presence and drive more organic traffic to their websites. By leveraging a custom strategy tailored to a business’s target audience, an SEO firm can help boost online presence and organic search results.

SEO Agency Selection Criteria

When selecting the best SEO agency to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like improving search engine ranking and increasing organic traffic. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Keyword research and optimization
  • On-page SEO techniques
  • Link building strategies
  • Technical SEO audits
  • Content marketing services

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Local SEO optimization
  • Ecommerce SEO solutions
  • Voice search optimization
  • AI-driven SEO strategies
  • SEO training and workshops

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in business
  • Number of industries served
  • Case studies and success stories
  • Team expertise and qualifications
  • Market reputation and recognition

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Clarity of onboarding process
  • Initial consultation availability
  • Training and resources provided
  • Customization of services
  • Speed of implementation

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Quality of support provided
  • Access to dedicated account managers
  • Availability of support resources

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing structure
  • Comparison with industry averages
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • ROI potential of services
  • Discounts or bundled services

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Consistency of positive feedback
  • Commonly reported issues
  • Satisfaction with results
  • Quality of communication
  • Willingness to recommend to others

Key SEO Agency Services

When selecting an SEO agency, keep an eye out for the following key SEO services:

  • Keyword research: Identifies the best keywords for your business to target, improving search engine visibility and attracting the right target audience for increased organic traffic.
  • On-page optimization: Enhances individual web pages to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), including optimizing titles, meta descriptions, and content structure.
  • Link building: Involves acquiring high-quality backlinks from other websites, boosting your site’s authority and search engine rankings.
  • Technical SEO: Focuses on improving the technical aspects of a website, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawlability by search engines, which positively impacts user experience.
  • Content marketing: Creates and distributes valuable content to attract and engage your target audience, increasing brand awareness and authority.
  • Local SEO: Optimizes your digital presence to attract more business from relevant local searches, crucial for businesses serving specific areas and local small businesses.
  • PPC management: Manages pay-per-click advertising campaigns to ensure your ads reach the right audience, maximizing return on investment and supporting your digital marketing strategy.
  • Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into website traffic, performance, and SEO efforts, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve results and track SEO campaign progress.
  • Conversion rate optimization: Improves the effectiveness of your website in turning visitors into customers through A/B testing and user experience enhancements.
  • Social media marketing: Uses social media platforms to boost online presence and engagement, complementing your SEO strategy by driving traffic to your site.

Benefits Of An SEO Agency

Partnering with an SEO company offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Increased visibility: With keyword research and on-page optimization, your business will enjoy better search engine rankings and increased online visibility.
  • Improved website performance: Technical SEO services ensure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for search engines to crawl, enhancing overall performance.
  • Targeted traffic: Link building and content marketing attract the right audience to your site, leading to more relevant and engaged visitors.
  • Enhanced local presence: Local SEO helps your business stand out in local searches, bringing more foot traffic and local customers to your door.
  • Better ad spend efficiency: PPC management services ensure your advertising budget reaches the right audience, maximizing return on investment.
  • Data-driven decisions: Analytics and reporting provide valuable insights into your SEO efforts, helping you make informed decisions to improve outcomes.
  • Higher conversion rates: Conversion rate optimization focuses on turning site visitors into customers, boosting sales and business growth.

Costs And Pricing Structures Of SEO Agencies

SEO agencies typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Hourly rate: Charges are based on the time spent working on your SEO needs, making it flexible for ongoing projects.
  • Monthly retainer: A fixed monthly fee is charged for a set package of services, offering consistent support and planning.
  • Project-based: Costs are determined by the specific project scope, ideal for one-time or short-term SEO initiatives.
  • Performance-based: Pricing is tied to achieving specific results or milestones, aligning costs with outcomes.
  • Scope of work: Pricing is based on the detailed deliverables outlined in the project, ensuring transparency in expectations.

Key Factors That Influence SEO Agency Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of SEO agencies:

  • Customization level: The more tailored the SEO strategy to your unique needs, the higher the potential cost due to extra planning and execution.
  • Industry complexity: Certain industries require specialized knowledge or compliance, which can increase costs for targeted strategies.
  • Service scope: The range of services you need, from basic optimization to advanced analytics, will impact the overall price.
  • Competition level: High competition in your industry might necessitate more aggressive SEO efforts, driving up costs.
  • Geographic focus: Targeting multiple regions or countries can raise costs due to the need for localized strategies.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

SEO Agency FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about SEO agencies:

How do I choose the right SEO agency for my business?

To choose the right SEO agency for your business, start by identifying your specific goals and needs. Look for agencies with a solid track record and experience in your industry, and check their client reviews and case studies. Consider their pricing structure and ensure it aligns with your budget. It’s also important to evaluate their communication style and how well they understand your business objectives.

How long does it take to see results from an SEO agency?

Typically, it can take several months to start seeing significant results from SEO efforts. The exact timeline depends on factors like your current search engine ranking, the competitiveness of your industry, and the SEO strategy implemented by the agency. Be wary of agencies promising instant results, as search engine optimization is a long-term investment.

What should I expect during the onboarding process with an SEO agency?

During onboarding, the SEO team should conduct a thorough SEO audit and analysis of your current website and SEO performance. They will likely ask about your business goals and target audience to create a custom strategy. Expect them to outline a timeline and conversion rate objectives that align with your goals. Communication and transparency during this phase are crucial for setting the right expectations.

How do SEO agencies measure success?

SEO agencies measure success through various metrics, such as increased organic traffic, improved search rankings, and higher conversion rates. They may use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic and provide regular reports on SEO campaign progress. It’s important to discuss with the agency which ranking factors and metrics matter most to your business goals.

Can an SEO agency help with local search optimization?

Yes, many SEO companies specialize in local SEO services, which are essential for businesses targeting specific geographic areas. They can help optimize your Google My Business profile, build local citations, and ensure your website is optimized for local search terms. This can improve your online visibility among local customers and bring more qualified leads.

What ongoing support can I expect from an SEO agency?

Ongoing support from an SEO firm typically includes regular performance updates, strategy adjustments, and continuous optimization efforts. They should be available to answer questions and provide insights into new digital marketing opportunities. Look for agencies that offer consistent communication and are proactive in addressing any challenges that arise, ensuring your SEO marketing stays aligned with your business goals.

What’s Next?

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Dozie Anyaegbunam
By Dozie Anyaegbunam

Dozie Anyaegbunam is the Senior Editor of The CMO Club, a digital media publication that helps SaaS marketing leaders win at work. He has several years of core brand marketing experience across various verticals, from edu-tech, to food and beverages, to SaaS. He's also led marketing teams at B2B SaaS startups, global multinationals, and the public sector. Dozie is the Founder & Host of The Newcomers, a media publication that explores what it means to be an immigrant.