Let’s be real— SEO for agencies can feel like a never-ending puzzle. You’re not only juggling SEO for your own brand, but you’re also responsible for getting results for your clients. That’s a lot of pressure. The good news? With the right strategies and tools, you can streamline your SEO efforts and see real impact.
In this guide, we’ll break down essential SEO tips that agencies can use for both themselves and their clients, plus how SEO tools help make the process easier.
General SEO tips for agencies
Understand your audience (and your clients’ audience)
SEO isn’t just about rankings; it’s about getting the right people to your site. Before diving into keyword research, take a step back and define your target audience. Who are they? What are they searching for? What problems do they need solutions for?
For example, if your agency specializes in SaaS marketing, your potential clients might be searching for "B2B SaaS lead generation strategies" rather than just "SEO services." The same principle applies when optimizing for your clients—understanding their customers' pain points helps in crafting targeted content that actually converts.
Keyword research: don’t just chase high-volume terms
A common mistake agencies make is chasing after high-volume keywords without considering search intent or competition. Instead, focus on long-tail keywords that reflect specific needs.
For instance, ranking for "SEO for agencies" is competitive, but targeting something like "how to do SEO for B2B marketing agencies" gives you a better chance to attract qualified traffic. Use tools like StoryChief, Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to discover relevant opportunities.
Optimize your website (and your clients’ sites) properly
SEO isn’t just about content—it’s also about technical optimization. Here are some quick wins:
- Title tags & meta descriptions: Every page should have a compelling, keyword-rich title and description. Think of it as your first impression on Google.
- Header structure (H1, H2, H3, etc.): Make sure your content is structured properly so search engines and users can navigate it easily.
- Internal linking: Link to related articles and pages within your site to improve engagement and help search engines understand your content hierarchy.
- Image alt text: Always add descriptive alt text to images for better accessibility and SEO.
- Site speed & mobile-friendliness: Slow-loading sites can tank your rankings. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check and optimize performance.
Content is king, but strategy is queen
Writing random blog posts and hoping they rank? That’s a strategy for disappointment. Instead, create a content strategy that aligns with your audience's search behavior.
For example, an agency working with an e-commerce brand might create a content cluster around "sustainable fashion," covering topics like "eco-friendly fabrics," "best sustainable fashion brands," and "how to build a sustainable wardrobe." This approach builds topical authority and increases rankings across multiple related keywords.
Backlinks: focus on quality over quantity
Backlinks are one of the strongest ranking signals, but not all links are created equal. Forget spammy link-building tactics—Google will penalize them. Instead:
- Guest post on reputable industry sites
- Collaborate with influencers or thought leaders
- Create shareable content like infographics and case studies
- Get listed in relevant directories and industry roundups
For example, if you run a digital marketing agency, contributing a guest post to a site like StoryChief, HubSpot or Moz can drive valuable referral traffic and improve SEO.
Local SEO: don’t forget about Google My Business
If your agency serves clients in specific locations, local SEO is a game-changer. Make sure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date, and encourage happy clients to leave reviews. This not only boosts local rankings but also builds credibility.
How StoryChief helps agencies streamline SEO
Managing SEO across multiple clients (plus your own agency) can get overwhelming. That’s where StoryChief comes in. Here’s how this tool makes SEO easier:
1. Real-time SEO assistant
Ever wished you had an SEO expert reviewing your content as you write? StoryChief’s SEO assistant does just that. It checks your article against 20+ SEO factors and gives actionable tips to improve rankings—before (and after) you even hit publish.
2. AI-driven keyword suggestions
Not sure which keywords to use? StoryChief’s AI-powered keyword generator helps you find relevant terms and suggests improvements. This is especially useful for agencies working with multiple industries, as it ensures you’re always optimizing for the right audience.
3. Readability analysis
Great SEO isn’t just about stuffing in keywords—it’s about writing content that people actually enjoy reading. StoryChief scores your content’s readability and provides suggestions to make it more engaging.
4. Multi-channel publishing
One of the biggest challenges agencies face is distributing content effectively. With StoryChief, you can publish blog posts, social media updates, and email newsletters from one platform. No more switching between multiple tools.
5. Content calendar & team collaboration
If your agency manages SEO content for multiple clients, organization is key. StoryChief’s content calendar helps you plan and schedule posts, while built-in collaboration tools allow teams to work together seamlessly.
6. Analytics & reporting
Tracking SEO performance is just as important as implementing it. StoryChief provides insights into engagement metrics, audience demographics, and distribution effectiveness—helping you refine your strategy over time.
Bringing it all together: Ace SEO for agencies
SEO for agencies isn’t just about ticking off boxes—it’s about creating a strategy that works for both your brand and your clients.
By implementing these SEO best practices and leveraging tools like StoryChief, you can simplify the process, drive better results, and focus on what you do best: growing your agency and delivering top-notch results for clients.
Related article: 20+ Impressive Ways StoryChief Enhances Marketing Results
Ready to level up your agency’s SEO game? Try StoryChief and see how it can make your workflow more efficient.
