Baltimore is one of the most competitive areas in the country for any business.

That’s why SEO is so important to Baltimore.

Internet has become the most popular choice for consumers who want everything from home goods to heavy machinery. If your business isn’t promoting itself online, you can be sure that your competitors are beating you every day.

But where do you start?

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 SEO agencies in Baltimore, Maryland.

If you want to start promoting your business throughout the city, start your search with these companies.

The 10 Best SEO Agencies in Baltimore

RankRatingSEO CompanyCompany WebsitePricingLocationFull Time Employees
1*****Virtual SurgeWebsite$$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
2****Straight NorthWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland51-100
3****Fusion SEOWebsite$$$$Baltimore, Maryland51-100
4***The Search NinjasWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
5***Digital CaffeineWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
6***Moonlight SEO of BaltimoreWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland26-50
7***Dragonfly Digital MarketingWebsite$$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
8***Internet Marketing MagiciansWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
9**TopStream MarketingWebsite$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10
10**Automated TendenciesWebsite$$$$Baltimore, Maryland1-10

Evaluating Baltimore SEO Agencies

Over the past few years, SEO has gained a lot more recognition in the marketing industry.

When SEO first started, it was considered a sneaky way to promote your business, and at worst it was considered a scam.

But today, it’s become a legitimate strategy to achieving growth for your business — and every other one, too.

Now, the challenge is telling which SEO agency is right for you.

Do you want results above everything else?

Are you looking for a pleasant business partner who’ll keep you in the loop?

Do you like the idea of an agency taking your plan and running with it?

These three questions are critical starting points to evaluating each SEO agency on your list.

In addition to those, it’s also important to consider the following.

Do you recognize the SEO agency name?

Like every industry, SEO has a handful of standout companies.

These companies are typically known for one reason or another. Most of the time, they become popular for delivering on promises and accomplishing goals for their clients.

So if you’ve heard of an SEO agency before, that’s probably a good sign.

After all, that kind of word-of-mouth marketing doesn’t come easily. Agencies have to prove time and again that they’re worth the investment.

When they do, you can be sure that you’ll hear about them through the grapevine, especially if you’re in contact with other business owners throughout Baltimore.

That word-of-mouth mention is important. It means an agency has done their job so well that their clients have begun recommending them.

And that’s the best endorsement an SEO agency can earn.

Can you find the SEO agency online?

If you haven’t heard of an SEO agency before, try searching for them in Google with keywords that relate to their business.

Typically, “Baltimore SEO” will bring up a list of top-notch SEO agencies in the city.

It’s important to note which agencies are on the front page, especially in position #1.

Those agencies employ people who know what it takes to rise to the top of search results for highly-competitive keywords. Their team understands SEO, and they know how to use it to get outstanding results.

On the other hand, an agency that doesn’t show up until the fourth or fifth page of search results is a less reliable investment.

Why are they so far behind their competitors? Do they really know how SEO works if they can’t even make it work for themselves?

These questions are important, especially if you start talking to one of those agencies.

Once you do, you’ll have the opportunity to learn even more about your options.

Contact the agencies you like and ask questions

Establishing direct contact with an agency is essential to learning more about it.

Once you contact them, you’ll become a lead for them. The Baltimore SEO agency you contact will start sending you information and resources to move you through their sales funnel, including invitations to speak directly.

Take these invitations seriously. Create a list of questions you have before speaking to an agency, and make sure to include the tough ones (like “why aren’t you on the first page of search results for Baltimore SEO?”).

Asking these questions is telling for two reasons.

First, you hear what an agency has to say. Their sales contact should be able to spin any disadvantage into an advantage, and they should own up to their shortcomings.

Ideally, they’ll also tell you how they’re solving their shortcomings.

Second, you can see how your sales contact answers your questions.

If they’re confident, steady, and honest, you can feel more comfortable with them. Clearly, they know their stuff.

If they’re hesitant, fidgety, and distracted, you may have asked questions that they can’t answer. And if a salesperson can’t answer questions about their own company, will they be able to answer your questions about SEO?

If you doubt them, don’t take the plunge. Only move forward with SEO agencies that you can trust.

Narrow your SEO options

Now that you’ve spoken to a few SEO agencies in Baltimore, it’s time to narrow your selections.

One of the smartest moves you can make in this situation is to go with your gut.

If you trust one SEO agency more than another, go with them.

If you think one agency will work better with you than another, then go with them.

It all breaks down to what you want out of a business partnership.

With that in mind, you’re ready to decide on a final SEO agency that’ll help your Baltimore business grow.

Notes on SEO

If you’re partnering with an SEO agency for the first time, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

1. SEO is not instant.

SEO takes time. Depending on the strategy you launch, you may not see results for three to 12 months.

That’s a lot of waiting, and it makes your job hard when you want to know whether an SEO agency is working well for you.

But that’s just how the cookie crumbles.

If you want to succeed online, you need to be patient.

2.  SEO is a long-term investment.

This is similar to the first note, but it’s important to remember that SEO is based on long-term results.

If you’re not willing to spend a time and money on SEO, then it’s not the strategy for you.

But if you’re the kind of person who thinks ahead to where you’ll be in five years, SEO is the way to achieve your goals.

Find your Baltimore SEO partner now!

If you’re ready to grow your business, check out our list of Baltimore SEO agencies now!

For more information, feel free to contact us, too.