Developing a successful search engine marketing (SEM) strategy is no easy task. Of course, it takes time, expertise, and resources.
More often than not, it is better to partner with an SEM agency so you can focus on growing your business. Besides growing your business, you’ll most likely save valuable resources as it can be expensive to gain the necessary insights and access to tools to execute a successful, sustainable SEM strategy.
Partnering with a search marketing agency can provide the support and expertise necessary to achieve your business goals.
But how do you identify the right agency?
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the top full-service agencies available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an SEM Agency?
An SEM or Search Engine Marketing agency focused on refining brands’ online visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), pay-per-click ads (PPC), and content marketing efforts.
These agencies navigate platforms like Google Ads, and create search campaigns to improve qualified traffic leading back to your website. All good search marketing agencies are fueled by data-driven insights from tools like Google Analytics, Search Engine Marketing agencies to optimize click-through rates and campaign performance.
Why Hire a Search Engine Marketing Agency?
Hiring a Search Engine Marketing agency is a great option for businesses looking to enhance online visibility and drive targeted traffic. Search Engine Marketing agencies offer efficient resource allocation, reducing wasted ad spend while ensuring optimal campaign results.
Search engine marketing requires specific knowledge, especially in new markets or with new products. Working with an agency with a diverse background of clients will only benefit you when you’re faced with a marketing challenge. Agencies are frequently tasked with creating solutions to unique problems in saturated marketers where it might be hard to break through the noise.
What Is an Example of SEM Marketing?
An example of SEM marketing is when we, the NoGood team, increased Invisibly’s app installs by 103% month over month. The adopted approach focused on cohesively aligning Invisibly’s brand identity across various channels, enhancing brand authority within the target audience.
A data-driven marketing decision-making process was established by setting up a robust product and growth analytics stack. Rapid experimentation was employed across platforms like Facebook Ads, Pinterest, Bing, and Google Search to validate product/market fit and accelerate user base expansion.
These SEM tactics were combined with a retention strategy to amplify product-led growth by impacting metrics like retention rate, engagement, and user sharing. This multifaceted approach contributed to Invisibly’s overall growth and market positioning.
Here are some results for this SEM campaign:
- 65% MoM decrease in CAC
- 2960% WoW increase in app installs from Google UAC
- 84% increase in organic traffic
How much do SEM agencies charge?
The pricing structure for SEM agencies varies, influenced by the range of services provided and the scale of your campaigns. Costs and pricing can come in many forms, such as a percentage of ad spend, an hourly rate, or a performance-based fee.
The size and complexity of your campaigns also impact pricing. Comprehensive campaigns targeting a wide audience or across multiple platforms might involve higher costs due to increased workloads and strategic intricacies. On the other hand, smaller campaigns with more focused objectives could incur lower charges.
The Top 17 Search Engine Marketing Companies
1. NoGood
NoGood is an expert at uncovering and transforming your unique growth patterns into reality, using systems and tactics that drive rapid expansion and boost revenue opportunities.
New York (HQ) SEM, Social Ads, SEO SaaS, Healthcare, Consumer 50-100 employeesView Detail
NoGood is an expert at uncovering and transforming your unique growth patterns into reality, using systems and tactics that drive rapid expansion and boost revenue opportunities.
When you partner with NoGood, you get a custom growth team made up of experienced professionals who understand your business and are committed to achieving rapid progress, tapping into all your potential. Their team is built on the belief that the possibilities are endless when the right people and ideas come together.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Social Ads
- Search Engine Marketing Services
- Performance Branding
- SEO Services
- Content Marketing
- Marketing Analytics
- Conversion Rate Optimization
- Email Marketing
- Fractional CMO
- Video Marketing Services
- New York, NY (HQ)
- Miami
- Los Angeles
2. Directive
Technology giants rely on Directive Consulting’s international experts to actualize the outcomes of their performance-driven marketing campaigns.
Irvine, California Search Marketing Services, Content Marketing Strategy, Demand Generation SaaS, Health, 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
Technology giants rely on Directive Consulting’s international experts to actualize the outcomes of their performance-driven marketing campaigns. Through Directive’s established Customer Generation approach, clients have witnessed revenue surpassing $1 billion over the past decade.
This achievement results from seamlessly integrating top-tier campaigns across Paid Media, SEO, Design, Strategy, RevOps, and Video. Their team is strategically positioned across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, ready to provide exceptional services.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- SEO Strategies
- PPC Marketing
- Design Strategy
- Marketing Operations
- Video Marketing Company
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- SaaS
- Health
- Irvine, California
- Orange County
- New York City
- London
- Austin
- Canada
- Sydney
3. SmartSites
SmartSites excels at helping businesses of all sizes achieve their goals. SmartSites can help you boost website visitors, gain new customers, and improve sales with their expert services.
Paramus, NJ Digital Marketing Agency, Online Marketing, Website Development Health, Tech 200 – 500 employeesView Detail
SmartSites excels at helping businesses of all sizes achieve their goals. Whether you aim to increase organic traffic, acquire new customers, or enhance sales, SmartSites has the expertise to drive your success. Their services are tailored to fit the needs of businesses, regardless of their scale.
Notably, SmartSites holds the esteemed status of being both a Google Premier Partner and a Facebook Marketing Partner. SmartSites has been honored with dozens of website design awards. They have shown impressive growth by being on the Inc5000 list for seven consecutive years, from 2017 to 2023. They are recognized as one of the fastest-growing search marketing companies.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Web Design
- PPC Marketing
- SEO Campaigns
- Organic Search
- Search Engine Optimization
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Backlink Management
- Health
- Tech
- Travel
- Paramus, NJ
4. Disruptive Advertising
Their expertise drives transformative strategies, enabling clients to achieve goals, make a positive impact, and establish an innovative edge within their respective industries.
Pleasant Grove, UT Paid Search Advertising & Marketing, Conversion Optimization, Search Engine Marketing Company Ecommerce, Construction, Healthcare 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
Disruptive Advertising is known for top-tier marketing talents. Their expertise drives transformative strategies, allow their clients to achieve goals, make a positive impact, and establish an innovative edge within their respective industries.
They are committed to building enduring partnerships by consciously limiting their client count. This approach ensures that they dedicate their efforts solely to collaborating with exceptional companies to get exceptional results.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Paid Search
- SEO Agency
- Social Media Marketing Services
- Paid Social
- Lifecycle Marketing
- Creative Strategy
- Digital Marketing Services
- Google Ads
- Amazon Ads
- Google Shopping
- Conversion Optimization
- Construction
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Software
- IT Services
- Beauty
- Automotive
- Pleasant Grove, UT
5. Rocket Clicks
Rocket Clicks, an innovative digital advertising agency, is driven by a resolute dedication to return on investment (ROI).
Menomonee Falls, WI PPC advertising & Marketing, SEO Strategy, Content Development HVAV, Legal 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
Rocket Clicks is an innovative advertising agency driven by a dedication to provide a positive return on investment for each and every client. They are known for unwavering transparency, individualized communication, and an ardor for triumph.
They provide transparent 90-day roadmaps that lay out a clear plan and trajectory toward your goals. They aren’t just a service provider, they pride themselves on having 90% client retention with an average partnership far beyond the industry norm.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Social Media Marketing Services
- Paid Search Advertising
- Display Advertising
- Social Media Management
- Social Ads
- Video Marketing Services
- Search Marketing Services
- Content Marketing Services
- HVAC
- Legal
- Software
- Menomonee Falls, WI
6. HawkSEM
HawkSEM is a performance-oriented digital marketing agency, with an extensive history in paid search spanning over a decade.
Los Angeles, California Digital Marketing Campaigns, Search Engine Marketing Consultants, Conversion Optimization Health, SaaS, Higher Education 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
HawkSEM emerges as a performance-oriented digital marketing agency, boasting an extensive history in paid search spanning over a decade. The founders, located in Los Angeles, guide a dynamic team of over 70 marketing professionals across 30+ states nationwide.
HawkSEM goes beyond just setting and meeting goals, “Once a goal is met, another is set”. They aim to provide predictable revenue and sustainable growth with measurable results at every stage.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- PPC Marketing
- SEO Agency
- Content Marketing Services
- Social Media Marketing
- Conversion Optimization
- Remarketing
- Search Engine Marketing Services
- Google Ads Services
- SaaS
- Higher Education
- Legal
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Industrial
- Real Estate
- Fashion
- Los Angeles, California
7. OpenMoves
Presenting a team of passionate digital marketers committed to nurturing the growth of small-to-mid-size businesses at both local and international scales.
Huntington, NY Paid Social Media Marketing Services, PPC Advertising, Email Marketing Food, Higher Education, Jewelry 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
OpenMoves is a team of passionate digital marketers committed to nurturing the growth of small-to-mid-size businesses at both local and international scales. Their philosophy centers around focusing on a select set of successful strategies. Each model requires meticulous strategy, tools, rigorous testing, and precise tracking.
Above all, they believe in delivering tangible bottom-line results driven by experience. They operate as a completely remote team allowing them to build a group of talented marketers from around the country.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Inbound Marketing
- Conversion Optimization
- Marketing Automation
- Qualified Lead Generation
- Amazon PPC
- Google Ads
- Social Media Marketing
- Search Campaigns
- Backlink Management
- Email Marketing Strategy
- Food
- Higher Education
- Jewelry
- Huntington, NY
8. Funnel Boost Media
Funnel Boost Media is a comprehensive digital marketing firm headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio, Texas Website Design, Conversion Rate Optimization, Search Engine Marketing Services Automotive, Legal 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
Funnel Boost Media is a comprehensive digital marketing firm headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. With a wide-ranging scope, FBM excels in every facet, from crafting your marketing materials and websites to executing online advertising campaigns.
They have a real passion for helping local companies reach and exceed their goals. They’re primarily focused on home improvement, home remodeling, law firms, treatment centers, financial services, and healthcare industries.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- SEO Company
- Local SEO
- PPC Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Branding
- Website Design
- Web Hosting
- Mobile Apps
- Automotive
- Legal
- Home Improvement
- Financial Services
- Home Remodeling
- Healthcare
- San Antonio, Texas
9. Online Marketing Gurus
Online Marketing Gurus (OMG) is an acclaimed and globally recognized digital agency celebrated for excellence.
Texas SEO Strategy, PPC Management, Paid Social Media Marketing Services Fashion, Health, Furniture 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
Online Marketing Gurus (OMG) is a trusted and globally recognized digital agency celebrated for excellence. OMG is committed to data-backed strategies and outcome-oriented methods, so you never have to guess about what to expect from your investment.
Online Marketing Gurus was created by Andrew Raso and Mez Homayunfard in 2012, aiming to address a critical need for integrity in an industry clouded by shady practices. Their founding vision is to deliver a reliable service in the face of rampant black-hat tactics prevalent in digital marketing.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- SEO Solutions
- Google Ads
- Google Shopping
- Bing Ads
- Remarketing
- Social Media Marketing Services
- Facebook Advertising
- Instagram Advertising
- YouTube Advertising
- Fashion
- Health
- Furniture
- Legal
- Texas
- California
- Florida
10. Loud Mouth Media
Loud Mouth Media emerges as a multi-award-winning performance marketing agency, boasting a widespread presence with offices in Belfast, Glasgow, London, and Dublin
Belfast, Antrim Conversion Tracking Setup, PPC Audits, Digital Marketing Strategy eCommerce, B2B, B2C 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
Loud Mouth Media is a multi-award-winning performance marketing agency, with a widespread presence with offices in Belfast, Glasgow, London, and Dublin. A testament to their prowess, Google recognized their excellence in 2022 and 2023, placing them among the Top 3% Agencies in the UK and renewing their esteemed Google Premier Partner status.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- PPC Marketing
- Paid Social Media Marketing
- SEO Solutions
- Performance Creative
- Conversion Rate Optimization
- eCommerce
- B2B
- B2C
- Belfast, Antrim
11. KlientBoost
Their capacity to maximize ROI from your marketing channels results from their ongoing commitment to pioneering better methodologies.
Costa Mesa, California PPC Marketing Techniques, Search Engine Marketing Firm, Email Marketing SaaS, eCommerce 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
KlientBoost is a full-service digital marketing agency with the distinction of having the highest number of published successes (comprising case studies, reviews, and video testimonials) of any agency worldwide.
This may seem astonishing, but research confirms its validity. Their capacity to maximize ROI from your marketing channels results from their ongoing commitment to pioneering better methodologies. KlientBoost consistently explores novel approaches to optimize outcomes.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- CRO Marketing
- SMM Services
- PPC Agency
- Search Engine Marketing Agency
- Linkedin Ads
- PPC Management
- Search Engine Optimization Company
- Backlink Management
- Content Marketing Services
- Conversion Rate Optimization
- Landing Page Design
- Email Marketing
- Fashion
- SaaS
- eCommerce
- Fitness
- Costa Mesa, California
- London, UK
- North Carolina
12. WebFX
WebFX has delivered cutting-edge digital marketing solutions since 1996, empowering clients to boost their business revenue.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Digital Advertising, Conversion Rate Optimization, Data Reporting N/A 200 – 500 employeesView Detail
WebFX has delivered cutting-edge digital marketing solutions since 1996, empowering clients to boost revenue. With a team of over 500 digital marketing experts, they curate tailored strategies for mid to large-scale enterprises worldwide.
As industry leaders in search engine marketing they focus on generating qualified traffic, transforming visitors into ideal customers, and continuously gauging effectiveness – all aimed at providing their clients with a resounding return on investment.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Search Ranking (SEO)
- Digital Marketing Campaigns
- PPC Management Services
- Social Media Advertising
- Account-Based Marketing
- Email Marketing Management
- Amazon Ads
- Influencer Marketing Services
- Website Design
- Social Media Design
- N/A
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- York, PA
- FT Myers, FL
- Lancaster, PA
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Guatemala
13. Screaming Frog Services
Screaming Frog operates as a search marketing company, capitalizing on extensive experience within the digital marketing domain.
Henley-on-Thames, England Online Marketing, Search Engine Marketing Firm, SEO Marketing Health, Music, Agriculture 11 – 50 employeesView Detail
Screaming Frog capitalizes on their extensive experience within the digital marketing domain to operate as a search marketing company. Its global reach allows the agency to extend its search expertise to companies worldwide.
Distinguished by a commitment to delivering outstanding digital service through adept communication, the agency collaborates effortlessly with notable clients, internal teams, and strategic partners. This collaborative approach ensures that businesses thrive and surpass their goals even in the most competitive of arenas.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- PPC Advertising
- Link Building
- Digital Public Relations
- Marketing Channels
- Social Media Marketing Services
- Public Relations
- Conversion Rate Optimization
- Health
- Music
- Agriculture
- Henley-on-Thames, England
14. Zoek: Search Defined
Zoek adopts a tailored, content-centric strategy to enhance online visibility, strongly emphasizing diversification and analytics.
Irvine, California Mobile App Development, Local SEO, Organic SEO Legal, Restaurant 200 – 500 employeesView Detail
Zoek has a content-centric strategy to enhance online visibility that strongly emphasizes diversification and analytics. Zoek’s primary goal is to give clients tangible outcomes with clear reporting showcasing search engine marketing wins, learnings, and adjustments.
Having secured an impressive 14 awards, Zoek is a winner across categories such as local SEO and paid media. Additionally, the agency is a certified Google Partner. Zoek has been recognized as the top-rated agency globally by WiX in 2020, 2021, and 2022 for SEO and Web Design.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Blog Content Writing Services
- Blog Ideas
- Email Marketing
- Direct Response Marketing
- Customer Service
- PPC Advertising
- SERP Ranking Reporting
- Branding
- Legal
- Restaurant
- Irvine, California
15. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency
Thrive is a comprehensive full-service online marketing agency that can manage all aspects internally.
Dallas, Texas Reputation Management, SEO Campaigns, Social Media Marketing Retail, Tech, Tourism 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
Thrive is a comprehensive online marketing agency that can manage all aspects of your marketing efforts. This spans a spectrum ranging from the creation of bespoke WordPress websites to the adept handling of social media management and the seamless execution of search engine marketing campaigns.
Since its inception in 2005, Thrive has delivered web design and online marketing services. Over the years, Thrive has established a distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and a proven track record of SEM wins.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Digital Marketing Services
- Email Marketing
- Content Writing
- PPC Management
- Video Marketing Services
- Amazon PPC
- Retail
- Tech
- Tourism
- Dallas, Texas
16. NinjaPromo
NinjaPromo is a prominent search marketing agency committed to enhancing your brand’s stature through comprehensive multi-channel marketing solutions.
London, NY Media Relations, Video Marketing Company, Public Relations Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce 50 – 200 employeesView Detail
NinjaPromo is a well-known search marketing agency committed to enhancing your brand’s online visibility and stature through comprehensive multi-channel marketing solutions.
What sets NinjaPromo apart is its receptiveness to change and flexibility – a trait that fuels the evolution of their advertising strategies. NinjaPromo provides expert guidance to navigate the challenges of online marketing, resulting in clear achievements for your business over time.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Quality Lead Generation
- Content Marketing
- Brand Loyalty
- Search Traffic Optimization
- Influencer Marketing
- Social Media
- Community Management
- Website Development
- Mobile App Development
- Fintech
- SaaS
- eCommerce
- Crypto
- Gaming
- Software
- London, NY
17. Intero Digital
Positioned as a leading digital agency partner, their comprehensive marketing solutions span the entire brand journey and correlate clearly with bottom-line growth.
Colorado Springs, CO Public Relations, Social Media Marketing, SEO Strategy Automotive Industry Experts 200 – 500 employeesView Detail
Intero Digital doesn’t believe in a one-size fits all approach to search engine marketing. They understand that these campaigns and strategies need to be tailored to your business for the best possible return. You’ll never get a “set-it and forget-it” style team when you partner with them. They give each client the attention it deserves to ensure each campaign performs at it’s highest possible velocity.
Inero Digital doesn’t have long-term contracts. While this can be seen as a potential draw-back to your partnership, it forces them to earn your partnership each and every month. This format puts the pressure on their team to perform which is only a benefit to the businesses they work with.
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Key Services
Industries
Locations
- Web Design
- Creative Services
- Amazon Marketing
- Visibility in Search Engines
- Omnichannel Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Search Engine Marketing Experts
- Automotive Industry Experts
- Colorado Springs, CO