How to Choose The Best SaaS SEO Agency

Looking to enhance your SaaS company’s online presence and attract more qualified traffic? Enter the world of a SaaS SEO agency. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the unique realm of ‘Saas SEO Agencies’ and explore how they specialize in optimizing SaaS businesses for search engine success.

Discover the key strategies, benefits, and how partnering with a Saas SEO agency can take your SaaS company to new heights. If you’re ready to supercharge your online visibility and dominate search rankings, keep reading to unveil the potential of a dedicated Saas SEO agency.

What is a SaaS SEO agency?

SaaS companies are experiencing a remarkable surge in recent years, and in such a competitive market, establishing a robust online presence has become imperative. This is where the prowess of SaaS SEO agencies comes into play, offering specialized assistance that can make all the difference.

SaaS SEO agencies are committed to enhancing search engine visibility and driving organic traffic to SaaS companies’ websites. They possess a profound understanding of the distinct needs and challenges faced by SaaS companies, enabling them to tailor their strategies and tactics accordingly. By leveraging their expertise, these agencies can help SaaS companies stand out in a crowded online landscape. It’s important to note that SaaS SEO agencies typically have far more expertise and skills in their team than a SaaS SEO copywriter, or a SaaS SEO consultant.

Why Does a SaaS Focus Matter for SEO Agencies?

SaaS SEO agencies comprehend the intricacies of the SaaS market and excel in the specific tactics essential to thrive in this niche. Their skills encompass optimizing SaaS websites for search engines, crafting compelling content that resonates with SaaS buyers, and implementing effective link building strategies that generate high-quality traffic.

Specialized SEO agencies know their SaaS metrics inside out. They’re no strangers to Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), Churn Rate, and Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) – the bread and butter of the SaaS industry. Armed with this knowledge, they align their SEO strategies with SaaS business goals, tracking the impact on these critical performance metrics (check out our guide on SEO KPIs to learn more).

But that’s not all. Specialized SaaS SEO agencies are masters at optimizing trial sign-ups and conversions. They craft SEO strategies that drive relevant traffic to SaaS websites, encouraging visitors to jump on board with free trials or demos. Their expertise in user onboarding and SaaS conversion rate optimization ensures more trial users become loyal paying customers.

SaaS SEO agencies also help with:

• On-Page Optimization for SaaS
• Off-page SEO for SaaS
• SaaS link building
• Technical SEO for SaaS
• SaaS keyword research

In the SaaS world, sales funnels and user journeys are key. SaaS-focused SEO agencies are well-versed in guiding users through every stage of the funnel. They optimize website content, landing pages, and calls to action for a seamless experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Got niche keywords and long-tail queries? Specialized SaaS SEO agencies do! They’ve got a keen eye for targeting the right audience by honing in on specific pain points and SaaS customer needs. By attracting highly relevant traffic with these specialized keywords, SaaS websites reap the rewards of increased visibility and valuable leads.

Lastly, the insights and experiences garnered from working with other SaaS clients are highly transferrable. SEO agencies specializing in serving SaaS companies have gained valuable insights into the SaaS market, the target audience, and the competitive landscape. They have distinguished what works and what doesn’t, allowing them to effectively apply these learnings to new SaaS clients.

Does SEO matter anymore?

In today’s digital landscape, where paid advertising and social media seem to dominate the marketing scene, you might find yourself wondering if search engine optimization (SEO) is still relevant. Well, let me tell you, my friend, the answer is a resounding YES! SEO still plays a vital role in driving organic traffic to websites, especially for SaaS companies.

When it comes to SaaS companies, SEO strategies can make a world of difference throughout their entire marketing funnel. From the awareness stage to the decision-making stage, SEO can help attract and engage potential customers. And who doesn’t want that, right?

Starting at the top of the funnel, SEO helps SaaS companies build brand awareness by ranking high in those search engine results. By optimizing their website and content for relevant keywords, they can increase their visibility and reel in a larger audience. This initial exposure allows them to establish credibility and gain trust from potential customers – a crucial first step in any successful relationship.

But it doesn’t stop there! As we move down the marketing funnel, SEO continues to play a vital role in generating leads and nurturing them into paying customers. How, you might ask? Well, by creating valuable and informative content that aligns perfectly with the needs and pain points of their target audience, SaaS companies can attract qualified leads. And through strategic keyword targeting and optimizing their landing pages, they can ensure that their content is easily discoverable and relevant to those clever search engine users.

How SEO Provides Compounding Returns

Now, here’s where it gets exciting. SEO provides compounding returns for SaaS companies. Unlike paid advertising, where the traffic stops as soon as the budget is exhausted, SEO efforts keep on driving organic traffic even after the initial optimization is done. By consistently producing high-quality content (check out our guide on EAT SEO for SaaS to learn more about what we mean by high-quality) and constantly improving their website’s technical SEO, SaaS companies can maintain and even increase their organic search rankings over time. Now, that’s what I call a sweet deal! This compounding effect leads to a steady stream of organic traffic and, ultimately, more conversions – a dream come true for any SaaS company. Here’s some proof for you:

1. Long-Lasting Results: A study by Ahrefs indicates that the average age of the pages ranking in the top 10 search results is around two years. This indicates that well-optimized content can maintain its rankings and continue to drive traffic for an extended period, compounding its impact over time.
2. Quality Content Attracts Backlinks: High-quality content that provides value to users tends to attract backlinks from other websites. Backlinks play a crucial role in improving a website’s authority and search rankings, according to Moz.
3. Improved Click-Through Rates (CTR): According to a study by Advanced Web Ranking, the first organic result in Google’s search results receives an average CTR of approximately 31.7%. As your website climbs higher in the search results, it is more likely to receive clicks from users, further increasing its visibility and traffic.
4. Diverse Keyword Portfolio: A comprehensive SaaS SEO roadmap and SaaS SEO strategy targets a diverse range of relevant keywords. As you rank for various keywords, your website gains exposure to a broader audience, increasing the likelihood of attracting new visitors and potential customers. A well-optimized website with a diverse keyword portfolio contributes to the compounding growth of organic traffic.

And guess what? Good SEO performance also gives SaaS companies a competitive edge in this crowded digital landscape. With millions of websites fighting for attention, ranking high in search engine results can truly set a company apart from its competitors. A strong SEO strategy allows SaaS companies to outrank their rivals, boost their online visibility, and capture the attention of their target audience. It’s like being the belle of the digital ball!

What is the Difference Between Basic SEO and Advanced SEO?

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), there are two levels of proficiency that can take your online presence to new heights: basic SEO and advanced SEO. Basic SEO lays the foundation by focusing on fundamental principles to optimize your website for search engines. But if you’re ready to take it up a notch, advanced SEO is where the magic happens.

With basic SEO, you’ll optimize your website’s content, structure, and meta tags, making it easily discoverable by search engines. That starts with conducting thorough keyword research to uncover the terms and phrases your potential customers are searching for. By strategically incorporating these keywords into your content, you’ll be better positioned to attract organic traffic. Basic SEO also involves optimizing your title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags, giving search engines a clear understanding of what your website is all about. Another difference is that with basic SEO, you’re likely to produce SEO-optimized content once in a while, but with advanced SEO, you’re looking at a consistent investment in SEO – and you’ll really start to see the results as well (they compound!).

Now, let’s dive into the world of advanced SEO. This level goes beyond the basics and ventures into more technical aspects of website optimization. It’s all about ensuring a seamless user experience and improving your site’s performance. You’ll optimize site speed, making sure your visitors don’t have to wait around for your content to load. Plus, you’ll make sure your website is mobile-friendly, catering to the growing number of users accessing the web on their smartphones. Advanced SEO also involves technical tasks like optimizing your XML sitemap and implementing structured data markup. These optimizations require a deeper understanding of how search engines crawl and index websites, as well as the technical skills to execute them effectively.

But it doesn’t stop there. Advanced SEO is all about analyzing data and making informed decisions based on insights. While basic SEO relies on tools like Google Analytics to track key metrics, advanced SEO takes it a step further. Leveraging more advanced analytics platforms and tools, you’ll gain deeper insights into user behavior, site performance, and conversion rates. This data-driven approach allows you to continually optimize your strategies for better results, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to maximizing your online presence.

In addition, advanced SEO involves off-page optimization techniques to boost your website’s authority and credibility. This includes activities like link-building and influencer outreach. By guest blogging, promoting your content on social media, and building relationships with industry influencers, you’ll earn high-quality backlinks that signal to search engines that your website is a trusted source of information. These efforts require networking, outreach, and relationship-building skills, but the payoff is worth it.

In summary, while basic SEO sets the stage for website optimization, advanced SEO takes it to a whole new level. With its more technical optimizations, in-depth data analysis, and off-page strategies, advanced SEO unlocks the true potential of your online presence. By mastering these techniques, you can propel your website’s rankings and visibility in search engine results. So, if you’re ready to take your website to new heights, consider investing in advanced SEO and unleashing the power of your online presence.

How is SEO for SaaS different than other companies?

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Software as a Service (SaaS) companies, there is no denying that the journey to success is a unique one. Unlike other businesses, SaaS companies have the task of nurturing and educating prospects at various stages of awareness. But fear not, because in this exciting adventure lies a world of opportunities waiting to be explored. Before we get to that, let me explain to you why SaaS companies have to spend a lot of time and effort in educating and nurturing their prospects:

1. Complex Buying Decision: SaaS products often involve more complex buying decisions compared to one-time purchases. Prospects need to evaluate how well the software aligns with their specific needs, consider the pricing model, and assess its long-term value. According to Gartner, an average of 5.4 stakeholders are involved in a typical B2B buying decision, making the nurturing process crucial to address diverse concerns and build consensus (this makes B2B SaaS SEO, and enterprise SaaS SEO all that more complex).
2. Customer Education and Onboarding: SaaS products often require onboarding and customer education to ensure users can make the most of the software. Effective nurturing involves providing valuable content, tutorials, and customer support to help prospects understand the product’s features and benefits. According to a survey by ESG, 80% of SaaS buyers claim that they need more pre-purchase information to make informed decisions.
3. Subscription Renewals and Retention: SaaS companies rely on customer retention for ongoing revenue. Nurturing prospects into happy, engaged customers is crucial for reducing churn rates and encouraging subscription renewals. According to ProfitWell, a 1% reduction in churn can increase a SaaS company’s valuation by 12%.
4. Continuous Updates and Upselling Opportunities: SaaS products often receive frequent updates and improvements. Nurturing prospects throughout their customer journey allows SaaS companies to upsell additional features or higher-tier plans based on their evolving needs. According to For Entrepreneurs, increasing customer retention rates by 5% can increase profits by 25% to 95%.
5. Free Trials and Freemium Models: Many SaaS companies offer free trials or freemium versions to attract prospects. Nurturing these prospects during the trial period is crucial to showcase the product’s value, address concerns, and convert them into paying customers. According to Totango, free trial users are 10 times more likely to convert than those who have never used the product.

Thank you to Gartner for the graphic above

Educating SaaS Customers Across Stages of Awareness

In the realm of SaaS, prospects can be categorized into five stages of awareness: Completely Unaware, Problem-Aware, Solution-Aware, Product-Aware, and Most-Aware. These stages provide a roadmap for guiding prospects from the initial lack of knowledge to becoming your most loyal customers. It’s all about taking them on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

Credit for the above graphic

Let’s start with the Completely Unaware stage. Here, prospects are blissfully unaware of the problem they have, let alone the solution you offer. As a SaaS company, your mission is to create valuable content that not only educates but also raises awareness about the problem your product solves. Think of it as shining a light on their challenges and offering a guiding hand.

Moving on to the Problem-Aware stage, prospects have now become aware of the problem they face. They are actively seeking solutions, and this is where your SEO efforts play a crucial role. By optimizing your website and content around keywords related to the problem, you can attract these problem-aware prospects to your virtual doorstep. It’s all about being there when they need you the most.

As prospects progress to the Solution-Aware stage, they become aware of the various solutions available to them. Your task now is to position your SaaS solution as the best one. This is the time to showcase your expertise through informative blog posts, case studies, and comparison articles. Highlight the unique value your product brings to the table and let prospects see why you’re the top choice.

Now we come to the Product-Aware stage. Here, prospects are aware of your product and its features. They might be comparing it to competitors, diving into testimonials and reviews, and looking for that extra push to make a decision. To nurture these prospects, you need to provide them with in-depth product information, offer free trials or demos, and address any objections they might have. This is your chance to prove your worth and win them over.

Last but not least, we arrive at the Most-Aware stage. At this point, prospects are ready to make a decision. They might be comparing pricing plans, seeking customer support information, or hunting for discounts. To capture these prospects, your SEO strategy should focus on providing clear pricing options, a comprehensive knowledge base or support center, and any promotional offers that could tip the scale in your favor. It’s all about making the decision-making process as smooth as possible.

Now, you might be wondering how SaaS SEO agencies fit into the picture. Well, they play a vital role in navigating this intricate journey. With their expertise in optimizing your website, creating valuable content, and addressing the needs of prospects at each stage, they are your trusted partners in building trust, establishing authority, and ultimately driving conversions.

How Long Does it Take to See Good Results from SEO?

When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), one of the most common questions that arise is how long it takes to see good results. It’s a valid concern, and I completely understand why companies want to know when their investment will start paying off. But here’s the thing, my friend: SEO is a long game. It requires patience and persistence. However, when you implement it correctly, the results can snowball and compound over time, leading to significant growth for your SaaS company.

Let’s dive into the mechanics of this snowball effect. At first, when you start implementing SEO strategies, it may take a little time to see noticeable improvements in your search rankings and organic traffic. But fear not, my friend, as you continue to optimize your website, create high-quality content, and build valuable backlinks, the momentum will start to build. It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger and bigger as it goes.

As your website climbs up the search engine rankings, it becomes more visible to potential customers. And guess what? Increased visibility leads to higher click-through rates, more visits, and ultimately, more conversions. Talk about a win-win situation! These positive results not only improve your search rankings even more but also create a virtuous cycle. The more optimized your website is, the easier it becomes to attract organic traffic and achieve your business goals.

What Types of Keywords to Focus On When Starting Out

Now, to kickstart this powerful snowball effect, it’s crucial for your SaaS company to focus on ranking for keywords that are both relevant to your target audience and high intent. You want your website to appear in front of people who are genuinely interested in what you offer, right? Of course, you do! So, by targeting these relevant and high-intent keywords, you can quickly generate valuable leads and revenue. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time!

Building on your SaaS SEO Success

Once you start seeing success with these keywords, it’s time to expand your SEO plan even further. You gotta keep pushing the boundaries, my friend! Identify new relevant keywords and optimize your website accordingly. This iterative approach allows you to continuously refine your SEO strategy based on data and results. And guess what? By doing so, you’ll broaden your reach and attract an even larger audience. It’s like casting a wider net and reeling in more fish!

But here’s the deal: SEO requires a constant level of investment. Search engines are always evolving, and your competitors are working hard to improve their rankings too. So, to stay ahead of the curve, you need to regularly update your website, create fresh content, and adapt your strategies based on industry trends and algorithm changes. It’s all about staying on top of your game and keeping up with the ever-changing search landscape.

Should I Hire an Agency for SEO?

When it comes to optimizing your SaaS company’s website for search engines, you may find yourself wondering whether hiring an agency to handle your SEO is the right move. While it’s important to consider the pros and cons, there are definitely some compelling reasons to partner with an SEO agency for your SaaS company.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring an SEO agency is gaining access to their expertise and experience in the field. They’ve also usually got all of the latest SaaS SEO tools available to help you succeed. A reputable agency will have a team of skilled professionals who are well-versed in the latest SEO techniques and best practices. Their industry knowledge and experience allow them to analyze your website, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to boost your search engine rankings. With their guidance and insights, your SaaS company can succeed in the competitive online landscape.

Implementing effective SEO strategies requires time and effort. By outsourcing this task to an agency, you can save valuable time that can be better spent on other aspects of running your SaaS company. A dedicated SEO team will handle all the technical aspects of optimization, keyword research, content creation, and link building, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. This increased productivity and time savings can lead to faster growth for your SaaS company.

Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, making it challenging for SaaS companies to keep up with the latest SEO trends. An experienced agency will stay up to date with algorithm changes, industry trends, and new optimization techniques. They will continuously monitor and optimize your website to ensure it remains relevant and competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape. This ongoing optimization can yield long-term benefits and help your SaaS company maintain a strong online presence.

While there are certainly advantages to partnering with an SEO agency, it’s important to carefully consider the associated costs. Agencies typically charge a monthly retainer fee, which can vary depending on the scope of work and level of service. For small SaaS companies with limited budgets, this cost may not be feasible or justifiable. It’s crucial to evaluate your financial situation and the potential return on investment before committing to an SEO agency.

Additionally, when you hire an agency for SEO, you are placing your trust in them to represent your SaaS company’s online presence. While most agencies prioritize your best interests, there is a risk of losing control over your brand’s messaging and strategy. It’s essential to establish clear communication channels and set expectations from the start to ensure that your company’s values and goals align with the SEO agency’s approach.

How Much Do SEO companies charge?

When it comes to finding the right SEO company to boost your SaaS company’s online presence, one pressing question often arises: “What are the costs involved?” Well, let me tell you, my friend, the answer isn’t as simple as black and white. The price you’ll pay for SEO services can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the agency, the extent of work required, and the level of expertise you’re seeking.

Many SEO agencies tend to charge a monthly retainer fee, covering the ongoing efforts and maintenance needed to optimize your website’s SEO. This retainer can range anywhere from $4000 – $25,000+ per month – yowza! But here’s the thing, most agencies don’t offer a performance guarantee in their pricing model (we offer a performance guarantee; baked into our pricing 😉).

Big Hint: We offer performance guarantees, and even have a 30-day SEO challenge to give you SEO results without any risk!

Now, this can be a bit of a challenge for SaaS companies like yours, who have specific goals in mind. You’re looking to increase organic traffic, improve search engine rankings, and ultimately drive more sign-ups and conversions for your software. Without that performance guarantee, it’s hard to justify the investment in SEO services because the outcome and return on investment become uncertain.

Let’s be real here, it’s not fair that the burden of risk is solely on your shoulders. You’re investing a significant amount of money each month, yet you have no guarantee that these efforts will yield tangible results. It’s frustrating, discouraging even, especially when you’re trying to optimize your marketing budget and make data-driven decisions.

Now, I understand that SEO results can vary due to factors like competition, industry, and algorithm changes. But it’s still crucial for SEO agencies to provide some form of performance guarantee or accountability. They need to give you clear and measurable objectives, regular reporting and communication, or perhaps even a partial refund or discount if certain targets aren’t met. It’s only fair, right?

So, my friend, my advice to you is this: when you’re considering an SEO agency, be sure to carefully evaluate and negotiate the terms of your contract. Set clear expectations, establish performance metrics, and hold them accountable. By doing so, you’ll ensure a mutually beneficial partnership and achieve the desired results for your SaaS company.

And remember, you’ve got the power to make this happen. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Take charge, negotiate like a boss, and find that perfect SEO agency that aligns with your goals.

How Do I Choose a SaaS SEO Agency to Work With?

One crucial aspect to consider is whether the agency offers a performance guarantee in its pricing structure. This indicates their confidence in delivering solid results and their willingness to back it up with their own money. By aligning your incentives with theirs, you can rest assured they will tirelessly work towards achieving your desired outcome (mis-aligned incentives is one of the SaaS SEO mistakes you can avoid). This level of accountability not only ensures you get the best value for your investment but also showcases the agency’s unwavering belief in its expertise and capabilities.

A top-notch SEO agency will take the time to deeply understand your SaaS business and customize their approach to meet your specific needs. Before crafting an SEO plan, they will carefully examine several vital factors.

First and foremost, they will conduct a thorough analysis of your target market and audience. By comprehending who your ideal customers are, they can optimize your website and content to draw in the right kind of traffic. This targeted approach guarantees that your SEO efforts are laser-focused on generating relevant leads and conversions.

Moreover, a reputable agency will help you pinpoint the unique selling points that set you apart from your competitors. By emphasizing these distinctions, they can create compelling and persuasive content that strikes a chord with your desired audience. This not only helps you stand out in a saturated market but also establishes your authority and credibility within your industry.

In addition to grasping your target market and key message, a stellar SEO agency will also take into account your current SEO performance, industry competition, and your goals. By evaluating your ongoing SEO efforts and performance, they can identify areas for improvement and devise a strategy to boost your rankings and visibility. They will also conduct a comprehensive analysis of your industry and competitors to uncover opportunities and develop a plan to outshine them. Lastly, they will work closely with you to understand your goals and objectives, ensuring that their SEO efforts align harmoniously with your overall business strategy.

By considering these vital factors, a reputable SaaS SEO agency can deliver a tailored and effective SEO plan that drives outstanding results for your business. So, take the time to find an agency that offers a performance guarantee, aligns incentives, and takes into account your target market, key message, current SEO performance, industry competition, and goals. With the right agency by your side, you can elevate your SaaS business to unparalleled heights in the vast online world.

Another good gauge to see which agency to work with, is to walk through our SaaS SEO checklist, and see how many of the checklist items they discuss with you during your engagement (the more, the better).

How do I Know If My SEO Company is Good?

When it comes to choosing an SEO company for your SaaS business, it’s natural to have questions and doubts. After all, the success of your website’s search engine optimization is vital. You want to make sure you are investing in a team that can deliver tangible results. So, how can you determine if your SEO agency is good?

A good SEO agency not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. They have the ability to show you results within the first 30 days of working together. Whether it’s an increase in website traffic or a boost in keyword rankings, they will deliver. Contrary to popular belief, SEO doesn’t have to take months to show success. With the right strategies and implementation, positive results can be seen in just one month. A good SEO agency understands the importance of quick wins and will work diligently to achieve them. They optimize your website, create valuable content, and build high-quality backlinks—all with the goal of giving your website a visibility boost.

So, why is it important for a good SEO agency to aim for results in the first 30 days? It all boils down to aligning incentives. A reputable SEO company recognizes that its success is directly tied to your success. They understand that the sooner they can generate profitable search traffic for your SaaS company, the happier you’ll be as a client. It’s a win-win situation. By focusing on delivering results early on, they demonstrate their commitment to your business and build trust.

Big Hint: We offer performance guarantees, and even have a 30-day SEO challenge to give you SEO results without any risk!

If you’re thinking of investing in SEO for your SaaS company, or increasing your SEO budget, check out our framework to guide SaaS SEO budget creation, and how you can create a profitable SEO operation for your company.

If you’re looking for actionable, personalized guidance on how to improve your SaaS SEO, feel free to request your action plan from our team! We help companies create profitable SEO operations that are designed to provide returns for years if not decades!