Top Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Agencies
Paid search is one of the fastest ways to put your brand in front of high-intent buyers. The right search engine marketing (SEM) agency can refine your bidding strategy, craft compelling ad copy, and turn clicks into measurable revenue. On Clutch, every provider is evaluated through in-depth client reviews, detailed service questionnaires, and verified performance data, so you can hire with confidence. Use the filters on this page to narrow agencies by budget, location, industry expertise, and more. Looking for regional options? Browse leading SEM agencies in the United States, SEM firms in the United Kingdom, and SEM companies in Canada to find a partner that meets your goals and time zone.
Need a particular expertise in Google Ads? Explore the best Google Ads PPC agencies on Clutch to find the perfect partner.
15 Leaders 15 Contenders
28,611 Companies
Compare Top Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Agencies
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Paramus, NJServices provided
50% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click10% Advertising +1 service10% Social Media MarketingSee all 366 projectsSmartSites is a comprehensive SEO agency that specializes in enhancing digital visibility through services like search engine optimization, PPC, and website updates. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients consistently praise their timely delivery, responsive communication, and effective SEO strategies. An impressive 40% of reviewers highlighted their strong project management and personal service, underscoring SmartSites' commitment to achieving measurable business growth and online visibility improvements.
Reviews mention Personable
Clients consistently commend SmartSites for their personable approach, highlighting the team's attentiveness and genuine care for client needs. For instance, a project manager named Ryan was described as 'attentive, patient, and very personable,' while another client noted the 'personal touch' and 'dedicated service' they received. Overall, feedback reflects a strong sentiment of satisfaction regarding SmartSites' commitment to building meaningful, client-focused relationships.-
SEO, PPC & UI/UX Design for E-Commerce Store
5.0 Dec 4, 2023Anthony and his team at SmartSites are attentive to the needs of our business and extremely knowledgeable about their field. SmartSites always makes sure we are well informed; presenting strategy, key metrics, and of course sharing some laughs- which makes working with them super enjoyable! They are a great balance between professional and personable which makes their explanations and reporting super easy to comprehend, especially for clients who may not be as well versed in the digital marketing realm.
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PPC for Footwear Brand
5.0 Jan 17, 2023Most agencies I've worked with in the past I've been made to feel unimportant and undervalued. What makes SmartSites stand out to me is the transparent and open communication style and personal touch. None at the time, our engagement is going extremely well!
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Facebook and Google Ads Campaigns for Shopify Bookstore
5.0 Nov 21, 2022Isaah is very responsive and easy to communicate with. Even at irregular hours in which I did not expect him to be available! The personability. I thought SmartSites would treat me like a small fish, but they truly care about me and my business.
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Website Dev & Google Ads Management for Coffee Company
5.0 Sep 23, 2022The company was very helpful and asking for my input at every step of the way as well as the personal touch I had with all of the managers.
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PPC & SEO Services for Immigration Law Firm
5.0 Mar 3, 2025What did you find most impressive or unique about this company? Their personal (human aspect) touch.
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Was this helpful?
11 of 11 reviews are 5 stars5 new reviews for Search Engine Optimization servicesLess than $10,000 avg. project costRead 11 Recent ReviewsReviewed 11 times in the past 6 months
Over the past six months, clients have consistently praised SmartSites for their responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to deliver measurable results. For instance, one CEO noted a significant increase in web traffic and conversions after SmartSites revamped their website and managed their PPC campaigns. Another client highlighted a 400% growth in social media presence due to SmartSites’ strategic input. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with clients appreciating the personalized service and alignment with their business goals.Was this helpful?
Average Project Cost Breakdown
Read All ReviewsWhat Clients Have Said
SmartSites is frequently commended for offering competitive pricing and good value for money across various projects. Clients have noted that their services fit within budget while delivering effective results, such as increased traffic and improved conversion rates. For instance, one client highlighted a substantial reduction in cost per click alongside a significant rise in leads. Overall, the sentiment regarding SmartSites' cost-effectiveness is positive, with many clients expressing satisfaction with the return on their investment.Was this helpful?
More responsive than most other service providers
Get in TouchSmartSites is very responsive
They are a great candidate to start a conversation with. Send them a short message or project inquiry.Was this helpful?
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Advertising25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingAdvernation, an Advertising company, was launched in 2008. Located in New York, New York, the team offers Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Conversion Optimization25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingLaunched in 2005, Sum Digital is a small social media marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. Their team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Conversion Optimization.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Content Marketing25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingCircleClick is a Content Marketing company founded in 2009. The team offers Content Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% E-Commerce Development25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DevelopmentIncluDe Innovation, a SEO agency, is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2015, the team offers Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design10% Conversion OptimizationMy Media Pal is a small New York, New York-based SEO company. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Development10% AdvertisingEvolving Interactive is a small Chicago, Illinois-based PPC agency. The team offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9London, England
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click30% Social Media Marketing +1 service20% AdvertisingPay per click company Internet Marketing Team is in London, England. Established in 2004, the team specializes in Pay Per Click and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Surrey, England
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% E-Commerce Development25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignCodesauce is an e-commerce development company based in Surrey, England. The team focuses on E-Commerce Development and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization30% IT Managed Services25% Pay Per Click +1 service20% Web DevelopmentTyler D. Perez Consulting is an IT managed services company founded in 2006. The team offers IT managed services and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Rochester, NY
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Digital Strategy25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignEstablished in 2007, Paul Carl Digital is a Digital Strategy company. The team focuses on Digital Strategy and Pay Per Click and is based in Rochester, New York.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignPay per click agency The SEO Doctors is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Billericay, England
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Web Design +2 services15% Print Design10% Graphic DesignLocated in Billericay, England, Get Connected Media is a pay per click company. They offer Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization and were established in 2011.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Services provided
35% Search Engine Optimization35% Web Design15% Content Marketing +1 service15% Pay Per ClickBased in Chicago, Illinois, Dragon Internet Marketing is a SEO services firm. Established in 2013, the team offers Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Geneva, IL
Services provided
40% Search Engine Optimization40% Web Design10% Branding +1 service10% Pay Per ClickDoubletime Marketing is a SEO services firm. Established in 2002, their team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Market Research25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignSEO4Advisors, a Market Research company, is in. Their services include Market Research and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignImproz Marketing is a small Houston, Texas-based pay per click agency. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Louisville, KY
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Digital Strategy25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignSEO Design Company LLC is a Digital Strategy company. In Louisville, Kentucky, the team focuses on Digital Strategy and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Peachtree City, GA
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Market Research25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DevelopmentEWebify, a Market Research company, was established in 2010. The company specializes in Market Research and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Middleton, WI
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% E-Commerce Development25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignPage 1 SEO Design is a small Middleton, Wisconsin-based SEO company. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Mount Pleasant, SC
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization30% Web Design20% Mobile & App Marketing +1 service20% Pay Per ClickCoastal Web Team is a SEO company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Launched in 2011, the team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Murrells Inlet, SC
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click10% Advertising +4 services10% E-Commerce Development10% Email Marketing10% Social Media Marketing10% Web DesignEstablished in 2010, Visibility and Conversions is a SEO company. The small team provides Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Mississauga, Canada
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignThunder Rank is a small PPC agency in Mississauga, Canada. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Edmond, OK
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Advertising25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignOptimized Zen is an Advertising company located in Edmond, Oklahoma. They provide Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9London, England
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignBased in London, England and Glasgow, Scotland, Tag Digital Ltd is a PPC agency. The team offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Broadway, England
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization30% Web Design25% Pay Per Click +1 service20% E-Commerce DevelopmentLaunched in 2014, SLGM Ltd is a web design agency. The team specializes in Web Design and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Call Center Services25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DevelopmentFounded in 2011, MarketizeIt is a small answering service. Their services include Call Center Services and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Detroit, MI
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignEM360 Digital, a social media marketing firm, was launched in 2007. The team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Penryn, England
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Content Marketing25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingLaunched in 2012, markITwrite Limited is a Content Marketing company. The team focuses on Content Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Rochester, MI
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design10% AdvertisingGo Pro SEO is a SEO company. Their small team is based in Rochester, Michigan. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Overland Park, KS
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Web Design +3 services10% Content Marketing10% Email Marketing10% Social Media MarketingKansas City SEO is a SEO agency. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the firm offers Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Winter Park, FL
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Content Marketing25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingInBusiness, Incorporated is a Content Marketing company. Their small team is in Winter Park, Florida. Their services include Content Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, NC
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization30% Social Media Marketing20% Advertising +1 service20% Pay Per ClickDevin Schumacher is a social media marketing firm. Their team is headquartered in Denver, North Carolina and focuses on Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Willowick, OH
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Call Center Services25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignWebgoose.com is a phone answering service. Their team is headquartered in Willowick, Ohio and provides Call Center Services and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Ramon, CA
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignRKS Marketing & Web Design is a social media marketing agency. They were established in 1996 and specialize in Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Digital Strategy25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingTSunela is a Digital Strategy company. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the agency was established in 2006. Their team provides Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Conversion Optimization25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignFounded in 2001, AdFicient is a small Conversion Optimization company. Their team specializes in Conversion Optimization and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Vilnius, Lithuania
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Advertising25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingIntent Agency is a small Vilnius, Lithuania-based Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Advertising25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingDigiAstrum is a small Advertising company located in Kaunas, Lithuania. Their services include Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr2 - 9Vilnius, Lithuania
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Advertising25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignAdvertising company Texus was established in 2007. The agency offers Advertising and Pay Per Click, and is small.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Avon, OH
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Conversion Optimization25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignZFunnels is a Conversion Optimization company. Their small team is located in Avon, Ohio. Their services include Conversion Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignKodyaz Net is a pay per click company. In Istanbul, Türkiye, the agency provides Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Sofia, Bulgaria
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DevelopmentInnovatoria is a small PPC company in Sofia, Bulgaria. The team specializes in Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Praha 7, Czech Republic
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services15% Digital Strategy15% Email MarketingFragile media s.r.o. Is a pay per click agency. They are headquartered in Praha 7, Czech Republic, and their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Prague , Czech Republic
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click25% Web Design +1 service25% Web DevelopmentNEXT VISION s.r.o. Is a PPC company. The small Prague , Czech Republic-based team offers Pay Per Click and Web Design. The firm was founded in 2014.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Wien, Austria
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization30% Social Media Marketing20% Pay Per Click +2 services10% Advertising10% BrandingGlobal Site Position is a SEO company. In Wien, Austria, the company was established in 2000. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click25% Social Media Marketing +1 service25% Web DesignMedia Kings is a PPC company. They are headquartered in Brisbane, Australia and have small team of experts. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lyon, France
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Conversion Optimization25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Social Media MarketingLaunched in 2012, Bee4 is a small Lyon, France-based Conversion Optimization company. Their team specializes in Conversion Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Hamburg, Germany
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Branding25% Pay Per Click +1 service25% Web DesignThinkON! is a branding agency. They are based in Hamburg, Germany and have small team. Their services include Branding and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Shinjuku City, Japan
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Mobile & App Marketing20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Web Design10% Video ProductionTokyo Internet Marketing is a SEO services firm. The team is headquartered in Shinjuku City, Japan, and their services include Search Engine Optimization and Mobile & App Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Fernando, Philippines
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Email Marketing20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing10% Content MarketingGDI SEO Company is a SEO company. They are in San Fernando, Philippines and have small team. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Email Marketing.
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Compare Top 15 Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Agencies
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Paramus, NJ
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Search Engine Optimization60% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr250 - 999Copley, OH
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
45% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Marion, IL
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Toronto, Canada
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization50% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Ability to deliver
39.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click15% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999Arlington Heights, IL
Ability to deliver
39.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Bel Air, MD
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Search Engine Optimization50% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Colorado Springs, CO
Ability to deliver
39.2/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tampa, FL
Ability to deliver
39.1/40.019.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click -
$10,000+Undisclosed250 - 999New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.1/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Search Engine Optimization85% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39/40.020/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Search Engine Optimization80% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49South Jordan, UT
Ability to deliver
39/40.019.4/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249San Antonio, TX
Ability to deliver
39/40.020/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, India
Ability to deliver
38.6/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Search Engine Optimization15% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boca Raton, FL
Ability to deliver
39.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
38.6/40.020/20 Reviews9/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999
Ability to deliver
38.6/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click50% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249L'viv, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999Pearland, TX
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.020/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
35% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click45% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38.1/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click5% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Lehi, UT
Ability to deliver
38.1/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Odesa, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
38.1/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49London, England
Ability to deliver
37.9/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization50% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Odesa, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
37.9/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Huntington, NY
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Search Engine Optimization50% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Calgary, Canada
Ability to deliver
37.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
45% Search Engine Optimization40% Pay Per Click15% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click60% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization45% Pay Per Click15% Other
Top Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Agencies
An SEM company plans, launches, and manages paid search campaigns on platforms such as Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and Amazon. Their specialists research high-value keywords, write ad copy, set up audience targeting, adjust bids in real time, and run A/B tests to maximize return on ad spend (ROAS). They also track conversions, deliver performance reports, and provide strategic recommendations that align with your wider digital marketing objectives.
Most agencies deliver an end-to-end suite that can include:
- Keyword research & competitive analysis
- Campaign setup (Search, Shopping, Display, YouTube)
- Bid management and budget pacing
- Ad copywriting and creative testing
- Landing-page optimization
- Remarketing and audience segmentation
- Conversion tracking and analytics integration
Some firms also bundle complementary channels, such as programmatic display or social PPC, to create a unified digital marketing strategy.
SEM engagements usually fall between $3,000–$20,000 per month, but pricing scales with ad spend, account complexity, and service level. Smaller businesses might work with an agency on a management-fee model (e.g., 10%–20% of monthly media spend), while enterprises often negotiate flat retainers or performance-based contracts. Always ask for a clear breakdown of management fees versus ad budget before signing.
Start by defining your KPIs, such as lead volume, e-commerce revenue, or customer acquisition cost. Then:
- Review case studies in your industry.
- Check Clutch client reviews for transparency, communication, and results.
- Compare pricing models (percentage of spend, flat fee, or hybrid).
- Request a campaign audit or strategic roadmap to gauge expertise.
Selecting a partner whose reporting cadence and collaboration style match your internal workflow will set the engagement up for success.
- “Guaranteed #1 ranking” claims (ad position depends on auction dynamics).
- Lack of access to the ad account or data ownership.
- Vague reporting that focuses on clicks instead of revenue-driven metrics.
- One-size-fits-all strategies with minimal keyword research.
- Slow or inconsistent communication during the sales process.
- How will you structure our campaigns and why?
- Which metrics will you report on weekly and monthly?
- What tools or automations do you use for bid management?
- Can you share a recent success story in a similar industry or budget range?
- Who will be my day-to-day point of contact, and how many accounts do they manage?
- How do you coordinate SEM with SEO and other digital marketing channels?
Agencies bring platform certifications, cross-account data, and advanced tools that small teams can’t always justify purchasing. Their experience shortens the testing cycle, reduces wasted spend, and frees internal staff to focus on broader marketing initiatives.
Freelancers are ideal for limited budgets or project-based needs. Agencies, however, provide a multidisciplinary team including strategists, copywriters, designers, and analysts that can scale campaigns quickly and cover absences without interrupting performance.
Get matched with the 5 best-fit agencies for your project—in 4 minutes or less.