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How to Use this List of Ecommerce SEO Agencies
If you're reading this article, you're likely in the early stages of an ecommerce SEO agency search. This is an immensely important decision for your company. Here’s guidance on how to use this article to assist a successful agency partner search.
- Before you begin contacting SEO agencies, conduct a post-mortem on why your previous agency partnership failed. If you don't learn from the mistakes of the past, then you're doomed to repeat them.
- Read the next section which will help you think through your most important considerations when hiring your next agency.
- Review the list below of the top ecommerce SEO agencies and choose 3-5 to reach out to and set up introductory meetings.
- Follow our agency evaluation advice as you meet with and interview SEO agencies.
- Come back to this list if none of the agencies in the first batch panned out and repeat steps 3 & 4.
P.S. If you're also hunting for a great PPC agency for ecommerce, we've got you covered.
How to Hire a Great Ecommerce SEO Agency
As an ecommerce marketing leader, you know that SEO is a key channel for driving traffic and sales to your website. However, you may not have the time or expertise to handle SEO yourself, and that's where hiring an ecommerce SEO agency comes in.
But with so many agencies out there, how do you choose the right one for your business? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find and hire a great ecommerce SEO agency.
Researching Potential Agency Partners Effectively
While there are many ecommerce SEO agencies out there, only a few of them will make for a good fit with your company.
So many agency searches lead to poor outcomes because of over-valuing capabilities as the main criteria for agency-client fit. Core competencies, talent, and values are far more important so we encourage you to read our article on how to ground your agency hiring process in what matters most.
One of the best ways to start your search is by using your network to get referrals to great ecommerce SEO agencies. Using first-hand experience from someone you know can help you build a shortlist of agencies to interview.
Search engines and lists like this one are great secondary resources to further add potential agency partners to your list.
Here are key factors to consider when researching potential agency partners:
The size of the agency
While larger agencies may have more resources and a larger team, smaller agencies may offer more personalized attention and flexibility. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs and goals.
Their expertise in ecommerce SEO
Is ecommerce SEO a capability or core competency of the agency you’re interviewing? There’s a HUGE difference. On their website and in your introductory meeting, listen for whether they talk about SEO in industry-agnostic terms or if they speak directly to its application in ecommerce.
The quality of their talent
An agency is only as good as its people. As you talk to agencies you should seek to understand who exactly on their team would be working with you. You don’t want to risk getting the bait-and-switch. Check out these team members on LinkedIn and see if their resumes communicate the experience you’re looking for.
Assessing the Quality of an Agency's Work
When it comes to finding the right agency to handle your ecommerce SEO, it can be a challenge to figure out whether their simply good salespeople or if they actually do quality work.
Review case studies and references
Don't be afraid to ask for references or examples of their work. A reputable agency should be more than happy to provide you with case studies or references that demonstrate their success in helping ecommerce businesses like yours achieve their goals.
Ask for live examples of their work
Case studies are great but they can be old or manipulated in an agency’s favor. Ask for ecommerce clients of theirs that you can check out live. As you do so, review the quality of the content, on-page optimization, and UX of those websites. While the SEO agency may not have full control over all of these aspects, their work should be evident.
Assessing the quality of an agency's work is a crucial step in choosing the right partner for your ecommerce SEO needs. Take the time to review their examples, speak with references, and evaluate their team to ensure that you're making the best decision for your business.
Examining the Costs of Hiring an Ecommerce SEO Agency
When it comes to hiring an ecommerce SEO agency, the cost can vary greatly depending on the agency and the services they offer. While cost is an important factor to consider, it's important to look beyond just the upfront price.
Agency fees
A competent ecommerce SEO agency with comprehensive services likely commands a retainer rate of $4,000/mo. to $10,000 or more per month. These fees can range depending on the complexity and size of the ecommerce business as well as the resource gaps you’re asking your agency partner to address.
Talent costs
The typical ecommerce SEO strategy incurs costs beyond agency fees. You’ll need a team of people internally with a range of skills to get the most out of your agency partnerships. This team may include:
- A marketing coordinator
- An ecommerce manager
- A web developer
- A designer
- A content specialist or copywriter
You’re chosen SEO agency may need to fill one of these skill areas above, but you should seek to have a well-rounded team that represents a mix of in-house and external resources.
Technology costs
Your SEO strategy may not be possible without certain technologies in place that facilitate efficient execution. You may need to plan for increased technology costs in areas such as:
- Your CMS
- Website plugins and extensions
- Site performance tools
Above all else the most important thing to consider is the potential return on investment (ROI) of the agency's services. A reputable agency should be able to provide you with a performance forecast in your first month or so of working together.
The best SEO agencies ultimately pay for themselves through increased sales and revenue.
Choosing the Right Agency for Your Business
Choosing the right agency for your business can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to take the time to research, assess, and examine costs before making a decision. However, once you've done your due diligence, it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure you're making the right choice.
One important factor to consider is the agency's communication style. You'll be working closely with this agency, so it's important to feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Make sure you feel that they understand your business goals and needs and are able to communicate effectively with you throughout the process.
Another important factor to consider is the agency's ability to provide a clear plan and timeline for its services. Make sure you understand their process and what success looks like. This will help you set realistic expectations and ensure that you're on the same page throughout the project.
Finally, don't forget to consider the agency's pricing structure. While you don't want to choose an agency based solely on price, it's important to make sure their services fit within your budget. Look for an agency that offers transparent pricing and doesn't have any hidden fees.
Hiring an ecommerce SEO agency can be a game-changer for your online business. By taking the time to research, assess, and examine costs, you'll be able to choose an agency that can help your business reach new heights. With the right agency by your side, you'll be able to improve your search engine rankings, drive more traffic to your site, and ultimately increase your sales and revenue.
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Now that you’re ready for the hiring process, here are the top ecommerce SEO agencies to evaluate:
1. Uproer
Best for: High-growth ecommerce companies in need of deep search marketing expertise
Uproer possesses a unique advantage in helping ecommerce companies in attaining the search marketing growth they have been lacking. That advantage is our experience.
Our team has worked with Fortune 100 retailers as well as fast-growing ecommerce startups. What’s true about ecommerce SEO at any level is that it is its own unique animal. You need people who have been in the trenches of complex ecommerce tech stacks before in order to drive SEO growth.
Unlike other agencies, Uproer eliminates the barriers of account and project managers between our ecommerce clients and our subject matter experts. Our clients directly engage with the individuals at Uproer responsible for devising the SEO strategy and overseeing its implementation. This streamlined communication process reduces unnecessary layers and allows agile teams to collaborate efficiently, yielding rapid results.
We have consistently delivered exceptional SEO outcomes for ecommerce companies throughout our history. Check out our case studies to witness the impact we can make on your business.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO, Paid Search, Content Production, Measurement |
| Year founded | 2017 |
| Location | St. Paul, MN |
| Number of employees | 13 |
| Focus area or niche | Holistic search for Ecommerce & SaaS |
| Client experience | EVEREVE, Jack Link’s, Branch Basics |
Uproer’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s our best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how we think:
- How to Power-Up Your Ecommerce Category Pages for SEO
- Why is My Ecommerce Site Not Being Indexed?
- Uproer’s Search Marketing Solutions for Ecommerce
2. Seer Interactive
Best for: Ecommerce companies with complex analytics needs
Seer Interactive was launched in 2002 by Wil Reynolds, who has become a prominent thought leader in search marketing industry. Seer takes an empathetic approach to data analysis. They use analytics and big data to inform decision-making, but they don’t allow the numbers to let them lose sight of the customer as a human.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO, Paid Media, Analytics, Market Intelligence, CRO |
| Year founded | 2002 |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Number of employees | 180 - 200 |
| Focus area or niche | Performance marketing agency where people & data intersect |
| Client experience | Trex Company, AMResorts, Carta |
Seer’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
- How to Do Ecommerce Keyword Research
- What are Product Knowledge Panels & How Can You Optimize for Them?
- How to Analyze Enhanced Ecommerce Data in Google Analytics
3. Augurian
Best for: Ecommerce companies with a brick & mortar presence
Augurian caters to a broad clientele, but they have notable experience in ecommerce. As an agency committed to delivering results, its goal is to empower clients to manage digital marketing strategies that align with their businesses. Their expertise extends beyond SEO; they assist clients with complex website migrations and provide analytics services to bolster sound decision-making processes.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO, Paid Search, Content Production, Analytics, Site Migrations |
| Year founded | 2016 |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Number of employees | 30-40 |
| Focus area or niche | Wide industry expertise, from Ecomm to Higher Ed. |
| Client experience | Coolibar, Coborn’s, Smoothems |
Augurian’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
4. BeyondSEO
Best for: Local stores and brands with local presence.
BeyondSEO is a great option for brands with local stores and national reach. With a small but mighty team, BeyondSEO is able to be agile and flexible for small-medium sized businesses, giving high quality results to ecommerce companies that are on Shopify or WordPress. BeyondSEO is also highly involved in conversion rate optimization (CRO) for small-medium businesses, which makes them a great solution for brands committed to growth.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO, CRO, Local |
| Year founded | 2022 |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Number of employees | 3 |
| Focus area or niche | Local SEO for e-Commerce |
| Client experience | Jofit, Sparkle In Pink |
5. Brandography
Best for: Companies looking for a web design agency with marketing consideration.
Brandography is a Minnesota-based web design agency with a strong focus on e-commerce and branding. As the name suggests, Brandography’s bread and butter is helping brands find their brand identity, and helping that transition to all things digital. Brandography is passionate about strategy, making them a great agency for anyone looking to build strategic marketing practices.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | Graphic Design, Branding, Site Design, SEO, Strategy |
| Year founded | 2009 |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Number of employees | 31 |
| Focus area or niche | Brands in the e-Commerce, B2B, Startup, Engineering, or Healthcare space. |
| Client experience | Sundays Hard Seltzer, Wild Hare Shooting Gear |
Brandography’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
6. Bold Orange
Best for: Enterprise organizations looking for customer experience expertise.
Bold Orange is an agency in the Twin Cities that focuses on helping brands with customer experience solutions, which includes online and offline marketing. From content to Salesforce integrations, Bold Orange is funded by a private equity firm, and is a great option for enterprise level clients looking to do more with marketing.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | UX, CX, CRM Program Design, Positioning, Salesforce implementation, Performance Marketing, Analytics |
| Year founded | 2018 |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Number of employees | 108 |
| Focus area or niche | Wide ranging experience, from e-Commerce to charity work |
| Client experience | Polaris, Red Wing Shoes, Be The Match |
Bold Orange’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
7. Victorious
Best for: Mid-to-large ecommerce brands looking to improve their website performance
Victorious is a San Francisco based SEO agency that specializes in SEO for a variety of industries. They are the winner of the 2022 US Agency Award for “Best Large Agency of the Year.” They have experience working across a number of ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and WordPress. They offer a great solution for mid-to-large ecommerce brands looking to grow.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Location | San Francisco,CA |
| Number of employees | 98 |
| Focus area or niche | Wide range of experience |
| Client experience | Wayfair, GE, Stockinger Safes |
Victorious’ Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
8. 180 Marketing
Best for: Midsize brands looking to increase revenue & ROI from search
180 Marketing is an SEO agency with a core focus on ecommerce. They have experience across a variety of CMS platforms and take a holistic approach to ecommerce SEO that covers content, technical SEO, and on-and-off page optimization. They are a great resource for midsize businesses that hope to generate more revenue from search.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Location | Bend, OR |
| Number of employees | 45 |
| Focus area or niche | Ecommerce SEO |
| Client experience | Banyan Botanicals, I Buy Power, Trophy Central |
180 Marketing's Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
9. Pearl Lemon
Best for: Rapid visibility
Pearl Lemon boasts about their international team. Their diversified experience plus workers in various time zones makes it easy for them to work with your team regardless of location and times. Their team works with virtually every CMS which allows for a near-immediate impact with little to no learning curve.
| Services | SEO, Link Building, PPC, Advanced Remarketing |
| Year founded | 2018 |
| Location | London HQ – International availability |
| Number of employees | 95 - 100 |
| Focus area or niche | Ecommerce SEO |
| Client experience | Selfie Booth, Veggiecurean, Applicant Tracking Systems |
Pearl Lemon’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
- 9 Tips for Writing Ecommerce Descriptions
- Ecommerce Blog Post Ideas
- Tips for Maximizing Ecommerce SEO
10. SEO Digital Group
Best for:
SEO Digital Group is a small but nimble team of SEO Specialists. This group doubles down on SEO as that is their only core service offering so it is an ideal partner looking for someone who lives and breathes SEO.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | SEO, Reporting and Analytics, Local SEO |
| Year founded | 2016 |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Number of employees | 5 - 10 |
| Focus area or niche | Holistic SEO |
| Client experience | Not advertised on website |
SEO Digital Group’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
- 9 Must-Have Features of an Engaging Ecommerce Site
- How to the Choose the Right CMS for Your Online Store
11. Comrade Digital Marketing
Best for:
Comrade recognizes the importance of SMB companies in America, and that is why they craft their strategies and pricing models based on their needs. Their team has experience beyond just SEO which makes them an ideal fit for someone needing a digital growth partner.
Agency Snapshot
| Services | Local SEO, Ecommerce SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Paid Advertising |
| Year founded | 2008 |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Number of employees | 15 - 20 |
| Focus area or niche | SMB SEO |
| Client experience | American Tent, Blackhawk Supply, Europa Eyewear |
Comrade Digital Marketing’s Top Content to Explore
Here’s their best content on ecommerce SEO to get a feel for how they think:
