New York is one of the largest digital marketing hubs in the United States, with over 800 SEO agencies ranging from boutique consultancies to full-service firms. This guide lists the top-rated SEO agencies in New York based on client reviews, case studies, and industry reputation.
Top 10 SEO Agencies in New York
1. SEO Brand
Specialization: Enterprise SEO and E-commerce Founded: 2007 Team Size: 50-100 employees Notable Clients: Verizon, Sony, Hilton Hotels
SEO Brand is one of New York’s most established agencies with a focus on large-scale enterprise campaigns. They’ve won multiple Search Engine Land awards and specialize in technical SEO for complex websites.
Services: Technical SEO, Enterprise Strategy, Content Marketing, International SEO Pricing: $10,000 – $40,000/month
2. Straight North
Specialization: B2B Lead Generation and SEO Founded: 1997 Team Size: 100+ employees Notable Clients: Various B2B companies across industries
Straight North combines SEO with lead generation strategies specifically for B2B companies. They provide detailed reporting and focus heavily on ROI and qualified lead generation.
Services: B2B SEO, PPC Management, Email Marketing, Web Design Pricing: $5,000 – $15,000/month
3. Lounge Lizard
Specialization: Creative SEO and Branding Founded: 1998 Team Size: 50-100 employees Notable Clients: Canon, National Geographic, Disney
Lounge Lizard blends creative branding with technical SEO expertise. They’re known for high-quality design work combined with solid search optimization strategies.
Services: SEO, Web Design, Branding, Digital Marketing Pricing: $8,000 – $25,000/month
4. Digital Silk
Specialization: Custom Web Solutions and SEO Founded: 2016 Team Size: 50+ employees Notable Clients: NASA, IBM, Amazon
Digital Silk focuses on creating custom digital experiences with integrated SEO strategies. They handle enterprise-level projects and complex technical implementations.
Services: Custom Web Development, SEO Strategy, UX/UI Design, Branding Pricing: $10,000 – $35,000/month
5. Intero Digital
Specialization: Full-Service Digital Marketing Founded: 2000 Team Size: 200+ employees Notable Clients: Various national brands
Intero Digital offers comprehensive digital marketing services with strong SEO capabilities. They have offices across the US and handle multi-location campaigns effectively.
Services: SEO, Content Marketing, Paid Media, CRO, Social Media Pricing: $5,000 – $20,000/month
6. 1Digital Agency
Specialization: Data-Driven SEO Founded: 2012 Team Size: 30-50 employees Notable Clients: Various mid-market companies
1Digital Agency focuses on analytics-driven SEO campaigns with transparent reporting. They emphasize measurable results and ROI tracking for every campaign.
Services: SEO Audits, Technical SEO, Content Strategy, Link Building Pricing: $4,000 – $12,000/month
7. Socialfly
Specialization: Social Media and SEO Integration Founded: 2012 Team Size: 50+ employees Notable Clients: WeWork, American Eagle, Girl Scouts
Socialfly started as a social media agency and expanded into SEO. They excel at integrating social media strategies with search optimization for comprehensive visibility.
Services: SEO, Social Media Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Content Creation Pricing: $5,000 – $18,000/month
8. Dotlogics
Specialization: E-commerce SEO Founded: 2007 Team Size: 30-50 employees Notable Clients: Various e-commerce brands
Dotlogics specializes in SEO for online retailers, particularly on Shopify and Magento platforms. They understand e-commerce technical requirements and conversion optimization.
Services: E-commerce SEO, Web Development, CRO, Digital Strategy Pricing: $3,500 – $15,000/month
9. Blue Fountain Media
Specialization: Enterprise Digital Marketing Founded: 2003 Team Size: 100+ employees Notable Clients: NFL, P&G, Microsoft
Blue Fountain Media handles large-scale digital marketing campaigns with robust SEO strategies. They’re known for managing complex, multi-channel campaigns for enterprise clients.
Services: SEO, Web Design, PPC, Marketing Automation, Branding Pricing: $10,000 – $30,000/month
10. OUTREACH
Specialization: Local SEO and Small Business Founded: 2015 Team Size: 10-20 employees Notable Clients: Various NYC small businesses
OUTREACH focuses specifically on New York small businesses and local SEO. They offer personalized service and understand the competitive NYC market for local search.
Services: Local SEO, Google Business Profile Optimization, Content Creation, Citations Pricing: $2,000 – $7,000/month
How to Choose the Right SEO Agency in New York
Consider Your Budget
New York SEO agencies range from $2,000/month for small business packages to $40,000+ for enterprise campaigns. The city’s high operating costs are reflected in agency pricing, typically 20-30% higher than national averages.
Check Their Own Rankings
Search for “SEO agency New York” or “NYC SEO services” and see which agencies appear on page one. Agencies that rank well for competitive terms demonstrate their own SEO capabilities.
Review Case Studies
Ask potential agencies for case studies showing specific, measurable results. Look for traffic increases, ranking improvements, and business impact data—not just generic testimonials.
Understand Their Link Building Methods
Ask how they acquire backlinks. Legitimate New York agencies typically use digital PR with connections to publications like NYTimes, TechCrunch, and industry-specific media outlets.
Verify Industry Experience
Some agencies specialize in sectors like finance, fashion, real estate, or healthcare. Industry expertise helps them understand regulatory requirements and audience behaviors specific to your market.
What to Expect From a New York SEO Agency
Timeline for Results
SEO typically takes 3-6 months to show meaningful results. In competitive NYC markets, you may need 6-9 months to see significant ranking improvements for high-value keywords.
Typical Pricing Structure
Most New York agencies work on monthly retainers with 6-12 month minimum commitments. Project-based work is available but less common since SEO requires ongoing optimization.
Services Usually Included
- Comprehensive technical SEO audits
- Keyword research and competitive analysis
- Content strategy and creation
- Link building and digital PR
- Local SEO (for businesses serving NYC customers)
- Monthly performance reports and strategy calls
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
How do you measure success? Look for agencies that track business outcomes like leads, revenue, and ROI—not just rankings and traffic.
What is your link building process? Legitimate agencies should clearly explain how they earn high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites.
Can I see examples of your work? Request 2-3 detailed case studies with specific results and client references you can contact.
Who will work on my account? Understand whether senior strategists or junior staff will handle day-to-day work on your campaign.
What is your cancellation policy? Ensure you can exit with reasonable notice and retain ownership of all content, accounts, and assets created.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Guarantees of #1 rankings (no agency controls Google’s algorithm)
- Extremely low pricing (under $1,500/month usually means offshore labor or poor quality)
- Vague explanations about methods (“proprietary techniques we can’t share”)
- Pressure to sign 24+ month contracts without trial periods
- No clear reporting structure or dashboard access
- Poor communication or unresponsive account management
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SEO cost in New York?
SEO agencies in New York typically charge $2,000 – $40,000 per month depending on business size and campaign scope. Small businesses can expect $3,000-$8,000/month, mid-size companies $8,000-$20,000/month, and enterprises often pay $20,000-$40,000/month.
How long does SEO take to work in competitive NYC markets?
Most New York SEO agencies deliver initial results within 3-6 months, with significant improvements at 6-12 months. Highly competitive industries like legal, finance, or real estate may require 9-12 months for substantial ranking improvements.
Should I hire a New York-based agency or remote?
New York agencies understand local market dynamics, have connections to NYC media outlets, and can meet in person if needed. However, they typically cost more than remote agencies. Choose based on whether local expertise and media connections justify the higher cost for your business.
What’s the difference between SEO and PPC for NYC businesses?
SEO builds long-term organic visibility through optimization, content, and links—results compound over time but take months to achieve. PPC (like Google Ads) provides immediate visibility but requires continuous spending. Most NYC businesses benefit from using both strategies together.
Do New York SEO agencies work with small businesses?
Yes, several NYC agencies like OUTREACH specialize in small business SEO. Expect to invest $2,000-$5,000/month minimum for professional services. Some agencies offer starter packages for local businesses focused on Google Business Profile optimization and local citations.
How do I verify an SEO agency’s results are real?
Request access to Google Analytics and Google Search Console during your contract. Real agencies provide transparent reporting with direct dashboard access. Be skeptical of agencies that only share PDF reports without letting you verify data in actual platforms.
Conclusion
New York’s competitive SEO market offers quality agencies across all specializations and budget ranges. The city’s agencies typically cost more than national averages but provide strong connections to major media outlets, experience with diverse industries, and expertise in highly competitive markets.
Focus on agencies that demonstrate transparency through detailed case studies, set realistic expectations about timelines, and have proven experience in your specific industry. Whether you choose an enterprise-focused agency like SEO Brand or a small business specialist like OUTREACH, ensure they communicate clearly and align with your business objectives.
The right New York SEO agency becomes a long-term partner that understands the competitive landscape of NYC markets and consistently delivers measurable improvements in organic visibility, traffic quality, and revenue generation.
Take time to interview multiple agencies, verify their own search rankings, and check independent reviews before making your decision. SEO is a significant investment—choosing the right partner makes the difference between wasted budget and substantial business growth.
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