12 Best SEO Agencies | Vetted and Reviewed by Experts

As an award-winning search engine optimization (SEO) agency that unlocks millions in ROI for our clients, we know the makings of a top SEO agency when we see one. Our team of editors reviewed and vetted the best SEO agencies to help you find the best of the best.

Want to reach the top of the search engine results page (SERP) but find yourself getting lost in the organic search shuffle instead?

You might have a solid marketing team, but an SEO agency can quickly take your efforts to the next level.

Maybe you want to publish educational content that attracts organic visitors or get more backlinks that show Google you’re an authority.

To bring you the most accurate and helpful info, we chatted with HawkSEM CEO and co-founder Sam Yadegar, a marketing expert with decades of direct experience working in SEO with brands like Verizon Media, Honda, and Nike.

As a bonus, he helped us round up the industry’s best agencies.

When we evaluated the leading agencies, we looked for proven success markers, including:

• Significant SEO results
• A rich, diverse portfolio of clients
• Increases in traffic and brand awareness
• Dynamic services, including customized strategies

“Most good agencies are on the cutting edge and have their team members already fully trained in, if not ahead of, the latest in SEO,” says Yadegar.

“Agencies are typically plug-and-play and help you avoid learning curves and ramp-up with in-house training sessions.”

After all, when it comes to supercharging your SEO, results are everything.

Top 12 SEO agencies

 1. HawkSEM

Not to toot our own horn, but the truth is that HawkSEM is a full-service digital marketing company specializing in top-tier SEO services with an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results.

In the search engine world, that translates to consistent traffic and conversions from engaging, impactful content and an optimization strategy aligned with Google’s algorithms.

Our talented staff has a roster of specialized digital marketing skills, from keyword analysis and technical nitty-gritty to niche-specific SEO experience in SaaS, finance, healthcare, and more.

We offer a proven formula for all our clients that involves a comprehensive SEO audit and consultation to learn about your brand’s goals. After that, we dive into strategy and implementation.

Finally, we analyze and report results to keep raising the bar. Our proprietary tech, ConversionIQ, offers real-time data insights to keep us on our toes.

Eventually, you’ll hit that elusive first page on Google and soar beyond your highest expectations in website traffic and revenue.

Whether it’s the doubled lead generation that we achieved for Datadog or the massive five-times-over revenue increase for 686, we’re dedicated to every client’s continued success.

Best for: B2B/B2C, ecommerce, lead generation, SaaS, finance, healthcare, education, professional services

Services: 

• On-page SEO
• Keyword research and SEO strategy
• Organic traffic goal assessment
• Link building and backlink audit (external and internal linking)
• Page speed analysis
• Site architecture analysis
• Content analysis and production
• Page title and meta description optimization
• Technical SEO
• Ecommerce SEO
• Local SEO
• Conversion rate optimization

Clients: 

• Nike
• Microsoft
• Verizon Media
• Siemens

2. Power Digital Marketing

Ever considered buying a Casper mattress? It’s probably because they’ve repeatedly popped up in your Google search results or Instagram ads.

The trendy mattress company can thank Power Digital Marketing for its succinct SEO strategy.

This SEO agency offers organic search services, showcasing creative expertise and services in influencer, affiliate, PPC, and email marketing as well.

But let’s stay focused on SEO. Their work begins with a competitive analysis to inform a cohesive digital marketing strategy for their clients.

Power Digital Marketing aims to garner a click, even in the most competitive landscapes.

The agency’s goal is to reach leads while reducing acquisition costs, fulfilled by the brand’s average 71% increase in year-over-year (YoY) revenue.

Best for: Full service, omnichannel, mid-to-large enterprise

Services: 

• SEO audit on specific keywords, metadata, and content
• On-page SEO
• Off-page SEO
• Technical SEO

Clients: 

• Alo
• Beyond Meat
• Airbnb
• Spanx

3. Firefly Marketing

Firefly’s comprehensive SEO service includes a dedicated account manager, monthly and quarterly reporting, and extensive market research to inform SEO strategies.

They also highlight directory management as a component of their SEO service, which is increasingly important for rankings of local small businesses. Law firms, dentists, and home improvement services require this specialized attention more than anyone.

As for results, testimonials showcase client satisfaction with Firefly’s services, praising the agency’s professionalism, responsiveness, and SEO profile success.

Best for: Education, legal, dental companies

Services: 

• On-site SEO
• Local and organic SEO
• Directory management
• Social media marketing

Clients: 

• Leaaf Environmental
• Bayou Teche Museum
• Axis Moldings
• MedExpress

4. Tinuiti

Tinuiti’s SEO services focus on satisfying both “mind and machine” — aka your readers and Google.

The team starts with competitive and trend research to inform stellar copy and content creation. Then come all the technical tidbits like snippets and website architecture to gel everything together.

We’re also impressed with their proven experience conducting website migrations. They’ve handled tons of new site builds and site refreshes, with pre- and post-migration support — a lifesaver for SEO during scenarios like mergers.

From custom Amazon page development to meticulous blog optimization, Tinuiti has you covered with an expert team and years of industry experience.

Best for: Enterprise B2B and B2C

Services: 

• SEO copy and content
• SEO site migrations and launches
• Blog and social optimization
• Rich snippets and position zero
• Technical and structural web development
• App store optimization and enterprise SEO

Clients: 

• Etsy
• Nestlé
• Basset Furniture
• Nautica 

5. Nebo Agency

Nebo Agency takes a human-centric approach to SEO.

While link-building and technical elements are covered in their services, their focus is on dissecting audience intent.

This way, they can drive stronger connections between brands and customers, even at the top of the funnel.

It’s clear that this SEO agency prioritizes the human element through its impressive paid media campaigns and influencer marketing tactics.

The company has a playful yet ambitious vibe. Check out one of their most recent blog articles featuring what appears to be a dachshund trying to figure out “why targeted ads are awesome.”

Best for: UI-driven website builds with SEO

Services: 

• Local and international SEO
• Competitive analysis
• Content optimization and creation
• Technical SEO
• Video optimization
• On-page optimization
• Keyword research and strategy
• Ecommerce SEO

Clients: 

• Georgia Tech
• Mailchimp
• Salesloft
• Rooms To Go

6. Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a global company serving more than 20 countries and offering a dynamic, creative approach to their services.

Whether it’s their creative storytelling SEO campaign for Netflix’s Big Mouth series or doubling reach for UGG, Jellyfish brings a mix of design, marketing, and data expertise to make their clients’ work shine.

SEO services include a focused digital PR strategy through link building and content enrichment across every platform.

Best for: Enterprise SEO

Services: 

• E-E-A-T audit
• Content optimization
• Technical SEO
• PR link building
• Reporting and analysis
• Strategic planning
• Advanced mobile speed audit

Clients: 

• Aviva Investors
• Greenpeace
• Netflix
• Puig

7. Wpromote

Wpromote is a big player in the U.S. digital marketing industry, offering PPC, Amazon, performance, creative, and influencer marketing services.

They have a large team of SEO experts, including an executive leadership team with women holding the majority of the positions.
As for SEO, their formula goes like this:

• Fundamentals – On-page SEO, meta descriptions, snippets, content—the basics.
• Wayfinder Prioritization Suite – Proprietary tech that predicts timelines and value for SEO initiatives. A+ for strategy.
• Research and Testing – Competitive and keyword research with A/B testing and performance monitoring.
• Alternative and Advanced Visibility – Social media optimization to drive visibility.

High-ticket clients such as Cinemark cite impressive figures like more than 400% increases in conversions and efficiency.

Best for: Enterprise SEO

Services: 

• Keyword cohort analysis
• Site migrations
• YouTube SEO
• Conversion rate optimization
• Pinterest SEO
• Organic shopping
• Local SEO
• International SEO
• Voice search

Clients: 

• TransUnion
• Frontier Airlines
• KitchenAid

8. Rankings.io

Are you in the personal injury lawyer niche? Then Rankings.io could be the right SEO agency for you.

You can’t beat the peace of mind that a specialized team offers, especially in a field with so many reputational and legal considerations.

If you’re a “Chicago car accident lawyer,” you’d probably want to rank for that keyword, right? Rankings.io makes that look easy. Trust us: legal keywords are scrutinized more closely by Google, so it’s an impressive feat.

One happy client from The Levin Firm praised the agency’s stellar results, which helped him compete with (and surpass rankings of) law firms that had multi-million-dollar marketing budgets.

Talk about taking a competitive lead.

Best for: SEO for attorneys

Services: 

• Content creation
• On-site optimization
• Link building
• Local SEO

Clients: 

• The Levin Firm
• Dolman Law Group
• Stewart J. Guss, Attorney at Law
• Jacoby & Meyers

9. Ignite Visibility

Ignite Visibility prides itself on a foundation of relationships, responsiveness, and results.

In fact, these three qualifiers skyrocketed them to become one of the highest recommended agencies on the review site Clutch. The company’s low client-employee ratio offers a sense of exclusivity and undivided attention.

Client satisfaction? Check. 

But what SEO best practices got them there? To start, they fix website errors, optimize web pages for crawlers, and conduct fresh keyword research to drive a sales-forward strategy.

Ignite Visibility also mentions the importance of credibility and reputation management for today’s SEO strategies. And they back that up by practicing what they preach.

Best for: Small and medium businesses (SMBs) to mid-market and results-driven SEO

Services: 

9. 9. • Local SEO
      • Ecommerce SEO
      • International SEO
      • Digital PR and link-building
      • SEO consulting

Clients: 

9. 9. • Experian
      • Army & Navy Academy
      • Jazzercise
      • Tony Robbins

10. Coalition Technologies

Imagine your brand doubling its revenue. It’s possible with Coalition Technologies.

Coalition covers plenty of niches like ecommerce for cannabis, fashion, and jewelry, or lead gen SEO for artists and legal brands.

They offer web design and PPC services to complement a cohesive SEO strategy as well.

Among the agency’s impressive 750-plus case studies, their 300% increase in organic traffic for an online jeweler definitely stands out.

Best for: SMBs and local SEO

Services: 

9. 9. • Ecommerce SEO
      • Web development
      • Lead generation SEO
      • Amazon SEO
      • Keyword optimization
      • Link building
      • Social media and blogs

Clients: 

9. 9. • Spiceology
      • Trumpet & Horn
      • Pink Lily
      • Magnolia Boutique

11. Thrive Agency

Thrive has decades of experience as a full-service digital marketing agency with a wide range of SEO expertise. They support brands in various niches, from dental and home improvement to healthcare and tech.

Looking for, say, a 349% increase in top-5 ranked keywords? Yes, please! That’s what Thrive was able to deliver for just one of their HVAC clients.

Plus, this agency invests just as much as their clients in a robust SEO strategy – for proof, check out their engaging blog posts on relevant topics for their target audience published almost daily.

Best for: Local SEO

Services: 

9. 9. • Local SEO
      • Technical SEO
      • Conversion rate optimization
      • Link building
      • Keyword research and strategy
      • Content writing
      • Ecommerce SEO

Clients: 

9. 9. • Dizzy Stop
      • IDville
      • Seismic Audio
      • Ambler Industries

12. Victorious

Fitting for their name, Victorious holds multiple accolades from SEO industry associations like Search Engine Land, U.S. Search Awards, and Clutch.

Victorious comprises digital marketing experts with proven experience marketing premium and luxury products, a skill vital for any luxury brand’s web presence.

A mix of content enrichment and technical SEO services brings results like the 300% increase in organic traffic for real estate brand BMarko Structures.

We also appreciate this agency’s dedicated lens to PR on the web, as evidenced by their specialized E-E-A-T audit.

Best for: Travel, real estate, luxury brands

Services: 

9. 9. • Keyword analysis
      • Competitive analysis
      • Site speed analysis
      • URL structure analysis
      • Metadata audit
      • Link building
      • Content creation
      • Content strategy

Clients: 

9. 9. • Spotify
      • Salesforce
      • Bissell
      • Wayfair

So, we’ve covered the best SEO agencies in the biz. Now you might be wondering, why work with an agency over a freelancer or in-house marketer? But let’s back up for a sec.

What is an SEO agency?

An SEO agency is a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services meant to improve a brand’s rankings on search engines like Google Search and Bing, but primarily Google.

They might also offer specialized SEO services for social media platforms or ecommerce platforms like Amazon.

SEO agencies like HawkSEM are staffed with dynamic SEO experts and other marketing specialists to fill in the knowledge gaps you might have in your organization.

Meaning? They can help you get on the ground running toward higher SERP rankings without the headaches of recruitment or training.

Reputable SEO agencies have demonstrated expertise, search traffic, keyword rankings, and results.

“Typically, a good agency can crowdsource success from hundreds of clients and help you win faster, save money, and avoid costly mistakes,” says Yadegar.

So, does this mean any SEO agency with a strong portfolio is the right fit for your brand? Not quite. Yadegar recommends meeting the SEO team, inquiring about timelines, and asking to see aligned case studies:

“Having relevant experience is key,” he adds, “so asking for case studies of other clients that have had similar challenges and how the agency helped solve them, vertical and niche expertise, [are] always a huge plus.”

All HawkSEM clients meet with our digital marketing team and receive support from a dedicated account manager. Plus, we have a portfolio of incredible results from a wide range of niches and verticals.

What are the benefits of working with an SEO agency?

SEO agencies can be a great resource for taking some of the load off your existing team. Agencies can help you maintain your strategy and vision by monitoring your metrics, optimizing campaigns, and much more.

“In-house teams can help with brand positioning, guidelines, and high-level goals, but there are far too many moving parts,” says Yadegar. “SEO agencies help in-house teams avoid tunnel vision and plateaus.”

If you only rely on in-house resources, you risk missing important SEO details that can compromise your rankings.

Partnering with the right SEO agency ensures no lapses in keyword research, content planning, visual designs, technical SEO, metadata, and Google Analytics and performance monitoring.

The Takeaway

These days, brands have an exciting selection of excellent SEO agencies to support their content marketing and user experience goals.

But remember, the best SEO companies have relevant experience reaching business goals for clients similar to your brand. Browse through our roundup, pay special attention to niches that align, and dive into case studies for more insights.

Ready to take the most direct path to page-one rankings? Is your brand in SaaS, ecommerce, education, legal, health, clothing niche, or beyond?

If so, HawkSEM has you covered. We come to the table with demonstrated excellence in SEO content strategies across tons of verticals and business types, from startups to Fortune 500s.

Plus, our ConversionIQ software helps us maintain those results over time, resulting in serious revenue gains for our clients.

Ready to dominate the search engine results? Get in touch so we can help you get on track to reaching your goals.