SEO is no longer just an afterthought for businesses of all sizes. In fact, up to 68% of all online experiences begin with a search engine, confirming that SEO is the most effective channel for online visibility and engagement.
However, finding the best SEO company for a small business can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
As a small business, you don’t necessarily have the budget (or the need) to hire the expensive services aimed at bigger brands. You also can’t afford to waste money on services that don’t yield real results.
That’s why we have put together this review of the top SEO companies for small businesses – so you can find the experts offering affordable SEO services aimed specifically at small businesses!
We include the services they provide, past clients, and what makes them a great choice for affordable SEO services.
We also cover what you should look for in a great SEO partner and how affordable SEO services can help grow your brand.
Let’s dive in!
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your website’s visibility and search engine results page (SERP) ranking to get more organic traffic.
It includes a combination of technical, on-page, and off-page methods meant to put your website in front of search engines, making sure people can easily find it online when using specific keywords.
SEO is a crucial and valuable part of a good marketing strategy for small businesses because it increases online visibility, drives targeted traffic, and builds brand credibility.
It’s what determines which companies show up on top of those results after you type “plumber near me” or “best coffee shop in Seattle.” And for small businesses, that could literally make or break you.
Here’s why SEO matters for your small business:
SEO services for small businesses are tailored to the needs and budget of a small business. They’re the same high-value services any reputable SEO company provides, but they’re designed to address the key challenges small companies face.
As a small business with a relatively small budget, you need to invest in the aspects of your SEO that will move the needle in the most focused and beneficial way possible.
For that, you need an SEO expert offering a lean, tailored strategy that is well thought out and properly executed.
That’s where the difference lies between “cheap” and “affordable” SEO services.
You will find dozens of “cheap” SEO agencies that promise low prices and fast rankings, but they’re often newcomers without the experience or expertise to know what will really provide meaningful value.
They’re also often employing ‘black hat’ SEO tactics that may show dramatic results in the short term but do more harm than good in the long run.
The key services offered by SEO companies offering tailored solutions for small businesses include:
These SEO companies are tried and tested, and known to consistently deliver real results for small businesses across different industries:
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1995
Location: Harrisburg, PA, USA (with additional offices)
Number of Employees: 500+
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
WebFX provides data-driven SEO services designed to help small businesses grow. They use strategy, content, analytics, and their proprietary software (RevenueCloudFX) to track real results (not just rankings).
However, what sets WebFX apart is its local SEO optimization. This service helps small businesses increase visibility in local search results, maps, and reviews, putting you directly in front of nearby customers.
With clear pricing, trackable results, and strategies created specifically for your industry, WebFX makes it simple to affordably practice enterprise-level SEO as a small business focused on long-term growth.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2008
Location: Headquarters in Miami, Florida
Number of Employees: 51-200
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
On The Map Marketing SEO Company provides SEO strategies for small businesses looking to dominate locally or nationwide. They offer Local SEO, National SEO, and eCommerce SEO with custom campaigns designed to help you scale.
The SEO Company works with businesses in the legal, dental, construction, and automotive industries. On The Map delivers a data-driven strategy to improve visibility, organic traffic, and conversions for businesses seeking long-term, scalable success in competitive niches.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2008
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
Number of Employees: 51-200
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
Blue Corona (now merged with RYNO Strategic Solutions as part of the RYNO brand) is one of the best SEO Companies for small businesses in the home service industry. They offer local, national, and specific-market SEO plans for businesses in the contracting space.
Their whole campaign strategy starts with keyword research and competitor analysis to build an SEO foundation. From there, they move to on-site optimization, site architecture cleanup, link building, and custom content creation services.
The company prides itself on tracking all its leads, something most other small-business SEO service providers aren’t equipped to do.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2009
Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA (with remote/other regional presence)
Number of Employees: 51-200
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
HigherVisibility provides a holistic suite of SEO services that goes beyond just rankings and traffic. They provide local and e-commerce SEO, national strategies, technical audits, strategy-led content marketing, white-hat link building, and clean site architecture.
They work across various industries, leveraging a proprietary Targeted Growth System that ensures every tactic is built around your business’s objectives, like leads or sales.
If you’re a small business looking for tangible SEO that delivers results in your marketplace, HigherVisibility combines strategy, execution, and ROI into one simple package.
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
HigherVisibility provides a holistic suite of SEO services that goes beyond just rankings and traffic. They provide local and e-commerce SEO, national strategies, technical audits, strategy-led content marketing, white-hat link building, and clean site architecture.
They work across various industries, leveraging a proprietary Targeted Growth System that ensures every tactic is built around your business’s objectives, like leads or sales.
If you’re a small business looking for tangible SEO that delivers results in your marketplace, HigherVisibility combines strategy, execution, and ROI into one simple package.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2009
Location: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
Third Marble Marketing is a Local, National, and e-commerce SEO agency built from the ground up for small businesses, with streamlined, process-driven systems. They are a Google Premier Partner and keep everything in-house in the U.S.
Their strategy begins with audits and keyword research, followed by on-site optimization, citations, link building, and ongoing reporting & adjustment. With Third Marble, you get expert-level proficiency in managing your Google Ads and SEO, plus transparent pricing with flat monthly fees.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2011
Location: Paramus, New Jersey, USA (serving clients globally)
Number of Employees: 201-500
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
SmartSites combines SEO with a web design approach that appeals to small businesses seeking search engine visibility. The company’s strength lies in its ability to integrate SEO with user experience (UX): optimizing the website’s structure, design, and speed, with special attention to content and keywords.
Their SEO services are built for long-term success with proven strategies that deliver you more rankings, more traffic, and more customers. For small businesses that want a holistic approach where SEO and web design walk hand in hand, SmartSites offers a well-balanced solution.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2005
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA (serving U.S. and international clients)
Number of Employees: 51-200
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
Thrive Internet Marketing Agency doesn’t just specialize in SEO, but also offers tailored internet marketing services for businesses of all sizes. They design their SEO packages around your specific goals and offer an array of benefits, ranging from a full to a niche-focused campaign.
Their top three categories are Standard SEO Tools & Reporting (with which you receive weekly reports and can maintain multiple search engine positions), Design – Website Conversion Optimization, and Social Media Reputation Management.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
Ignite Visibility stands out for its performance focus and willingness to get hands-on. Their SEO approach is high-touch, meaning small businesses won’t get lost in a generic churn machine.
The company operates across digital disciplines, integrating SEO with paid media, content, and analytics to amplify results rather than work in silos. For small brands with limited marketing staff, that integration means you don’t need multiple vendors.
Their transparency, frequent communication, and data-driven revisions make them a strong partner if you want a responsive SEO company that adapts to change.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2009
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Number of Employees: 50-200
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
First Page Sage is unique in combining Thought Leadership SEO with deep technical chops. They don’t try to rank you higher — they write content that makes your target market view you as the best choice. The company works with clients across the B2B, real estate, medical, cybersecurity, and contractor industries and tailors its strategy to each.
From site analysis and keyword planning to optimizing conversion rates and distributing your content online, you’ll get an SEO campaign designed to turn exposure into hot leads.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
KEY SERVICES
NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS
WHY CHOOSE THEM?
If you are a small business looking to grow through SEO, SEO.com is a great option. Being powered by WebFX gives you access to top-notch technical and development capabilities, tested processes and tools (like their audit systems), but they still approach it in an agency way.
They don’t just give you a list of things to fix – they apply strategy alongside tracking, so you see which changes are driving actual traffic/leads. They also ensure your website is ready for AI-driven search (answer boxes, overviews), so your SEO is as future-proof as possible.
Each of these SEO companies has its own unique strengths. Whether it’s data-driven insight and strategy, advanced analytical capabilities, or the level of personalized support you’d expect from a local SEO expert for small businesses, they provide the right solution for your business!
For most small businesses, factors that will influence your SEO price include:
According to Ahrefs, the average SEO cost for small businesses is around $1,557 per month. However, this could be even lower for very small businesses with basic needs.
Most reliable SEO companies and agencies provide flexible pricing, offering essential SEO packages that include:
An agency charging $1,500 per month that brings you $10,000 in new business is much cheaper than an agency charging $300 per month that delivers nothing.
Not sure how much to spend on SEO?
Check out this video from WebFX to learn more about the true cost of SEO:
The right SEO partner can make or break your digital marketing success. Who will be at the top of the search results? Which organic ranking factors do they prioritize? With so many options and proposals, you should analyze things strategically.
Here are five things to think about before choosing an SEO company for a small business:
Determine what you hope to achieve through SEO before talking to an agency – whether that’s a 40% increase in organic traffic, or a 50% rise in leads through your website.
Having clear objectives and realistic expectations will help you pick the best agency partner, equipped to deliver results, and indicate from day one whether they can measure them too.
Assess the company’s industry experience, track record, and expertise. Look at their portfolio, case studies, and how long they’ve been in business to ensure they stay up to date with current SEO trends and are familiar with any challenges specific to your industry. Often, having a firm with niche experience means they will have better strategic insights and can work more quickly.
Before you reach out to any SEO Company, get an idea of how much you realistically can afford. This will immediately cut out any providers who are too far outside your price range, letting you consider only options that fit right in or under your budget.
For reference, most affordable SEO services for small businesses fall within the $1,000-$2,000 per month range. This is a good median to work with because it provides a good balance between quality and cost.
Don’t just read a handful of the reviews you find on Google. If anything, the SEO companies are in control of all that, and they may let you see what they deem fits their narrative. Take the time to read case studies and 3rd-party review sites.
Are there consistent patterns in what people are saying? What measuring sticks for success are clients using in those testimonials? And yes, a testimonial from 3 years ago isn’t nearly as important as one from 3 days ago.
Ask for proposals that outline exactly what you will be getting, when, and how they report their results. The best SEO companies for small businesses have no problem being clear about their pricing, what’s included, and what is not.
Ensure the deliverables outlined in their proposals align with your specific goals and needs. Also, be particularly cautious of an agency that promises any performance-based guarantee or results within a certain timeframe.
To Sum Up
The right SEO Company can make or break your business. The best SEO agencies not only deliver on the work you’re paying for, but they also work with you as an extension of your own team to create long-term goals and strategies.
Do some research, ask the right questions up front, and get to know who you will be working with at the company, then take action!
Choosing the best SEO Company for your small business in 2026 shouldn’t be daunting or break the bank. All the companies we have reviewed here have a great reputation, and deliver custom-tailored strategies designed to help you achieve your goals.
Whether you’re searching for a company that specializes in local SEO, content marketing services, or an SEO firm with experience across multiple industries, you will find a provider on this list that offers real value for money, even on a small budget!
Most small businesses pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per month for ongoing SEO services. Read the article to learn more about the pricing from Ahrefs analysis we shared. You can generally expect to see some improvement in rankings after 4-6 weeks, but the really significant improvements will take from about 3-6 months. It's important to remember that SEO results are cumulative and take time to kick in. If you serve specific geographic areas or have physical locations, prioritize local SEO. Businesses serving customers nationwide should focus on national strategies. Yes, you can. But it will require substantial time and effort on your part to learn the necessary marketing practices, optimization techniques, and tricks of the trade before you really begin to see the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Cost Of SEO For Small Businesses?
How Long Does It Take To See SEO Results?
Do I Need Local SEO Or National SEO?
Can I Do SEO Myself Instead Of Hiring A Company?
BrightEdge Research: Organic Search Improves Ability to Map to Consumer Intent
SEMrush: What Is SEO? An Intro to Search Engine Optimization
Harvard Business School Online: How to Create a Digital Marketing Plan: 4 Steps
Search Engine Land: What Is SEO – Search Engine Optimization?
American Marketing Association: What is SEO Marketing? [A Comprehensive Overview]
Ahrefs: SEO Pricing: How Much Does SEO Cost? 439 People Polled
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