How to Choose an SEO Agency: Benefits of SEO for an Organization

Choosing the right SEO agency for your organization is a very crucial decision to take for your company's future. Whether your company gets a sudden rise in Google ranking or a subsequent decrease in organic traffic depends entirely on good and bad Search Engine Optimization.

There is also no one-size-fits-all solution for selecting a suitable SEO agency. That is why how to choose an SEO agency is a question that most organizations have today.

The right SEO partnership can lead to positive results for businesses across domains. So, before entering into a contract, organizations should consider the essential factors and stay clear of the common misconceptions, as explained in detail here.

How to Choose an SEO Agency: Factors to Consider

There are several factors to consider while choosing the right SEO agency. These are:

1. Service-Scope

When you start collaborating with a prospective SEO agency, you first check what services are on offer. SEO companies are not restricted to just SEO but to begin with. They should be offering you both on-page and off-page SEO.

On-page SEO deals with the content of your website, and techniques such as optimizing the page titles, headings etc., fall under this category. Off-page SEO is more about backlinking from external links.

Authoritative links are Google's way of scoring the quality of websites. The SEO team you should choose should be proficient in both techniques.

Business sizes vary, so you can settle for affordable SEO services for small businesses if necessary.

2. Overall Pricing & Costs

In your search for the right SEO company, you will find a few that are up-front about the costs and others that are not.

You must communicate with them about the initial outlay and the ongoing fees. You must also enquire about the extra charges if any.

For instance, the SEO company should inform you how much you need to pay for an initial evaluation and preparation of the strategy document.

Compare at least three quotes from different companies and then decide which plan or agency suits you best.

3. Reviews and References

While checking the SEO agency's portfolio is a must, you should not stop there. Looking for authentic reviews and references is crucial. Do not hesitate to reach out to the website owners and find out how it was for them to work with the SEO team, whether they are in a partnership, and so on.

You can simultaneously search the firm's name on Google and read the online reviews of their service. This is not just an essential factor of consideration but also requires considerable time. This is because there might be negative comments, which often come from the competitors.

As optimization is all about results, the benefits of these reviews and references are undeniable.

4. Digital Marketing Strategy

SEO is a long-term investment, calling for a long-term strategy. So, a good SEO agency should be providing you with a robust digital marketing strategy that best suits your unique business needs. The SEO team should ideally do a thorough keyword analysis of the specific marketplace while also evaluating the search success of the existing site.

The best SEO agencies will go further and create a content gap analysis. This analysis compares your site with its competitors and is an effective way of strategizing the SEO activities to undertake.

5. Social Media Initiatives

Today, social media is also a part of SEO and goes hand in hand. That is why you must consider agencies with expertise in handling social media marketing.

Social media plays a significant role in directing the right kind of traffic to your website. The posts and tweets lead to the right audience discovering and acquainting themselves with your brand. The ideal SEO agency has people with both the mindset and the proper tools to manage this process.

6. KPIs and Other Metrics

When you are about to hire an SEO agency, it is evident that you have set your goals. Now, it is time to consider these goals and ensure that the SEO agency you choose has metrics that work for you.

As the business owner and your SEO consultant, you should be on the same page in deciding the Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. KPIs apply practically to any aspect of a business and can imply a host of things within SEO.

For instance, a company with an established clientele will have different objectives from a company launching a new product in the market.

How to Choose the Right SEO Company: Tips & Tactics

While the above factors should be considered in detail to find the right SEO agency, here are some additional tips and tactics to assist in your search for a better SEO company:

• Ensure that the company is an expert in Conversion Optimization and that they can think beyond just SEO
• Remember that low-cost agencies can not only fail to bring you the desired results but also cause long-term damage to your website
• Check and verify if their promise of guaranteed results is too good to be true
• Establish an SEO budget and familiarize yourself with the SEO pricing models

Misconceptions Regarding How to Choose an SEO Company

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions surrounding SEO companies and SEO as a whole. Some of these are:

Myth 1: SEO is Not Needed

Well, you will not need SEO only if you don't want your business to succeed in this digital age. If you're going to improve the visibility and searchability of your business website, then an SEO professional's guidance is a must.

SEO is the most surefire way of reaching out to your potential customers and ensuring that they don't miss out on the products and services you offer.

Myth 2: SEO is a One-Time Thing

One question that many SEO specialists face is whether a company can stop running a particular campaign. The straightforward answer is no.

You cannot hope to employ an SEO agency for once and receive lifetime results. Companies/websites need to maintain an SEO-optimized presence on the web to ensure sustainable and prosperous results in the long run.

Myth 3: SEO Companies Can Control Google and Other Search Engines

One of the biggest misconstructions about SEO companies or professionals is that they can instantly boost the Google rankings of your website. On the contrary, the truth is that the primary objective of SEO companies is to give the search engines what they are looking for.

SEO professionals employ specific techniques and strategies to make their client's websites perform well in terms of search engine rankings.

Myth 4: Guaranteed Results

If you are hiring an SEO agency with the hope that your website will rank no: 1 on Google and continue to do so, you are in for a huge disappointment.

SEO is a good but ongoing process in which the techniques and marketing discipline take considerable time to show results. Also, SEO strategies vary widely depending upon the business requirements, the domain it belongs to, and many other factors.

Why Choosing an SEO Company is Necessary for Your Organization?

By far, we have realized that an SEO company or digital marketing agency offers 360-degree SEO services. Even today, several small and mid-sized organizations falsely assume they can do SEO for their own business with a few tips and techniques.

The fact is that an SEO company's services are valuable assets for your business. As Google updates its algorithm from time to time, it is crucial to update the websites as per these algorithms, and only the SEO experts know the best techniques for doing so. They are also aware of the eCommerce SEO best practices. They execute continuous and ongoing work to improve your company's visibility in search engines.

An SEO company also saves a lot of your time. While these dedicated professionals can handle SEO perfectly well, you can focus on the other core areas and adhere to the responsibilities for running the business smoothly.

Choosing an SEO agency helps organizations reduce operations costs, particularly advertisement. The agency's service includes SEO, brand building, PPC, content marketing, and so on.

The Best SEO Agencies in 2024

1. Pure Visibility

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Average Hourly Rate: $200
• Expertise: SEO, Local SEO, Digital Marketing

Experts in search engine optimization, social media marketing, paid search advertising and web analytics, Pure Visibility is a company specializing in B2B and B2C lead generation that also provide services in SEO workshops, PPC training and website visibility audits.

Spanning a wide range of industries from eCommerce to healthcare, Pure Visibility prides itself on working as an extension of its client's marketing teams and recommending solutions based on their business goals and industry.

The end goal is to improve and maintain their customers’ digital visibility.

2. Chicago Marketing Consultants

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, Digital Marketing

The family-owned consultancy business Chicago Marketing Consultants works with clients all around the globe, having re-established its brand in 2020 to usher in a new era of digital marketing expertise and dynamic marketing support for their clients.

The company provides “authentic, data-driven, revenue-focused marketing support” in the hospitality industry. Their services include search engine optimization, digital marketing, paid media, social media marketing, content marketing, reputation management, PR and website development.

3. SEO Wizard

• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Average Hourly Rate: $100
• Expertise: SEO, Small Business SEO, eCommerce SEO, SEO Consultants...

SEO Wizard tailors its solutions to all business's unique requirements and budgets, making them one of the fastest-growing agencies in the search engine optimization business. By customizing its services, the company delivers the best value to its clients in different industries.

Results-driven marketing campaigns improve their clients’ visibility, search engine ranking, business reputation, and revenue. Specifically, their SEO services encompass SEO audit, page speed and core vitals optimization, Google penalty recovery and SEO consultations.

The company also provides web design, PPC and social media marketing services.

4. Spring SEO

• Location: Orange County, CA
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, PPC, Digital Marketing, eCommerce Development...

A full-service, boutique digital agency enhancing its clients' lead generation and digital visibility, Spring SEO applies its expertise to improve its online presence, build a following and increase sales, conversion and visits.

Spring SEO teams aim to bring their client's businesses to the first page of organic search results and deliver revenue by driving qualified leads to their websites.

The scope of their services consists of local search strategy, map search optimization, link building and content, paid search advertising, custom website design and graphic design.

5. Unframed Digital

• Location: Denver, CO
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, Local SEO, PPC, Media Buying...

A hands-on digital agency that makes data-driven strategies for increasing lead generations for businesses that look to reach valuable audiences. Unframed Digital specializes in B2B and B2C verticals in numerous services and industries, such as real estate, architecture, home design and finance.

Their process consists of providing transparent and insightful business strategies that result in unique solutions for their clients, offering an open-minded and easy-to-understand style of customer service, building confident relationships and prioritizing the clients’ data infrastructure and education.

6. Veewz

• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Average Hourly Rate: $25
• Expertise: SEO, Small Business SEO, Local SEO, PPC...

Veewz tailored-made SEO strategies stem from their belief that every business is unique and has needs that their team should understand. After thoroughly assessing its clients, the company's goal is to create results from its client’s investment.

After creating a campaign roadmap, the team commits to getting the job done within the agreed timeline and keeping the client in the loop. The company delivers real-time reports to its clients with metrics pointing to the projects’ success.

Veewz provides services in organic and local SEO, paid search ads, social media ads and other forms of digital marketing.

7. Jordan Marketing Consultants

• Location: Houston, TX
• Average Hourly Rate: $100
• Expertise: Responsive Website Design, SEO, Digital Marketing, eCommerce Web Design

Jordan Marketing Consultants is Houston-based marketing and web design agency that focuses on organic search engine optimization to help clients reach their prospects before their competitors. Specializing in marketing and web design, the agency works from start to finish with their customers in their customer acquisition journey. 

They optimize websites for higher search engine rankings and produce quality content to get the leads rolling in. They create SEO strategies that capitalize on the power of national and local searches to get you connected with the right audience, while also planning and executing social media engagement and SEO strategies that lead to increased brand awareness, website traffic and sales.

Jordan marketing Consultants clients include Therapy For Life, Interconnections Healing Center, Solutions For Joyful Aging and Gathering Roots Wellness Center.

8. Social Up Media

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Average Hourly Rate: On Inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, PPC, Digital Marketing, Advertising

Social Up Media provides personalized digital marketing and strategic SEO for businesses of all sizes. Their team of experts provide their clients with the competitive edge necessary today and are. laser focused on the task at hand. 

The agency aims to expand their clients online presence, drive new eyes to their website, and convert potential customers into sales and leads. They do this by means of a variety of services including: Google Ads/ PPC (pay-per-click advertising), SEO (search engine optimization), and Paid Social Advertising (social media ad campaigns). 

Social Up Media clients include Candid, Cartwheel, Mediplex and Golden Nugget.

9. Vix Media Group

• Location: Arlington, VA
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, Search Engine Marketing, Email Marketing, Digital Strategy

A fast-paced, transparent family of companies working together on campaigns of all sizes. Their professionals help their clients achieve the underlying business goals for each project, especially when it comes to ranking number 1 on Google.

A solid presence on Google is inarguably the best traffic source and can make a 7+ figure impact on your business. Vix gets their clients there through various strategies like distributing original content anf building domain authority with the help of their team at Moonbeam SEO. The agency white-labels their services for agencies trying to scale or a freelancer in need of support.

Vix Media Group clients include California Law Firm, Technology Publication and others.

10. Clicks Studio

• Location: Southend-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS24BQ, United Kingdom
• Average Hourly Rate: $100
• Expertise: SEO, Real Estate SEO, Small Business SEO, SEO Consultants...

Clicks Studio's WordPress SEO Agency service helps their clients gain organic fresh leads through their websites, paired with top-notch social media management, digital PR and website design to ensure a well-functioning, full-cycle marketing campaign.

The agency uses data to reduce guesswork when it comes to calculating marketing budget to ensure the best ROI possible for their clients. They offer free SEO audit and consultation for all projects. Their services are per product with different packages available, according to clients' needs.

Their clients include Essex Capital Finance and Young's Cleaning.

11. Bakklog

• Location: Posthoornstraat 17, Rotterdam, 3011 WD, Netherlands
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, Local SEO, SEO Consultants, Digital Marketing...

With offices in the US and the Netherlands, Bakklog is an international digital marketing and software development company catering to clients around the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

Their SEO services help you rank high on the first page of search engines, increase your reach, and boost your website's relevance and trust. Bakklog offers Small Local, Local, Competitive Local, and Metro SEO plans to meet different business needs.

Since its founding in 2017, Bakklog has delivered over 100 projects for prominent startups and Fortune 500 companies.

12. Ragon Creative

• Location: Andrews, NC, Andrews, North Carolina 28901, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: SEO, SEO Consultants, Enterprise SEO, eCommerce SEO…

Ragon Creative helps businesses harness the power of digital marketing to boost brand trust through a data-driven, audience-focused content and SEO strategy.

Ragon Creative takes a holistic approach to SEO, addressing not only content but also technical SEO and on-site and off-site optimization. Their 7-day SEO assessment is a good place to start — it identifies your current standing and, based on this, creates a roadmap for growth.

Ragon Creative also offers monthly SEO plans, which include reporting and strategy, content writing, local SEO, and link building.

13. California SEO Service

• Location: Remote Office, Los Angeles, California 90005, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: $15/hr
• Expertise: Digital Strategy, 360° Digital Services, Web Design, Website Development…

California SEO Service is a locally trusted digital marketing agency that promises guaranteed top results, quick response, total transparency, and value for money.

Their SEO services include a complete website audit, which helps you better understand your positioning and strengths and weaknesses, among others. They are also well-versed in keyword research, competitor analysis, link building, and on-site optimization.

California SEO Service has completed 500+ projects for over 200 clients.

14. Digital Funnel

• Location: 77 Lower Camden St Saint Kevins, Dublin 2 D02 XE80, Dublin, D02 XE80, Ireland
• Average Hourly Rate: On inquiry
• Expertise: Local SEO

With offices in both ends of Ireland, Digital Funnel is the agency of choice for local businesses looking to build a local presence and expand their international reach. They specialize in local, national, international, and eCommerce SEO.

Their SEO campaigns can generate leads, increase organic traffic, boost rankings, and grow eCommerce returns. They achieve these through hands-on website audits, HTML analyses, bespoke content creation, and more. Aside from SEO, they also provide website design, PPC, and digital PR services.

Their clients include Wisetek, Brosnan Property Solutions, O'Flynn Medical, and Cantec Group.

15. My Favorite Web Designs

• Location: 10345 E Talameer Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85212, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: $50/hr
• Expertise: Website Development and SEO.

My Favourite Web Designs is a dedicated SEO and web development agency that helps brands fast-track their online presence to reach their ideal target market.

By building search engine-optimized websites (primarily using WordPress), this Arizona-based agency combines critical skills to help brands achieve their goals. These skills include web design for small & medium businesses, eCommerce integrations and shopping cart set-ups, social media set up & management, Google PPC setup and management and cloud hosting with SSD for reliably fast websites.

Its strategies and techniques are robust and innovative and cover many industries. Some of My Favorite Web Design’s most notable clients include Gunderson Law Group, Scottsdale Muffler Automotive and VS Criminal Defence Attorneys.

16. Ernst Media

• Location: 2522 N Proctor St STE 396, Tacoma, Washington 98406, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: $95/hr
• Expertise: Digital Marketing, Boutique Branding, PPC, eCommerce PPC…

Ernst Media is a Washington-based boutique digital marketing agency with over 15 years of industry experience under its belt. Their team consists of senior-level digital marketing strategists.

The agency drives white-hat SEO strategies to boost on-page technical optimization, improve local and national brand positioning, manage reputation and help build a long-term prospect and sales funnel. Their techniques include comprehensive keyword research, SERP indexation audit, Google My Business setup and many others.

Ernst Media's clients include Wisdom Labs, DNS Filter, Silvertrac Software and ReputationX.

17. London Web Design Agency

• Location: G30 The Lightbox, 111 Power Road, London, W4 5PY, United Kingdom
• Average Hourly Rate: $75/hr
• Expertise: Web Design, SEO, Local SEO, Magento Development, eCommerce Web Design...

Whether you’re in the market for a new website, extra oomph for an existing one or something completely different, this London-based web design agency has years of experience.

They build lasting relationships with like-minded businesses. As an agency, they work closely with clients to identify and create tailor-made web design solutions for start-ups and SME’s.

Clients include Friends of Friendless Churches, Peach Properties, Headmasters, Mini-Engineers...

18. Made Online

• Location: 8580 Ventura Blvd. Unit D, Los Angeles, California 91356, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: $30/hr
• Expertise: Product Design, Digital Marketing, SEO, and Social Media Marketing

Founded in 2019 and based in Los Angeles, CA, Made Online is committed to helping businesses thrive in the online world. With their expert product design and digital marketing services, they can help you optimize your online presence and reach new customers in no time.

Whether you need SEO support or custom website design, Made Online’s team of experts will work tirelessly to deliver results that meet your specific needs and goals. So, if you're looking to boost your business online, look no further than Made Online. They’ll help you rise to the top and stay there!

Some of Made Online’s most notable clients include USA Auto Transport, LUSH Remodeling, and Cross Country Moving Company.

19. Marion Relationship Marketing

• Location: 7326 La Cosa Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248, United States
• Average Hourly Rate: Inquire.
• Expertise: Digital Strategy, Web Design, Digital Marketing, SEO, and Local SEO.

Marion Relationship Marketing believes that strong relationships are at the center of sustainable business growth. Its team of experienced digital marketing professionals has the expertise and knowledge to help businesses find the perfect solutions for their unique challenges.

Founded in 2019, Marion Relationship Marketing is based out of Dallas, Texas, and specializes in holistic digital strategy and SEO solutions that are designed to deliver real results in a fast and efficient manner. Whether you're looking to improve your online presence, boost lead generation efforts, or increase sales conversions, Marion Relationship Marketing has the tools and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Some of Marion Relationship Marketing’s most notable clients include The Sleep Cycle Center, The Diamond Room, Total Home Technologies, and Alluring Green Tree Care.

20. eCommerce Today

• Location: Molidului, 111, Brasov, 505600, Romania
• Average Hourly Rate: $35/hr
• Expertise: Logo Design, Graphic Design, Shopify, Digital Advertising, SEO, and Email Marketing.

eCommerce Today is a full-service eCommerce agency, specializing in website design & search engine optimization, and marketing services. They work with businesses from the US and Europe, helping them to successfully run their eCommerce and Retail operations.

Founded in 2019 and based out of Romania, eCommerce Today understands that building an online store can be overwhelming - there are so many things to consider! That's where they come in - as a Shopify and Klaviyo partner agency, they help online stores all over the world deliver excellent shopping experiences to their customers.

From theme selection, setup, and customization to email marketing and beyond, we're here to help your business grow. Some of eCommerce Today’s most notable clients include Atlas Copco, Jakeman's Maple Syrup, and Green Olive Company.

Expert Insights on How to Choose an SEO Agency

We asked agency experts: "What is one major aspect a business should be focused on when choosing an SEO agency?"

Staci Cretu Founder/CEO at Uncommon Marketing Works:

"Choose an SEO agency with proven success in your sector. Ensure you request case studies and references, and evaluate their expertise in keyword research, on-page optimization, and backlink strategies. This ensures they use best practices and can adapt to algorithm changes, promising measurable improvements in your online presence and engagement."

Jarrell Hibler, CEO/Founder at Premier Marketing:

"When selecting an SEO agency, businesses should prioritize a proven track record of delivering tangible results, such as improved organic search rankings and increased website traffic. It's essential to choose an agency with a strong history of achieving measurable SEO success and not just delivering keywords and backlinks with no strategy behind it."

Nick Rudnyk, Founder and SEO Expert at Nice Digital Studio:

"When choosing an SEO agency, it's crucial to look at their past work, client results, and feedback. Pick an agency familiar with your field if possible. Watch out for unrealistic promises and review their fees carefully. Remember, SEO takes time and investments. Results can vary, so be wary of guarantees."

Jessica Peterson, CEO Peterson SEO:

"The key factor is customization. A competent SEO agency should conduct thorough market research specific to your business, and offer transparent, tailored strategies designed to meet or exceed your goals. Avoid 'one-size-fits-all' solutions; your business deserves a unique approach.”

Charlotte Tomlinson, Head of SEO and Content at Distinctly:

"Focus on how strategic the agency is - can they understand and deliver on your long term objectives and communicate the value of all activity they propose to undertake. A strong SEO agency focuses on the why as well as the what with data-driven, well-researched plans, not just a list of best practice tactics."

Ann Fridd Alvarez, Founder at Interstellar Media:

"Selecting the right SEO agency requires more than a cursory glance at their accolades; it's about ensuring a deep alignment with your business's core objectives and understanding. Begin by meticulously reviewing the agency's portfolio and case studies, then take a step further by examining their clients' online presence independently. This approach offers a clearer picture of their operational effectiveness and strategic depth. Additionally, assess their willingness to understand your unique market position and tailor their strategies to meet your specific needs. A truly compatible agency will demonstrate a commitment to not just achieving generic goals, but to advancing your particular brand vision and objectives."

Somnath, Founder of Content Spotlight:

"A business should check if the agency they are choosing is an enterprise SEO agency and provides holistic website solutions. Businesses should check if the agency provides all six types of SEO solutions including Technical, Off-Page, On-Page, Local, International and Social Media."

How to Choose an SEO Agency Takeaway

Today, when 90% of users look at the results on Google's first page only, finding an SEO agency that works for you is imperative. The right SEO company can transform your business but finding one can be more complex than you think. All the factors, tips and misconceptions here can guide your search and ensure you find a trusted SEO partner for your business.