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.
28,309 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 354 projectsSmartSites is a dynamic SEO agency with expertise in search optimization, digital marketing, and website development. The company has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with over 95% of reviewers praising their professionalism, responsiveness, and measurable results in enhancing online visibility. Notably, clients often commend their effective SEO strategies and project management capabilities that consistently meet and exceed expectations.
Reviews mention Flexible
The sentiment regarding flexibility from client feedback is predominantly positive. Clients praised SmartSites for their adaptability to changing circumstances. For instance, one client highlighted their project manager's seamless handling of shifts in project timelines, stating they were 'extremely understanding and flexible.' Another client noted their team's responsiveness and willingness to adjust strategies based on evolving needs. Overall, clients expressed satisfaction with SmartSites' ability to meet their specific requirements and navigate challenges effectively.-
SMM & PPC for Plant-Based Frozen Treats Brand
5.0 Sep 26, 2023For us, we appreciated the flexibility and relatively low cost. As a small brand, this made it feasible for us to work together on a timeline and with rates that worked with our small budget and seasonal business goals.
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SMM & PPC Services for E-Commerce Company
5.0 Aug 1, 2023Very easy to work and communicate with. Very flexible and knowledgeable. We're impressed with the ease of communicating directly with the main person working on my advertising.
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Content Creation, SMM & Ad Campaign Mgmt for Car Dealership
5.0 May 25, 2023SmartSites has been highly responsive to our needs and requirements. They have shown a willingness to adapt their strategies and tailor their approach based on our feedback and evolving objectives. Whenever we had specific requests or modifications, they promptly addressed them and ensured that our expectations were met.
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PPC Services for Digital Marketing & IT Consultancy
5.0 Sep 28, 2022Very communicative and willing to work within the constraints of our project. Their ability to adapt quickly to the needs of our campaign was impressive.
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Web Development for Real Estate Company
5.0 Dec 9, 2021They provided follow-up and were flexible to my requirements to make changes — I was happy with that. In terms of communication, we used email and phone calls.
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119 of 135 Search Engine Optimization reviews are 5 stars9 new reviews for Search Engine Optimization in past 6 months$50,000 – $199,999 avg. project costRead 135 ReviewsSearch Engine Optimization PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
SEO & Web Dev for Hospitality & Architectural Design Firm
5.0 — SmartSites provides SEO and web development services for a hospitality and architectural design firm. The team is also responsible for competitor research, keyword strategy, and technical auditing. Read moreWas 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 / hr10 - 49Lillestrøm, Norway
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Conversion Optimization20% Pay Per Click +4 services10% Advertising10% Digital Strategy10% Marketing Strategy10% Mobile & App MarketingOutSearching AS, a Conversion Optimization company, was launched in 2007. The small team provides Conversion Optimization and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Singapore, Singapore
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentSmall pay per click agency Innomedia Technologies, is in Singapore, Singapore. The team offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Bali, Indonesia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Digital Strategy20% E-Commerce Development +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Web DesignWebkos Internet is a Digital Strategy company headquartered in Bali, Indonesia. The team focuses on Digital Strategy and E-Commerce Development.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49München, Germany
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization15% Conversion Optimization15% E-Commerce Development +3 services15% Pay Per Click15% Public Relations15% Social Media MarketingClicks Online Business is a SEO company established in 2007. Their team provides Search Engine Optimization and Conversion Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Curitiba, Brazil
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% IT Managed Services20% IT Strategy Consulting +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Web DevelopmentLiguesite is an IT managed services company. They focus on IT managed services and IT strategy consulting and were established in 2002.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Manizales, Colombia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Marketing Strategy20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DevelopmentLaunched in 2004, zoppdigital is a Marketing Strategy company. The firm provides Marketing Strategy and Pay Per Click, and is small.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentMystech Dynamics is a PPC agency headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and Makati, Philippines. Launched in 2010, the team provides Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization30% Advertising30% Social Media Marketing +1 service20% Pay Per ClickClickwise, an Advertising company, specializes in Advertising and Social Media Marketing. The agency is in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49الدوحة, Qatar
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Mobile App Development20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DevelopmentQDigitals Co. Is an application development firm. The الدوحة, Qatar-based agency was launched in 2012. Their services include Mobile App Development and Pay Per Click.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49Lima, Peru
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization15% Content Marketing15% Conversion Optimization +3 services15% Digital Strategy15% Pay Per Click15% UX/UI DesignAttachmedia is a SEO company founded in 2002. The firm focuses on Search Engine Optimization and UX/UI Design, and is small.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49São Paulo, Brazil
Services provided
25% Search Engine Optimization15% E-Commerce Development15% Email Marketing +3 services15% Pay Per Click15% Social Media Marketing15% Web DesignFounded in 2004, Publiweb Marketing Digital, a small SEO agency, is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. Their team offers Search Engine Optimization and E-Commerce Development.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Mobile App Development20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DesignGetRanked Malaysia is a mobile app development firm. The Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based company focuses on Mobile App Development and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Content Marketing20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DesignLaunched in 2015, Black Wolf Digital is a Content Marketing company. Their services include Content Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Branding20% Pay Per Click +4 services10% Packaging Design10% Print Design10% Web Design10% Web DevelopmentLaunched in 2011, Buenito Interactive is a branding agency. Their services include Branding and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Email Marketing20% Mobile & App Marketing +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingDigital Marketing Consultancy Sdn Bhd is an Email Marketing company in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. They specialize in Email Marketing and Mobile & App Marketing and were established in 2016.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Minato City, Japan
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentFounded in 2005, Mahana Corporation is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49São Paulo , Brazil
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% E-Commerce Development20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DesignEstablished in 2013, Clicktarget Agência Digital is an e-commerce development firm. The team offers E-Commerce Development and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lisboa, Portugal
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Digital Strategy20% Email Marketing +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingWSI Portugal is a Digital Strategy company. They were launched in 1995, and their services include Digital Strategy and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Branding20% Digital Strategy +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingTNCL Digital Agency is a branding firm. Their small team is in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Their services include Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Ciudad de México, Mexico
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Custom Software Development20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DevelopmentCustom software development company OMB Media is headquartered in Ciudad de México, Mexico. Their services include Custom Software Development and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Ciudad de México, Mexico
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click15% Branding +3 services15% Content Marketing15% Email Marketing15% Social Media MarketingACE Publicidad, a pay per click company, was launched in 2006. The small team specializes in Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Providencia, Chile
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization40% Web Development20% E-Commerce Development +1 service20% Pay Per ClickEstablished in 2003, Positioning web design, a small website development firm, is based in Providencia, Chile. Their team focuses on Web Development and E-Commerce Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Johannesburg, South Africa
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +3 services20% Web Design10% Content Marketing10% Email MarketingGnu World is a PPC company. Their small team is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa and focuses on Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization. The firm was established in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Services provided
30% Search Engine Optimization10% Email Marketing10% Graphic Design +5 services10% Mobile & App Marketing10% Mobile App Development10% Pay Per Click10% Social Media Marketing10% Web DesignDubai Marketing Experts is a Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based SEO company. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Johannesburg, South Africa
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +3 services20% Web Design10% Video Production10% Web DevelopmentEVER Digital Marketing is a pay per click company. The team specializes in Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Singapore, Singapore
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Content Marketing20% Digital Strategy +2 services20% Marketing Strategy20% Pay Per ClickVisibiliti is a Content Marketing company headquartered in Singapore, Singapore. They provide Content Marketing and Digital Strategy and were founded in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Cape Town, South Africa
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Media Planning & Buying20% Pay Per Click +3 services20% Web Design10% IT Strategy Consulting10% Video ProductionSprout Performance Partners, a media planning and buying agency, focus on Media Planning & Buying and Pay Per Click. They were established in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sandton, South Africa
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +3 services20% UX/UI Design10% Branding10% Web DesignBased in Sandton, South Africa, Inbound South Africa is an UX company. They focus on UX/UI Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Cape Town, South Africa
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +3 services20% Web Design10% Branding10% Web DevelopmentR.O.I. Digital is a PPC company established in 2003. Their team offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Birmingham, England
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Conversion Optimization20% Email Marketing +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Web DevelopmentSymberity is an Email Marketing company. Launched in 2012, the team specializes in Email Marketing and Conversion Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dundee, Scotland
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +3 services20% Public Relations10% Social Media Marketing10% Web DesignPurple Imp is an Advertising company. The Dundee, Scotland-based company was founded in 2009. Their services include Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Winnipeg, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Email Marketing20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DevelopmentModern Earth Web Design is an Email Marketing company located in Winnipeg, Canada. They offer Email Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +4 services10% Content Marketing10% Email Marketing10% Web Design10% Web DevelopmentDigital Links, a pay per click company, was launched in 2011. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the team focuses on Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Public Relations +3 services20% Social Media Marketing10% Web Design10% Web DevelopmentBased in Chicago, Illinois, Designed Social Media is a PR agency. They offer Public Relations and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Halifax, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentModern Media is a PPC company. The Halifax, Canada-based firm focuses on Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization40% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +1 service20% Social Media MarketingLocated in Toronto, Canada, Search Squad is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Topeka, KS
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization50% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +1 service10% Email Marketing13 Marketing is a small Topeka, Kansas-based Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Advertising20% E-Commerce Development +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingSmall Advertising company I Know SEO, is based in Toronto, Canada. Their services include Advertising and E-Commerce Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization40% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +1 service20% Web DesignFounded in 2015, Beaver Marketing is a small Advertising company. Their team provides Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lafayette, LA
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Content Marketing20% Marketing Strategy +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingRally Marketing is a Content Marketing company. They are in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their team specializes in Content Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Advertising20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentToronto SEO LAB, an Advertising company, is located in Toronto, Canada. Established in 2014, the team offers Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Brookline, MA
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Media Planning & Buying20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Video ProductionSmall media planning & buying agency d50 Media, is located in Brookline, Massachusetts. Their services include Media Planning & Buying and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Content Marketing20% Digital Strategy +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingHeadquartered in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Elevate Digital is a small Content Marketing company. The team provides Content Marketing and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Buford, GA
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization40% Marketing Strategy20% Pay Per Click +2 services10% UX/UI Design10% Web DesignRed Clay Interactive is a Marketing Strategy company. The Buford, Georgia-based team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Barcelona, Spain
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Digital Strategy20% Email Marketing +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingMarketValley is a Digital Strategy company in Barcelona, Spain. They specialize in Digital Strategy and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Provo, UT
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Logo20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DevelopmentFifth Mission Marketing, a Logo company, is in Provo, Utah. The team specializes in Logo and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49T'bilisi, Georgia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Media Planning & Buying20% Pay Per Click +2 services20% Social Media Marketing20% Web DesignAlter Way is a media planning and buying agency based in T'bilisi, Georgia. The team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Melbourne, Australia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Content Marketing20% Email Marketing +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media MarketingShaba Digital Marketing is a small Melbourne, Australia-based Content Marketing company. Their services include Content Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Melbourne, Australia
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Pay Per Click20% Social Media Marketing +2 services20% Web Design20% Web DevelopmentLaunched in 2012, ETRAFFIC is a PPC company. The team focuses on Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Poulsbo, WA
Services provided
20% Search Engine Optimization20% Branding20% Graphic Design +2 services20% Pay Per Click20% Web DesignRFG CREATIVE is a branding firm founded in 2012. The agency focuses on Branding and Graphic Design, and is small.
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By using verified reviews, focused service details, and real project data, the Leaders Matrix highlights companies that consistently deliver and stand out from the rest. Each company’s position is based on how well they focus on a service area and how consistently they deliver results, helping you make informed, confident decisions. Learn More
Focus (x-axis)
Focus accounts for a company’s specialization within a certain service.
Ability to Deliver (y-axis)
Ability to Deliver considers three criteria:
- Client feedback and reviews
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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 -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Pleasant Grove, UT
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Search Engine Optimization70% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed250 - 999Colorado Springs, CO
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click -
$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 -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click50% 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 -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999Arlington Heights, IL
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization40% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tampa, FL
Ability to deliver
39.5/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click -
$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+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Odesa, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click10% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.1/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Search Engine Optimization90% 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+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249San Antonio, TX
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.020/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Ability to deliver
39.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49South Jordan, UT
Ability to deliver
38.6/40.019/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click10% 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+$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 -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49London, England
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization50% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Lehi, UT
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization25% Pay Per Click -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Richmond, Australia
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization15% Pay Per Click15% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
35% Search Engine Optimization35% Pay Per Click30% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / 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 -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Huntington, NY
Ability to deliver
37.7/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Search Engine Optimization60% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Dnipro, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
37.6/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click15% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
37.6/40.020/20 Reviews9/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Pay Per Click20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Odesa, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization30% Pay Per Click30% 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.