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6 Best SEO Agencies in Calgary in 2024

Discover the best SEO agencies in Calgary that can help you improve your website's ranking and drive more conversions.

Janet Barben editor profile photo
By Janet Barben
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Edited by Christy Roberts

Published July 15, 2024.

As businesses strive to stand out in the bustling online marketplace, effective search engine optimization (SEO) has become a big component of their digital marketing strategy. By optimizing your website's content and structure, you can improve your visibility in search engine results, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

However, implementing a successful SEO campaign requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Many businesses lack the in-house resources or technical know-how to effectively navigate the ever-changing world of search engine algorithms. This is where partnering with a reputable SEO agency can make all the difference.

We've compiled a list of the 6 best SEO agencies in Calgary, Canada, based on their track record, industry expertise, and ability to deliver measurable results. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, these agencies can help you unlock the full potential of SEO and drive your business forward in 2024 and beyond.



Our top picks



How we choose the best experts

Every expert must go through a data-based vetting program before their profile can go live on Mayple.com. This is how we vet our experts:

  • Proven track record of results: We get view-only access to the experts’ accounts and analyze the results they’ve achieved for different brands, according to their niches. Only the marketers that have achieved above-benchmark results can become official Mayple experts
  • Professional practices: We have a long list of best practices per skill set that determines whether a marketer is professional or not. This is compared against their actual past work, for example, their account structure, A/B testing methodologies, and 100+ other criteria so we don’t miss a single thing.

Other than that, we also provide unbiased monitoring services. Our monitoring system checks over 180 parameters relating to the professional level of work and your campaigns’ KPIs, to help ensure a high chance of success. Here are some of the parameters we monitor:

  • A/B testing methodology

  • Account structure

  • Naming convention

  • Targeting approach

  • Shopping ads methodology

  • Attribution models

  • Revenue & ROAS

  • KPI's: CTR, CVR, CPA & more

  • Change-log

  • Funnel conversion rates



Top 5

1. Human After All. - Best SEO agency overall

2. Wayfinder Agency. - Best for tabletop game companies

3. Casa Media. - Best for driving significant growth and ROI

4. The Emms. - Best for website optimization

5. Awkward Media. - Best for businesses with no SEO history



Brief overview

Human After All, founded in 2018 in Montreal, is a specialized eCommerce agency that has completed over 50 projects for mid-sized and enterprise clients in manufacturing and distribution. The team's expertise spans multiple platforms, including BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, Akeneo, and HubSpot. As a CDAP digital advisor with 15 years of IT experience, they excel in crafting tailored B2B and D2C strategies that enhance customer experiences and drive sales growth for businesses embarking on digital transformations.

Why we chose Human After All

Human After All distinguishes itself through its proven track record and comprehensive expertise. Since 2018, the agency has completed over 50 projects for mid-size and enterprise clients in manufacturing and distribution, honing their ability to deliver ROI-driven digital transformations. Their mastery of multiple eCommerce platforms, including Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce, coupled with their CDAP digital advisor status, positions them as a top choice for businesses seeking impactful digital solutions in Canada.

  • Budget: $2k - $20k

  • Track record: Human After All's extensive experience executing over 50 successful projects, their BigCommerce partnership, and their 15-year IT expertise demonstrate their track record of driving digital transformations and amplifying sales for midsize and enterprise clients.

  • Industry focus: Professional services, style & fashion, beauty, food & drink, home & garden

Pros


  • Personalized support from a dedicated team across time zones
  • Expertise in navigating complex B2B and D2C strategies
  • Proven track record in driving digital transformations and sales

Cons


  • Limited information on pricing and project costs


Brief overview

Wayfinder Agency, a Toronto-based social media marketing firm, specializes in tailored solutions for tabletop gaming companies and related industries. The agency combines data analysis with creative strategies to deliver impactful digital marketing campaigns, particularly in pay-per-click advertising. Their focused approach and industry expertise enable them to achieve notable results for clients in the tabletop gaming sector.

Why we chose Wayfinder Agency

Wayfinder Agency's selection stems from their impressive results in the tabletop gaming sector, including a 7.1x return on ad spend and an 82% increase in online sales year-over-year. Their team's deep understanding of gaming lore and mechanics enables them to create campaigns that resonate with target audiences. This combination of quantifiable success and industry-specific knowledge positions Wayfinder as a standout choice for tabletop game companies seeking growth.

  • Budget: $10k - $100k

  • Track record: Wayfinder Agency has driven exceptional results for clients, including a 7.1x return on ad spend, $655,631 in revenue attributed to ads, and a 461% increase in sales year over year for one client.

  • Industry focus: Gaming, technology

Pros


  • Expertise in PPC, SEO, email marketing, and social media
  • Proven track record of exceptional client results
  • Data-driven, creative solutions that drive tangible growth

Cons


  • Smaller team size compared to larger digital marketing agencies


Brief overview

Casa Media delivers targeted digital marketing solutions, focusing on SEO, PPC, and inbound strategies. The agency enhances brand visibility and customer conversion through a four-phase approach: authority cleanup, technical SEO, on-page optimization, and content development with strategic backlinking. By combining seamless user experiences with data-driven marketing tactics, Casa Media helps businesses effectively reach and engage their target audiences online.

Why we chose Casa Media

Casa Media distinguishes itself through a structured, four-phase SEO strategy. This systematic approach includes authority cleanup, technical SEO, on-page optimization, and content creation with strategic backlinking. By addressing each critical aspect of search engine optimization in turn, Casa Media provides clients with a thorough and effective path to improved online visibility.

  • Budget: Up to $1M+

  • Track record: Casa Media has driven significant growth for clients, increasing engagement metrics by over 100% and scaling ad spend by over 300% in just two months for one client.

  • Industry focus: Food & drink, health & wellness, travel, art & entertainment, style & fashion, education, nonprofit & government, finance, sports, outdoors & fitness, home & garden

Pros


  • Innovative four-phase SEO strategy for comprehensive improvement
  • Methodical approach to authority cleanup, technical SEO, and on-page optimization
  • Bringing a modern twist to brands to resonate with target demographics

Cons


  • No mention of international capabilities or experience with global clients


Brief overview

The Emms, a marketing agency founded by Marielle, focuses on propelling entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses toward success. This collective of marketing experts offers comprehensive services ranging from branding to website development and strategic consulting. Recognizing these clients as key drivers of innovation, The Emms is committed to equipping them with essential marketing tools and knowledge.

Why we chose The Emms

The Emms distinguishes itself through its impressive portfolio of successful marketing initiatives across diverse industries. Their achievements include doubling sales for August Society and significantly boosting website traffic for Inokim. The agency's strength lies in its tailored approach, beginning each project with comprehensive workshops to develop customized strategies. With expertise spanning multiple marketing channels, The Emms crafts integrated campaigns that consistently deliver measurable results.

  • Budget: Up to $200k

  • Track record: The Emms has a proven track record of driving significant business results for their clients, including doubling sales, reducing CPMs by 75%, and increasing website traffic up to 15 times.

  • Industry focus: Beauty, technology, home & garden, baby, style & fashion, professional services

Pros


  • Proven track record of delivering successful marketing campaigns
  • Commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses
  • Ability to drive tangible results like increased sales and traffic

Cons


  • Limited information on their specific pricing and service packages


Brief overview

Awkward Media stands out as an SEO agency that delivers rapid results through its innovative approach. Their refined strategy consistently secures first-page rankings for clients. The company's methods have proven to be up to four times faster than conventional SEO techniques, setting a new standard for efficiency in search engine optimization.

Why we chose Awkward Media

Awkward Media distinguishes itself through its accelerated SEO methodology, delivering results in a quarter of the time typically required. Their 12-year industry experience has yielded a proven system that consistently elevates client rankings to the first page of search results. The agency's commitment to measurable ROI provides clients with clear visibility into the impact of their SEO investments.

  • Budget: Up to $100k

  • Track record: Awkward Media has driven impressive results for clients, including a 220% ROI from organic search in 6 months, a 23-point increase in domain authority, and a 216% increase in keywords ranked.

  • Industry focus: Health & wellness, professional services, technology, travel, home & garden, automotive, beauty, electronics, finance

Pros


  • Award-winning SEO agency
  • Focuses on getting clients on the first page of Google
  • Delivers results up to 4X faster than traditional methods

Cons


  • May require close collaboration with client's writing team


Brief overview

Webtmize, a Montreal-based digital marketing agency, focuses on boosting the online presence of e-commerce and SaaS companies. With a team of over 20 experts, they offer a comprehensive suite of services including SEO, SEM, social media advertising, email marketing, and web development. Founded by a computer science graduate with web development experience, Webtmize serves clients ranging from startups to established enterprises across various sectors.

Why we chose WebTmize

Webtmize stands out due to its impressive portfolio of over 2,000 completed projects and $40 million in managed ad spend last year. Their team of 20+ marketing experts employs a data-driven, hands-on approach to deliver tangible results across diverse industries. The agency's positive work environment and focus on employee development ensure clients receive top-tier service and expertise.

  • Budget: Up to $1M+

  • Track record: Webtmize has a proven track record of success, having delivered over 2,000 projects and managed $40 million in ad spend for 40+ active clients globally.

  • Industry focus: Baby, beauty, education, finance, food & drink, health & wellness, home & garden, professional services, real estate, sports, outdoors & fitness, style & fashion, technology, travel

Pros


  • Collaborative, data-oriented approach with 20+ marketing experts
  • Recognized as a member of Google's International Growth Program
  • Offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services

Cons


  • Unclear if they offer services beyond digital marketing, such as traditional advertising


Do I need to hire an SEO agency?

Navigating search engine optimization (SEO) can be a daunting task for many businesses. While some companies may have the in-house expertise to manage their SEO efforts, others may find partnering with a dedicated SEO agency beneficial. Hiring an SEO agency ultimately depends on a business's specific needs and challenges.

Declining Organic Traffic

If a company experiences a significant drop in organic traffic from search engines, it could be a sign of ranking issues or penalties. An SEO agency can help diagnose and resolve these problems, optimizing the website for better visibility and driving more qualified traffic.

Low Search Engine Rankings

When a company's website ranks poorly for its targeted keywords, it may struggle to attract the right audience. An SEO agency can conduct thorough keyword research, implement on-page optimization strategies, and develop effective off-page tactics to improve the website's rankings and visibility in search results.

Competition Outranking Them

If competitors consistently outrank the company for important keywords, it could be due to their superior SEO strategies. An SEO agency can analyze the competition, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a customized plan to help the company regain its edge in the search landscape.

Technical SEO Issues

Websites with technical issues, such as duplicate content, poor site architecture, or slow loading speeds, can negatively impact search engine crawling and indexing. An SEO agency can identify and fix these technical problems, ensuring the website is optimized for better performance and search engine visibility.

Lack of In-House SEO Expertise

Many companies lack the dedicated resources or expertise to handle SEO effectively. Hiring an SEO agency can provide access to specialized professionals with the necessary knowledge and experience to implement successful SEO strategies, without the need for additional full-time hires.

Adapting to Algorithm Updates

Search engine algorithms constantly evolve, and companies may struggle to keep up with the changes. An SEO agency stays up-to-date with the latest best practices and can help adjust strategies accordingly, ensuring the website remains competitive and visible in search results.

Expanding to New Markets or Verticals

When companies enter new markets or verticals, they may need SEO assistance to research and target relevant keywords, optimize content, and establish online visibility in the new landscape.

Recovering from Penalties or Negative SEO Attacks

If a company's website has been penalized by search engines or targeted by negative SEO tactics, an SEO agency can help diagnose the issues, clean up the site, and implement a recovery strategy to regain the website's search engine rankings and reputation.

By partnering with an experienced SEO agency, businesses can leverage their expertise, resources, and proven strategies to improve their online visibility, drive more qualified traffic, and, ultimately, achieve their marketing and sales goals.



What does an SEO agency do?

An SEO agency's primary role is to help businesses improve their visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is achieved through a range of strategies and tactics that target both a website's technical and content-related aspects.

One of an SEO agency's key responsibilities is conducting thorough keyword research. They identify the keywords and phrases potential customers use to search for products or services like yours. This information is then used to optimize the website's content and structure, ensuring it aligns with the target audience's search intent.

In addition to keyword research, SEO agencies also focus on improving a website's technical aspects. This includes addressing any crawling, indexing, or relevance issues hindering the site's performance in search results. They work to ensure the website is fast, mobile-friendly and has a clean, well-structured code base.

Content creation and optimization are other crucial areas where SEO agencies provide value. They work with businesses to develop high-quality, informative content optimized for search engines and human readers. This includes optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, and image alt text.

Building a strong backlink profile is another key responsibility of an SEO agency. They employ various link-building strategies to acquire relevant, authoritative links from other reputable websites, which can significantly boost a site's search engine rankings.

A good SEO agency is a strategic partner, helping businesses navigate the constantly evolving world of search engine optimization and achieve their online visibility and growth goals.



How to choose the best SEO agency for your business

  • Determine your goals: Clearly define your business goals before searching for an SEO agency. Do you want to improve your website's rankings, increase organic traffic, or boost conversions? Understanding your objectives will help you find an agency that can deliver the specific results you need.
  • Evaluate the agency's credentials: Research the agency's track record, reviews, and case studies. Look for awards, certifications, and testimonials that demonstrate their expertise. Check if they have experience working with businesses in your industry.
  • Assess the agency's approach: A reputable SEO agency should be transparent about their strategies and tactics. Ask them to explain their process, including how they conduct keyword research, optimize content, and build backlinks. Ensure their methods align with best practices and avoid any "black hat" techniques.
  • Examine the team's capabilities: A well-rounded SEO agency should have a diverse team of experts, including technical SEO specialists, content writers, link builders, and analysts. Inquire about the specific individuals who will be working on your account and their relevant experience.
  • Verify the pricing structure: SEO services can vary widely in cost, so it's important to understand the agency's pricing model. Avoid agencies that offer unrealistically low prices, as this may indicate a lack of expertise or the use of questionable tactics. Instead, look for an agency that is transparent about their pricing and can justify the value they provide.
  • Prioritize communication and reporting: A good SEO agency should provide regular progress reports and be responsive to your questions and concerns. Ensure they have a clear project management process and that you'll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the engagement.

By following these steps, you can find an SEO agency that aligns with your business goals, delivers high-quality work, and helps you achieve sustainable growth through effective search engine optimization.




FAQs

How much does SEO cost in Calgary?

The cost of SEO services in Calgary can vary widely depending on the size and needs of your business. According to a survey of top Calgary marketing agencies, the average cost for a comprehensive SEO campaign in the city is around $2,000 per month. Smaller local businesses may be able to get by with a more basic SEO package in the $1,000-$1,500 range per month. Larger enterprises with more competitive industries can expect to pay $10,000 or more per month for an enterprise-level SEO strategy. The key factors that influence SEO pricing in Calgary include the competitiveness of your industry, the size and complexity of your website, your specific goals, and the expertise level of the SEO agency.

How much does it cost to hire an SEO agency?

The cost to hire an SEO agency in Calgary can range from $1,000 to $25,000+ per month, depending on the size and needs of your business. Smaller local businesses or startups can typically get a basic SEO package for $1,000-$1,500 per month. Medium-sized companies investing in a comprehensive SEO campaign usually spend around $2,000 per month on average. Enterprise-level businesses with highly competitive industries may need to budget $10,000 or more per month to work with a top-tier Calgary SEO agency. The specific services included, the expertise of the agency, and the competitiveness of your market are the main factors that determine SEO agency pricing.

Is it worth hiring someone for SEO?

Hiring a professional SEO agency is generally worth the investment for businesses that want to improve their online visibility and drive more qualified traffic and leads. SEO can provide a strong return on investment by helping your website rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. A skilled SEO agency will have the expertise to implement a comprehensive strategy covering technical, on-page, and off-page optimization. This can lead to significant increases in website traffic, leads, and sales that justify the monthly cost. While you can attempt DIY SEO, working with an experienced agency is more likely to deliver tangible results in a shorter timeframe. The key is finding an SEO partner that aligns with your business goals and budget.

Can I do SEO on my own?

Yes, it is possible to do SEO on your own for your business, but it requires a significant time investment and specialized knowledge. DIY SEO involves tasks like keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, link building, and technical website improvements. While there are many free online resources to learn SEO, implementing an effective strategy requires ongoing effort and expertise. An experienced SEO agency will typically be able to achieve better results in a shorter timeframe compared to a business owner attempting SEO on their own. Unless you have dedicated staff and the time to dedicate to SEO, it's generally more efficient and effective to hire a professional SEO company to handle it for you.

How long does SEO take to show results?

The timeline for seeing results from SEO can vary, but it typically takes 3-6 months to start seeing meaningful improvements in rankings and traffic. More competitive industries may take 6-12 months to achieve first-page rankings. SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience, as search engines like Google need time to crawl, index, and evaluate the changes made to your website. While paid advertising can provide quicker short-term results, SEO builds sustainable, organic traffic that compounds over time. The speed of results also depends on factors like the current state of your website, the competitiveness of your industry, and the expertise of your SEO agency. Consistent, high-quality SEO efforts are key to achieving long-term success.




Hire an SEO agency with data-backed results

Finding the right SEO can be tiresome, and that's where Mayple steps in, offering a smart solution by connecting you with vetted SEO agencies. Their dedication to improving your ranking and increasing your traffic lands them the title of SEO agency with us. 

Human After All is the go-to agency for businesses in manufacturing and distribution looking to transform their eCommerce presence across multiple platforms. Wayfinder Agency delivers impressive results for targeted social media marketing, specifically in the tabletop gaming industry. And if you need comprehensive SEO services with a structured approach, Casa Media offers a four-phase strategy to improve your online visibility and customer engagement.

None of the above seems like the right fit? Not to worry. With Mayple you’ll find the perfect match for your business needs by harnessing the power of AI. Just because someone’s a marketing expert, doesn’t mean they’re right for your brand. Our AI algorithm uses multiple data sources and matching factors to ensure the experts you work with are the perfect fit to help you grow and scale. Exponential business growth is just one call away!