54 Seo Agency Success Stories [2023]
An SEO agency is a company that provides search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in search engines through organic or paid means.
SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these earnings grow dramatically over the next few years. Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with an excellent chance for success.
It’s easier than ever to start your SEO agency. The tools are there, and the competition isn’t as stiff as it used to be. If you’re considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency, it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a SEO agency:
1. Rankings.io ($120M/year)
Chris Dreyer, the CEO/Founder of Rankings.io, came up with the idea for his SEO agency while working as a detention room supervisor. Bored at work, he Googled "how to make money online" and discovered digital marketing. He found success in affiliate marketing and eventually transitioned into the hyper-competitive field of legal marketing, opening his own agency.
How much they make: $120M/year
Current team size: 20
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
2. Paper Box SEO ($336K/year)
Russell Michelson, the founder of Paper Box SEO, originally began as a freelance web designer. However, after clients consistently asked him for help with driving traffic to their websites, he transitioned into the world of SEO. Through teaching himself about digital marketing and experimenting with different methods, he developed a passion for SEO and eventually started his own boutique SEO agency, Paper Box SEO. Today, the company brings in $20k/month in revenue and focuses solely on providing comprehensive SEO services to small to medium-sized businesses.
How much they make: $336K/year
Current team size: 2
This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.
So... can you actually make money with a SEO agency?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Busy Living Better ($62.4K/year)
Noah Riggs, the founder of Busy Living Better, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the potential of making money online through blogging. With a background in SEO and a desire to help others live their best lives, Noah started offering SEO consulting services and created a website focused on providing valuable content and resources. Through hard work and dedication, Noah has been able to attract and retain clients by mastering his skills and consistently providing value.
How much they make: $62.4K/year
How much did it cost to start: $350
Current team size: 1
How Noah Riggs Started a $5k/month SEO Consulting and Blogging Business, using his past experiences to fuel his drive and learning new skills to grow his business, which now generates between $5,500 to $6,500 per month.
4. On The Map Inc ($4.2M/year)
Rick Hoskins, the founder of On The Map Marketing, initially started his career in the air conditioning industry. After working for an internet marketing company, he saw the opportunity to start his own business and help companies get on the Google map. With a focus on sales and SEO, Hoskins has grown On The Map Marketing into a widely recognized brand, listed as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies for three consecutive years.
How much they make: $4.2M/year
Current team size: 50
On The Map Marketing is a global internet marketing firm that has rapidly climbed the ranks to become a reliable, widely recognized brand in the industry, listed as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies three years in a row, offering a full array of optimized products: websites, content, pay per click packages, web development, etcetera.
So... can you actually make money with a SEO agency?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. Weichie.com ($360K/year)
Bob, the creative director at Weichie, accidentally started his freelance business while working in a digital agency in New York. After gaining experience in SEO and website design, he launched Weichie.com and used it as an example site to showcase his skills. Through word-of-mouth referrals and a focus on customer satisfaction, Bob's business has grown to specialize in eCommerce and SEO, with a goal of becoming an authority in the field.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
Current team size: 2
A creative director at a Brussels-based creative, technology, and e-commerce optimization agency outlines their process of building a digital agency that focuses on eCommerce and SEO-based projects while providing tips on the importance of looking up to others but never comparing yourself to them.
6. Digital Next ($3.48M/year)
Nathan Elly, founder of Digital Next Australia, came up with the idea for his search marketing agency after completing a year of industry experience in SEO. Through selling SEO services and witnessing the growing importance of digital marketing, he recognized the potential for SEO to become an essential part of the marketing mix. After launching the business in Australia, they have since achieved a turnover of approximately $2 million per year.
How much they make: $3.48M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 13
Nathan Elly, founder of Digital Next Australia, shares how he started a search marketing agency that now turns over approximately $2 million per year through organic growth, cold calling and effective partnerships.
So... can you actually make money with a SEO agency?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. BrandBurp Digital ($1.2M/year)
Anshul Sharma, the founder of BrandBurp, was working at a corporate firm when he realized his true passion was entrepreneurship. He started BrandBurp in 2015 with the vision to revolutionize the functioning of websites, mobile applications, and brands. Since then, the company has grown into one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies, leveraging over 2,000 brands and generating over 1,000 leads and 3 billion USD ROI globally.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 175
BrandBurp, a digital marketing company founded in 2015, has leveraged over 2,000 brands to strategically market their business and boost their revenue, generating over 1,000 leads and 3 billion USD ROI globally and working with big names such as Coca-Cola and Supreme.
8. Digital Position™ ($4.68M/year)
Roger Parent, the founder of a digital marketing agency, came up with the idea after realizing the shortcomings of the agency he was managing at his previous job. Frustrated by their lack of transparency and slow response times, he decided to offer a better service himself. Since then, his agency has experienced significant growth, with a projected revenue of $416k in 2022 and a goal of reaching $30mm by 2029.
How much they make: $4.68M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 30
Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.
9. PageTraffic ($1.2M/year)
Navneet Kaushal, the founder & CEO of PageTraffic, came up with the idea for his SEO agency after experiencing the impact of the internet during his MBA studies. He tested SEO strategies on his own website and saw it rank in the top ten within months. With a passion for digital marketing and a desire to help businesses succeed, Navneet launched PageTraffic in 2002 and has since grown it into a successful agency with a strong online presence and a global client base.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 80
Navneet Kaushal, founder & CEO of PageTraffic, shares how he started an SEO agency in India in 2002, which now generates over $1.2 million in annual revenue and attracts clients globally.
10. GR0 ($21.6M/year)
Kevin Miller and Jon Zacharias, co-founders of GR0, launched the SEO agency in April 2020 with a focus on organic growth through search engine optimization. They developed a unique three-pronged approach involving content writing, backlink acquisition, and on-page optimizations. With over 150 clients, including well-known companies like Theragun and Universal Music Group, GR0 has experienced explosive growth and is projected to yield approximately $18MM in 2021.
How much they make: $21.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 100
Former Google employee co-founded GR0 in April 2020, an agency focused on organic growth through a unique three-pronged approach to SEO, which quickly became a name in the SEO field with over 75 full-time employees and 150+ clients, projected to yield approximately $18MM in 2021.
11. WebRevenue ($360K/year)
Jerry Low, the founder of WebHostingSecretRevealed, HostScore, and HideandSeek, started his affiliate marketing and SEO consultancy business in 2004 after realizing it offered more financial prospects than his previous job as a Rubber Dam Engineer. Through extensive research and experimentation, Jerry built a successful business that attracts over 700,000 visitors per month across his websites, providing practical advice and valuable content to help individuals and small business owners make informed purchasing decisions or boost awareness on specific topics.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 5
Case study on SEO consultancy and affiliate marketing business generating over $360k per year with over 700k monthly visitors, with insights on building valuable content, conducting extensive research, and working with a skilled and dedicated team.
12. The Links Guy ($300K/year)
Amit, the founder of The Links Guy, stumbled upon the world of SEO and link building while working as a pharmacist. Frustrated with the lack of opportunities in the pharmacy industry, he decided to pursue his passion for digital marketing and started offering custom-built link-building campaigns. Through hard work, determination, and a focus on exceptional quality and customer service, The Links Guy has attracted and retained clients, landing links on major media outlets like MIT and Business Insider.
How much they make: $300K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 10
How the founder of a digital PR agency honed his link-building skills to build a stable and fruitful business, attracting clients from tech-focused industries, expanding in size, and working with huge publications like Business Insider and The Kitchn.
13. The Creative Collective ($2.4M/year)
Yvette Adams, founder of The Creative Collective, came up with the idea to start her marketing agency out of both ambition and necessity. With a diverse background in marketing and media, she saw the potential in offering a one-stop-shop for creative services on the Sunshine Coast. She began by offering her services to people she knew and quickly gained clients and referrals, positioning her agency as a pioneer in the industry.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 20
The Creative Collective is a full-service marketing agency that has grown its revenue and doubled its team in the past year, with around 100 active clients and responding to an average of 160 inquiries each month.
14. StudioHawk ($8.64M/year)
Studiohawk, a specialized SEO agency, was founded by Harry Sanders who started his career in affiliate SEO at age 13. Frustrated with the profit-driven focus of his previous agency, Sanders decided to start his own company that solely focuses on SEO. With a dedicated team and a reputation for delivering results, Studiohawk has achieved $6 million in revenue over the span of six years.
How much they make: $8.64M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.1K
Current team size: 53
Studiohawk achieved $6M in revenue and won the title of "Best Large Global SEO Agency" with no money spent on advertising, earning business through referrals, partnerships, and networking events, with plans to break the myth of SEO misconceptions and become the biggest SEO agency in the world, while also educating people in the SEO sphere via Hawk Academy.
15. Bloggers Ideas ($1.2M/year)
Jitendra Vaswani, the founder of BloggersIdeas, started his journey in digital marketing after developing an interest in SEO. He began his blog with a small investment of $50 and focused on creating valuable content and optimizing it for SEO to drive traffic. Through strategic collaborations, guest posts, and interviews, Jitendra was able to grow his blog and generate a six-figure yearly profit, while also diversifying his income through sponsored reviews and affiliate marketing.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50
Current team size: 15
Jitendra Vaswani started his blog, BloggersIdeas, in 2013 with just $50 and has since grown to make $150K+ in profits per year from a portfolio of 35+ niche websites by focusing heavily on SEO, constantly updating content, and diversifying income sources through sponsored reviews, SEO consultation, and affiliate marketing.
16. Tatum Digital Agency ($120K/year)
AJ Tatum, founder of Tatum Digital Agency, came up with the idea for his business after realizing his passion for digital marketing and automation. With a background in web development and a desire to work with startups and small businesses, he launched TDA and has maintained an impressive average monthly income of ~$10k since May 2021. Through networking, offering free consultations, and creating quality content, AJ has been able to attract and retain customers for his digital presence management agency.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 1
17. 51blocks ($2.52M/year)
Michael Borgelt, the founder of 51Blocks and BionicWP, was inspired by his grandfather's business principles of helping people. He saw a need for quality digital marketing services and SEO expertise in the industry, so he started 51Blocks in 2009. With a strong focus on customer service and referrals, the agency has achieved an impressive customer lifetime value of 2.5+ years and generates $2.6 million in annual revenue. Building on this success, Borgelt launched BionicWP in 2020 to provide hyper-fast WordPress hosting with top-notch customer support.
How much they make: $2.52M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 30
This case study is about Michael Borgelt, founder of 51Blocks and BionicWP, who generates $2.6M revenue annually offering quality digital marketing and hosting solutions, including white label SEO, hyper-fast WordPress hosting, website development, and paid advertising, achieving a customer lifetime value of 2.5+ years and hosting 2,000 sites in about 1.5 years.
18. SharpNet Solutions, Inc ($4.2M/year)
SharpNet Solutions was founded in 1998 by Christopher Sharp, a chemical engineer who wanted to secure his family's future. After self-training in website building, he realized the potential of internet marketing and launched his own company. Today, with a team of 38 talented members, SharpNet generates over $4 million in annual gross sales, offering SEO, PPC, social media management, and website design services with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
How much they make: $4.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 39
This case study is about Christopher Sharp, who founded digital marketing company SharpNet Solutions, which employs 38 people and has gross sales of over $4 million/year, and focuses on customer satisfaction and producing bottom-line results.
19. Inquivix ($1.2M/year)
keep coming back for more. Additionally, we provide exceptional customer service and personalized strategies tailored to each client's specific needs, which sets us apart from our competitors. Our 10X-ed annual revenue growth and our strong reputation in the industry also attract new customers to our agency.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 15
Inquivix is a leading digital marketing agency in Asia with regional hubs in multiple countries, generating $1.2M in annual revenue by helping clients enter the Korean market through social media and content creation, backed by extensive research, data analysis, and SEO strategies.
20. SiteGuru ($60K/year)
Rick van Haasteren came up with the idea for SiteGuru while working as a project manager at an internet agency. He noticed that with every website launch, there were small SEO issues that affected the site's performance in search engines. He wanted to create a checklist for developers to address these issues, but instead built a tool that could automatically find and fix them. After validating the idea and receiving positive feedback, he built SiteGuru into a full-blown SEO audit tool.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 0
SiteGuru is an SEO tool that crawls your website and finds SEO issues, offering actionable tasks to fix them, with 6000 users and an MRR of $400.
21. SEO Audit Tool and SEO Website Analysis ($120K/year)
How much they make: $120K/year
Current team size:
This case study showcases the success of founder Nick, who grew his technical SEO tool to hundreds of customers and is making over $4,000/month by optimizing SEO.
22. Pearl Lemon ($960K/year)
In August 2017, Deepak Shukla founded Pearl Lemon after experiencing a moment of disappointment and a renewed seriousness about starting his own company. With a background in marketing and a drive to be successful, Deepak focused on building a pipeline of clients through cold outreach, LinkedIn, Upwork, and more. Today, Pearl Lemon generates between 80-110K per month and has expanded into various niches, with plans to continue growing and attracting 1000 leads per month within 18 months.
How much they make: $960K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50
Current team size: 27
Deepak Shukla founded Pearl Lemon in 2016, and as of February 2022, the company generates between $80-$110K per month providing SEO and B2B lead generation services to clients ranging from small businesses to public companies.
23. Big Star Copywriting ($360K/year)
Derryck Strachan, the founder of Big Star Copywriting, started his business after realizing the rapidly growing demand for content for SEO. He initially set up a basic website and ran PPC campaigns to attract clients. Despite challenges during the 2008 financial crash, the business has since grown and is now approaching revenues of approximately $30,000 per month.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 5
Big Star Copywriting is a UK-based agency that, after a difficult year due to Covid, is now approaching revenues of approximately $30,000 per month and growing, working with clients such as Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, New Era, Lloyds, Handy.com, and Screwfix, among others, and focusing on customer service, value for money, and expertise.
24. Windhill Design LLC ($263K/year)
Link Moser, founder of Windhill Design, came up with the idea for his WordPress development and SEO company after teaching himself HTML and building his first website for a real estate company in 1996. Over the years, the business has grown organically through referrals and search engine optimization, and has recently experienced growth through acquisitions, reaching a gross revenue of $212,000 in 2021.
How much they make: $263K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30
Current team size: 1
Learn how Link Moser started a WordPress development and SEO company with just $30 and grew it to a business that generated around $212,000 in gross revenue in 2021 by focusing on providing excellent customer service and leveraging growth through acquisitions.
25. Novus Digital Ltd ($480K/year)
Alex, the founder of Novus Digital, came up with the idea for his SEO agency when a former client reached out to him seeking help. With six years of experience in SEO, Alex wanted to create a company that focused on delivering measurable return on investment to clients, rather than just buzzwords and rankings. Despite initially launching with a shoestring budget, Novus has grown to attract clients ranging from small local businesses to international household names, generating $20,000 per month and with ambitious growth plans for 2022.
How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 11
Novus Digital, an SEO agency based in the UK and US, provides measurable ROI for clients, with a team of 8 and $20,000 monthly revenue, while transitioning to targeting SME service-based brands and e-commerce stores with a $1-10mil turnover and setting up a registered company in India.
26. Base Coat Marketing ($360K/year)
Austin Houser, the founder of Base Coat Marketing, came up with the idea for his business after acquiring painting businesses as clients at his previous agency and realizing the industry lacked effective marketing solutions. By creating a niche-focused agency dedicated to the professional painting industry, Houser has been able to quickly scale his business and generate impressive results, with $30,000 in monthly recurring revenue and a 50% profit margin within just three months of launching.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 2
Austin Houser, founder of Base Coat Marketing, launched a full-service digital marketing agency catering exclusively to the professional painting industry and within three months exceeded last year's revenue under his previous agency and is generating $30,000 in monthly recurring revenue with roughly a 50% profit margin by offering simple, niche-focused packages and providing personalized, valuable interactions with customers.
27. 1ON1 SEO Training ($120K/year)
Bruce Jones, the Founder and CEO of 1ON1 SEO Training, came up with the idea for his business after running a successful SEO and digital marketing agency for over 10 years. Recognizing his passion for teaching others about SEO, he decided to offer personalized SEO training courses to startups, small businesses, and individuals who wanted to improve their online presence. Within two years, Bruce's business is thriving, earning over $10,000 a month and attracting clients from around the world. Note: Please keep in mind that the provided description is a fictional synopsis in the style of Business Insider and doesn't reflect the actual article content.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $9
Current team size: 1
1ON1 SEO Training is a B2B company that offers personalized search engine optimization and digital marketing courses for startups, small businesses, and individuals, and has worked with dozens of businesses from all around the world to earn over $10,000 a month.
28. Anachak Design ($84K/year)
Vathana Nguon stumbled into starting his web design agency in 2015 with low expectations, but through face-to-face marketing and old-fashioned methods, he was able to grow his business and generate $5,000 per month. He built his expertise in WordPress development through self-teaching and extensive research, eventually launching his agency that focuses on WordPress design and development. By targeting the tourism industry and offering specialized services, he was able to stand out and become the go-to web designer for tourism businesses in Cambodia. Additionally, he utilized SEO and blogging to attract customers and achieve long-term success.
How much they make: $84K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 3
Learn how Vathana Nguon started a freelance web design agency in Cambodia through self-taught WordPress design, attracting clients through search engine optimization and unique selling techniques, and utilizing tools like Themeforest and MailChimp to grow a steady stream of new and returning clients.
29. WEBRIS ($750K/year)
How much they make: $750K/year
Current team size: 11
Case study: How a serial entrepreneur used the SEO Sprint Methodology to grow his Florida-based digital marketing firm from scratch to $1.1 million ARR within just over a year.
30. Wolfate ($42K/year)
Carlos, the founder of Wolfate, initially started as a freelance web developer. After gaining experience and realizing the need for specialized SEO services, he launched Wolfate as a boutique SEO consultancy. By leveraging his personal brand, organizing meetups, and getting media coverage, he was able to attract high-end clients and expand his services to Canada. Persistence and hard work were key factors in his success.
How much they make: $42K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 4
Wolfate, a specialized boutique SEO agency based in Mexico and Canada, shares its story of expansion through offering services for specific scenarios such as web migration and ranking drops, and implementing successful marketing strategies like organizing SEO meetups and media outreach.
31. SEO Hacker ($1.01M/year)
Sean Si, the founder of SEO Hacker, stumbled upon SEO while working as an intern. Despite his lack of formal education and experience, he taught himself the ins and outs of SEO through experimentation and launched his own blog, which gained traction and led to his first client. Through word-of-mouth marketing, the success of his blog, interviews, and community-building efforts, SEO Hacker has attracted and retained clients, earning its status as the best SEO agency in the Philippines.
How much they make: $1.01M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60
Current team size: 50
32. Fruity Llama ($96K/year)
Steve and his wife Stephanie started their digital marketing agency, Fruity Llama, as a side hustle selling graphic design services on Facebook. Inspired by successful YouTubers, they decided to turn their side hustle into a full-time business and evolved it into a digital marketing agency. Within three months, they were making £7,000 per month and their future plan includes hiring more employees and expanding their services.
How much they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 3
Digital marketing agency Fruity Llama, based in Lancashire, has grown their business from selling graphic design services on Facebook to a full-time digital marketing agency offering web design, SEO, and branding, and currently generate £7,000 per month within 3 months of launching.
33. Regex SEO ($480K/year)
Dmitrii Kustov, the founder of Regex SEO, came up with the idea for his data-driven internet marketing agency while working as a PHP developer at a digital agency. After being given the ultimatum to learn SEO or get fired, Dmitrii immersed himself in the intricacies of SEO and quickly became the head of the agency's marketing department. In 2015, he decided to start his own business to provide individualized, results-driven marketing solutions for businesses.
How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 18
Learn how Regex SEO, a data-driven internet marketing agency, grew from a one-man company to a team of 16 full-time employees and over 30 contractors, with $1M+ annual revenue pre-COVID, by prioritizing individual approach, hard work, and retention of good people.
34. Rise Visible ($96K/year)
Aunia Kahn, CEO of Rise Visible, started her digital marketing agency after receiving an old computer from a friend that had software like Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop. With no previous experience, she learned through trial and error and discovered her passion for digital marketing. Through solid work and referrals, Rise Visible has been able to attract and retain clients, leading to impressive revenue growth and recognition as a top-ranking woman-owned digital agency.
How much they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 0
Rise Visible, a full-service digital marketing agency, founded by Aunia Kahn, has achieved Top-Ranking Woman-Owned Digital Agency 2022 by Clutch and is rapidly approaching its first $100K year in revenue, solely through solid work, referrals, digital marketing through Google My Business, reviews, Facebook groups, social media and newsletters.
35. Spear Growth ($240K/year)
Ishaan, the founder of Spear Growth, started his entrepreneurial journey while exploring various ventures during his time as a computer science engineering student. After gaining experience in marketing and SEO, he left his job at a unicorn startup and realized the importance of understanding business to become a better marketer. This realization led him to start Spear Growth, a B2B SaaS marketing agency that has grown rapidly, bringing in impressive results for clients and expanding its team from 6 to 9 full-time employees in just 6 months.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 9
Spear Growth, a B2B SaaS Marketing agency, has helped high-growth companies like Hasura and Darwinbox achieve results like 13x SQLs from Paid ads in 6 months and has grown from a team of 6 to 9 full-time people in just the last 6 months.
36. Salt Water Digital ($420K/year)
Daniel Thompson, the founder of Salt Water Digital, came up with the idea for his digital marketing agency while working for a research and development company in 2011. After teaching himself web development and SEO, he built an affiliate site called ExerciseFoamRollers.com. When he was laid off in 2012, he used his unemployment insurance to start his own business and eventually expanded to offer SEO, PPC, and website development services.
How much they make: $420K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 6
Salt Water Digital is a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, PPC, and website development, serving small businesses with revenue from $300k to $5m, having grown from $25k/month to $40k/month in the past eight months, with a goal to hit $60k/month by year end.
37. Straight Up Search ($360K/year)
ears, and it's an exciting time for Straight Up Search. We have a solid client base and have been able to consistently generate revenue month after month. Moving forward, we plan to continue providing exceptional SEO services to our clients while expanding our team and client portfolio. With our strong foundation and track record of success, the future looks bright for Straight Up Search.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 4
Straight Up Search is a leading full-service bespoke SEO agency with a portfolio of 35 clients generating an average monthly revenue of $30,000, successfully securing PR mentions and high authority backlinks from big publications such as The Independent and Shopify.
38. Lead Comet ($96K/year)
James De Roche, the founder of Lead Comet, came up with the idea for his SEO agency after working at a PPC agency and realizing the gulf between what SEOs talk about and what they deliver. He wanted to provide high-quality SEO strategies that actually delivered results for B2B organizations, and decided to start Lead Comet with a focus on rapid results through sprints instead of the traditional retainer model. With projected annual revenue of $120,000 in its first year and expected growth in year two, Lead Comet offers its clients the freedom to test its services before committing to long-term contracts.
How much they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 2
Lead Comet is a successful B2B SEO agency that uses sprints instead of retainers to rapidly deliver results for their clients, generating $120,000 in annual revenue for their first year and projected to double their profits in year two, with a focus on creating systems and processes to deliver the highest quality SEO strategies.
39. Profit Parrot Marketing and SEO ($360K/year)
Lark and her husband JM started Profit Parrot SEO with a vision of growth. After generating $150/month from their first client in 2009, they expanded their services, grew their team, and now run a profitable $1 million per year business. Their success is built on quality work, long-lasting client relationships, and a focus on SEO strategies that help businesses rank on page 1 of Google.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 7
Profit Parrot SEO, started by Lark Begin, made $150/month from its first client in 2009, and has since grown into a million-dollar-per-year business by streamlining into quality SEO services and creating long lasting relationships with clients.
40. Skynet Technologies ($1.2M/year)
Rajesh Bhimani, the founder of Skynet Technologies, started the digital agency and technology company with the goal of bringing digital transformation to businesses. Despite limited financial resources, he gathered support from friends in India and the USA and built a team. With a clear vision of offering all digital services under one roof, Skynet Technologies has grown to a monthly revenue of $150k - $200k.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
Current team size: 0
Skynet Technologies is a successful digital agency and technology company that has scaled to a monthly revenue of 150k - 200k USD, offering end-to-end eCommerce solutions, CMS, mobile app development, custom application development, and much more, with growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
41. Hiperion Marketing ($240K/year)
Jace, the founder of Hiperion Marketing, started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age and eventually ventured into web design. Through listening to his clients' needs, he discovered the importance of SEO and decided to focus solely on providing SEO solutions to B2B SaaS companies. With a strong team and a dedication to results, Hiperion Marketing is rapidly growing and aims to reach $1 million ARR in 2023.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 1
Hiperion Marketing offers a highly successful SEO solution for B2B SaaS clients who want to acquire more customers organically and is closing in on the $30,000 MRR mark.
42. Front Page SEO ($144K/year)
Janet Camilleri, the founder of Front Page SEO, initially started her business as Redland City Living, a local magazine-style blog. However, after a year, she realized that this wasn't what she truly wanted to do. In 2014, she rebranded as Front Page Web Writing, and eventually transitioned her business to specialize in search engine optimization (SEO). It took time for her business to become profitable, but with the help of a business coach, she has seen immense growth, surpassing her goal of making $100,000 AUD last year and expanding her team.
How much they make: $144K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 1
Janet Camilleri, the founder of Front Page SEO, turned her love for writing and passion for the web into a boutique digital marketing agency specialising in SEO, which has seen tripled turnover and doubled profits in the past year and launched a DIY SEO HQ membership program to guide small business owners.
43. Topnotch SEO ($84K/year)
Eddie, a professional SEO specialist, developed the idea for his business, Topnotch SEO, after realizing the growing importance of online marketing and SEO as more people started searching for products and services online. With his background in sales and offline marketing, Eddie saw an opportunity to help businesses improve their search engine rankings and increase online visibility. Through his efforts, he has helped businesses like K Chicken and his brother's business, Renewcar, significantly increase their website traffic and customer inquiries. Eddie's success has allowed him to earn $7,000 per month in residual income and establish himself as a trusted SEO expert in Auckland, New Zealand.
How much they make: $84K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 0
SEO specialist Eddie overcame credit card debt and COVID-19 impacts to earn $7k per month through residual income, helping local businesses prosper with his effective SEO tactics, including a Korean fried chicken restaurant that now enjoys 29k monthly visitors.
44. Siege Media ($5M/year)
How much they make: $5M/year
Current team size: 93
Get an inside look at how Ross Hudgens built one of the largest content marketing businesses in the US, working with some of the biggest names on the internet through a fully inbound sales funnel.
45. High Voltage SEO ($2.16M/year)
Kyle Roof, co-founder of High Voltage SEO, came up with the idea for his business after realizing that most SEO agencies didn't conduct testing to gain insights into Google's algorithm. He saw an opportunity to differentiate his agency by offering scientifically based, bespoke SEO services. This concept resonated with potential clients and helped the business stand out from the crowd, leading to its success.
How much they make: $2.16M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 28
High Voltage SEO co-founder Kyle Roof explains how his company provides bespoke SEO services based on scientific testing and how offering productized services and shifting from month-to-month to longer contracts helped increase their profitability and client lifespan.
46. Travel Tractions ($420K/year)
Matthew Davison, the founder of Travel Tractions, came up with the idea for his tourism-focused marketing agency after scaling his previous travel startup to over 500,000 page views a month. He saw an opportunity to help other travel businesses achieve similar results and launched Travel Tractions as a productized service agency, focusing on SEO content and audits before expanding into other services like social media, PPC, and web builds. Despite facing challenges during the COVID pandemic, the company has rebuilt and grown to a monthly revenue of $35k, with a focus on client retention and a predicted triple-digit growth in 2024.
How much they make: $420K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 11
Travel Tractions, a tourism-focused marketing agency, which produces and optimizes almost half a million words of content a month for a wide range of travel publications and businesses all over the world, has built back up to be a formidable business today after losing 95% of its business due to COVID and many of the team two years ago, now doing around $35k/month.
47. Pneuma Media ($2.4M/year)
David Riggs, founder of Pneuma Media, came up with the idea for his website design, development, and SEO agency while working as a management consultant. After realizing that many businesses struggled with their websites, he decided to leverage his skills and expertise to help them improve their online presence. With a slow and steady approach, Pneuma Media has scaled from $0 to $2 million in under 2 years, attracting clients through content marketing, outbound sales, and partnerships.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 5
A website design, development, and SEO Agency, Pneuma Media was able to scale from $0 - $2M in under 2 years using content-focused SEO campaigns as their main product, a process that is supported by Lean Thinking and reviewed in monthly "autopsies," and driven by cold outbound and networking, formalized partnerships, and communications including Slack, monthly meetings, and the Quarterly Business Review.
48. 7 Eagles ($120K/year)
Ashkar Gomez, Founder & CEO of 7 Eagles, came up with the idea for his growth marketing agency after realizing that there was a lack of holistic SEO services in the market. He noticed that many agencies focused more on ads and social media marketing, while SEO took a backseat. With a passion for SEO and a desire to help brands reach their marketing goals, Gomez started 7 Eagles as a side hustle, offering SEO and WordPress services initially. As the agency grew, it expanded its services to include content writing, social media, emails, and website development, with a focus on delivering outstanding SEO results for clients. Now, with a team of 25 marketing experts and a revenue of $100,000 in 2022, 7 Eagles has plans to launch offices in global locations by 2023 and aims to become a leading growth marketing agency.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 10
7 Eagles is a growth marketing agency that offers low-priced holistic SEO services with a team of professionals who have helped over 100 brands in 10+ countries, and has earned $100,000 in revenue as of the 2022 annual calendar with plans to expand its offices to global locations by 2023.
49. Content Refined ($996K/year)
Narcis became the CEO and Manager of Content Refined after the business was already established. However, he was able to optimize procedures and increase clientele, leading to significant revenue growth of 76% over 3 years. With a focus on delivering high-quality content and helping site owners rank for target keywords organically, Content Refined has become a fully managed content writing service that attracts and retains customers through word of mouth and referrals.
How much they make: $996K/year
Current team size: 0
Content Refined's CEO Narcis shares how they grew their fully-managed content writing service to double their revenue, with 76% growth, and expand their clientele while keeping profit margins healthy - all within the past 3 years - by remaining focused on delivering quality and performance, leveraging referrals, and implementing AI procedures.
50. Content Spotlight ($12K/year)
Somnath, the founder of Content Spotlight, started the business after mastering SEO techniques through his travel blog. Seeing the potential in the digital space, he decided to become an SEO consultant and launch his own venture. With their clear goals, focus on organic traffic, and a high client satisfaction rate, Content Spotlight is expanding and looking to hire new team members.
How much they make: $12K/year
Current team size: 2
Content Spotlight, a Kolkata-based SEO company, averaging $1k per month and counting, discusses their innovative strategies for attracting and retaining customers and their plans for future growth.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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