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【2026 Edition】Top 21 SEO Agencies Chosen by the Pros — A Complete Guide to Fool-Proof Selection & Cost Breakdown

“We want to attract more customers through our website, but we don’t know where to start.”
“We’ve heard that SEO is important, but we have no idea which company we should trust.”
“We don’t want to pay a large amount of money and end up failing…”
Many web managers and business owners may be struggling with concerns like these.
SEO is an extremely powerful method for increasing traffic and sales through your website, but due to its high level of expertise, many companies end up stumbling when choosing the right service provider.
In this article, we provide comprehensive and easy-to-understand knowledge to help you find the “best SEO company”—the one that can truly lead your business to success from among the many SEO agencies out there.
You’ll learn:
- 9 essential rules for identifying a trustworthy SEO company
- Typical price ranges
- 21 recommended companies, categorized by specific goals
By the time you finish reading, all your questions about choosing an SEO partner will be answered.
We hope this article serves as a valuable first step in finding the perfect partner to accelerate your company’s growth.
Techro Inc. is also offering materials on our SEO Consulting Service.
If you’re facing challenges with B2B SEO, we encourage you to take a look.
Free owned media management service materials



We offer a comprehensive support menu and track record, from strategy design to production, operation, and performance measurement.
- Explaining how to launch your own media
- Explaining content marketing
- A must-see for those who want to maximize the effectiveness of their owned media
- And more
Contents
- 1 What Is an SEO Company, and What Do They Do?
- 2 [Most Important] 9 Golden Rules for Choosing an SEO Company Without Failing
- 2.1 1. Clearly define your goals (KPIs) and challenges
- 2.2 2. Check the company’s track record in industries and business sizes similar to yours
- 2.3 3. Evaluate the expertise and communication skills of the person in charge
- 2.4 4. Check the specificity and transparency of the proposed strategies
- 2.5 5. Ensure they comply with Google’s guidelines
- 2.6 6. Evaluate whether the pricing structure and contract terms are reasonable
- 2.7 7. Check the content and frequency of reporting
- 3 [Warning] How to Identify Untrustworthy SEO Companies You Should Never Sign With
- 3.1 They Make Unrealistic Promises Such as “Guaranteed #1 Ranking”
- 3.2 They Suggest Black-Hat SEO (e.g., buying backlinks)
- 3.3 Checklist of Dangerous Black-Hat SEO Tactics
- 3.4 They Avoid Explaining Their Strategies, Saying “That’s Our Proprietary Know-How”
- 3.5 They Push Unreasonably Long Contracts or Extremely High Upfront Fees
- 4 Top 21 Recommended SEO Companies by Purpose
- 4.1 SEO Company Comparison Table
- 4.2 【B2B-Focused】Top 3 SEO Companies with Proven Results
- 4.3 【Strong Support for SMEs】5 SEO Companies Known for Hands-On, Partner-Style Services
- 4.4 【Strong in Content SEO】5 Companies Skilled in Owned Media Growth
- 4.5 【Strong in Technical SEO】4 Companies Skilled in Large-Scale Website Optimization
- 4.6 【Major Firms】4 Full-Service SEO Partners for Large-Scale Digital Marketing
- 5 SEO Cost Structure and Pricing Models
- 6 Pros and Cons of Outsourcing SEO
- 7 Process From Inquiry to Implementation
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Conclusion: Find the Best SEO Partner to Accelerate Your Company’s Growth
What Is an SEO Company, and What Do They Do?
An SEO company is, in short, a team of experts specializing in Search Engine Optimization.
They implement various strategies to ensure that a client’s website ranks higher on search engines like Google when users search for specific keywords.
However, the ultimate goal is not simply to improve search rankings.
Their mission is to increase website traffic, and more importantly, to turn that traffic into real business outcomes—such as inquiries, document requests, and product purchases. Contributing to the client’s business growth is their top priority.
Main Services Provided by SEO Companies
SEO companies offer a wide range of services. By combining these services, they create customized strategies tailored to each client’s goals and challenges.
| Service Category | Main Activities |
| Strategy Planning | Analyzing competitors and market trends to determine which keywords to target and what content is needed. They also set KPIs based on business goals. |
| On-Page Optimization | Improving internal site structure so search engines can understand and evaluate the content accurately. This includes fixing HTML tags, improving page speed, organizing internal links, and more. |
| Off-Page Optimization | Acquiring high-quality backlinks from third-party sites to enhance the site’s authority and credibility. They aim to build relationships that naturally encourage others to reference the client’s content. |
| Content Marketing | Creating high-quality content—such as articles and videos—that solves user problems. This attracts potential customers, builds trust, and leads them toward conversion. |
| Technical SEO | Improving technical elements such as page speed, mobile responsiveness, and security to ensure the site is easy to use for both users and search engines. |
| Analysis & Reporting | Using tools like Google Analytics to analyze traffic and measure the effectiveness of SEO activities. They provide regular reports and propose ongoing improvements. |
Types of SEO Companies and Their Specialties
SEO companies can be categorized into several types based on their scale and areas of expertise. Choosing the right type of company that aligns with your business situation and goals is essential.
| Type of Company | Characteristics | Recommended For |
| Boutique Agencies (Specialized Firms) | Small, highly skilled teams specializing in specific industries or particular SEO areas such as content SEO or technical SEO. They offer flexible, close communication and tailored support. | ・Companies with clearly defined challenges ・Small to medium-sized businesses |
| Large Full-Service Agencies | Provide not only SEO but also web advertising, social media management, website development, and other digital marketing services under one roof. Their strengths lie in abundant resources and a strong track record. | ・Companies wanting to integrate multiple marketing measures ・Businesses managing large-scale websites |
| Tool-Based SEO Firms | Offer in-house SEO analytics tools (e.g., “Mieruka”) along with consulting services based on those tools. Their strength is objective, data-driven analysis. | ・Companies wanting to advance data-driven optimization ・Businesses aiming to insource SEO in the future |
Related Article:【2025 Edition】49 Recommended SEO Tools — Expert Comparison of Free & Paid Options | The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Guide
[Most Important] 9 Golden Rules for Choosing an SEO Company Without Failing
With so many SEO companies on the market, how can you find a truly reliable partner?
In this section, we explain the nine essential criteria you must check to avoid choosing the wrong agency.
Evaluating companies based on these principles will significantly reduce the risk of mismatch.
1. Clearly define your goals (KPIs) and challenges
Before consulting any SEO company, the most important step is to clarify what you want to achieve through SEO.
If your objectives are vague, agencies cannot provide accurate proposals, and once the project begins, you will not be able to properly evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Instead of setting a vague goal like “We just want to improve our search rankings,” break it down into concrete business KPIs such as:
- Increase monthly inquiries for Product A to 50 within the next six months.
- Reduce the cost per lead from organic search on the owned media site to ¥30,000 or less.
- Double organic search traffic to the recruitment site within one year and increase the number of applicants.
The clearer your objectives are, the easier it becomes to stay aligned with the SEO company—and the more likely you are to achieve meaningful results.
Related Article: “Complete Guide to Digital Marketing KPIs: Key Metrics and Examples for Achieving Your Goals”
2. Check the company’s track record in industries and business sizes similar to yours
Reviewing the “case studies” published on an SEO company’s website is essential, but what matters most is whether they have experience with clients similar to your business.
For example, a success story from a B2C e-commerce site does not necessarily translate to success for a B2B manufacturing website.
When evaluating their past performance, confirm the following:
- Industry / Sector:
Do they have proven results in the same or a closely related industry? - Company Size:
Do they have ample experience working with businesses of a similar scale (e.g., SMEs, large enterprises)? - Type of Website:
Do they have case studies involving websites similar to yours—corporate websites, e-commerce sites, or owned media? - Specific Outcomes:
Do they show concrete business results such as
“inquiries increased by XX” or “sales grew by XX%”
rather than vague claims like “rankings improved”?
3. Evaluate the expertise and communication skills of the person in charge
SEO is not a one-off project.
Once you sign a contract, you will work closely with the assigned consultant over an extended period.
For that reason, “who will handle your account” often matters more than the company’s brand name.
During proposal meetings or initial consultations, check the following points:
- Expertise:
Do they answer your questions accurately and clearly?
Are they up to date with the latest SEO trends? - Understanding:
Do they make an effort to deeply understand your business model and challenges? - Communication:
Do they avoid unnecessary jargon and explain things at a level you can easily understand?
Do they seem capable of providing timely reports, updates, and consultations?
A trustworthy consultant becomes more than just a “vendor”—they become a true partner committed to growing your business alongside you.
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4. Check the specificity and transparency of the proposed strategies
A reliable SEO company explains its strategies clearly and backs them up with logical reasoning.
Be cautious of companies that only offer vague statements such as “We’ll improve your rankings using our proprietary methods.”
When reviewing proposals or estimates, make sure the following points are clearly outlined:
- Current Situation Analysis:
What data did they use, and how did they interpret the current state of your website? - Identification of Issues:
Based on their analysis, what problems or bottlenecks did they identify? - Specific Actions:
What will be done, when, and how in order to solve those issues? - Expected Outcomes:
What results can reasonably be expected from these actions?
A good SEO partner provides a transparent, logical plan with a clear rationale behind each step.
Related Article: “21 Digital Marketing Strategies: Beginner-Friendly Planning Guide and B2B Success Cases”
5. Ensure they comply with Google’s guidelines
SEO strategies fall broadly into two categories:
- White-hat SEO: Legitimate, guideline-compliant methods
- Black-hat SEO: Rule-violating techniques aimed at achieving short-term gains
Black-hat SEO can cause your rankings to temporarily rise, but it carries a serious risk of penalties that may remove your site from search results entirely. These methods should always be avoided.
Companies that propose shortcuts such as buying backlinks or stuffing meaningless keywords are completely out of the question.
6. Evaluate whether the pricing structure and contract terms are reasonable
Transparency in pricing is one of the most important indicators of a trustworthy SEO company.
Before signing any contract, carefully review the fee structure and contract duration.
Check the following points:
- Breakdown of Costs:
Are the initial fees, monthly fees, content creation costs, and all other charges clearly outlined? - Additional Fees:
Are there any possible extra charges? Under what conditions would they occur? - Contract Duration:
Is the duration appropriate? (Contracts of up to one year are common.)
Avoid agreements that lock you in for unnecessarily long periods (e.g., two years or more). - Cancellation Terms:
Is early termination allowed?
If so, what penalties or conditions apply?
It’s important to obtain quotes from multiple companies and compare the balance between cost and the services offered.
Related Article: “Complete Guide to SEO Consulting Costs: Pricing Models, How to Choose, and B2B Success Stories”
7. Check the content and frequency of reporting
SEO is not a “set-and-forget” initiative.
You must continuously measure results and refine your actions through the PDCA cycle.
Regular reporting is at the core of this process.
High-quality reports typically include:
- Not just ranking updates, but changes in key business metrics such as traffic and conversions
- Details of implemented actions and analysis of their outcomes
- Data-driven recommendations for the next improvement cycle
Before signing a contract, confirm the reporting frequency (monthly reporting is common) and the type of information you can expect.
8. Check Whether They Have Broader Web Marketing Expertise Beyond SEO
Excellent SEO agencies view SEO as just one component of a larger web marketing strategy.
It’s important that they not only aim to increase search traffic, but also understand how to guide those users toward conversion once they arrive on your site.
Make sure to confirm the following points:
- Integration with advertising: Can they propose strategies that combine SEO with listing ads or social media ads?
- CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization): Do they have the knowledge to analyze user behavior after they land on your site and improve conversion rates?
- Marketing automation (MA): Are they considering integrations with tools like email automation and lead scoring?
A company that looks beyond SEO and contributes to the overall growth of your business is the true partner you should look for.
Related article: WordPress SEO Complete Guide [2025 Edition]: A Professional Explains Steps Beginners Can Follow to See Real Results
9. Get Proposals from Multiple Companies and Compare Them
Based on the points discussed so far, be sure to consult at least two or three companies and compare their proposals and estimates.
If you decide after hearing from only one provider, you won’t be able to evaluate whether the proposal or costs are reasonable.
By consulting multiple companies, you’ll gain benefits such as:
- Understanding differences in strengths and areas of expertise among providers
- Getting a clearer sense of typical pricing
- Evaluating compatibility with each potential account manager
It may take some extra effort, but carefully going through this process is the key to choosing the right SEO partner.
[Warning] How to Identify Untrustworthy SEO Companies You Should Never Sign With
Unfortunately, the SEO industry does include some unethical companies that take advantage of clients’ lack of technical knowledge.
To avoid failures such as “We paid a huge fee but saw no results,” this section explains the typical signs of SEO agencies you should never work with.
If you notice any of the behaviors below, reconsider the contract carefully.
They Make Unrealistic Promises Such as “Guaranteed #1 Ranking”
- “We will definitely get you to #1 for this keyword.”
- “We guarantee your rankings will improve within three months.”
Statements like these may sound reassuring, but in reality, such guarantees are impossible.
Google’s search rankings fluctuate constantly due to a highly complex algorithm influenced by hundreds of factors—none of which can be controlled by anyone outside Google.
Any company that casually promises guaranteed results is using a classic scam sales tactic. Avoid them.
They Suggest Black-Hat SEO (e.g., buying backlinks)
- “Let’s buy high-quality backlinks to quickly boost rankings.”
- “Just stuff more keywords into the page—it works.”
As mentioned before, companies that propose black-hat SEO—techniques that violate Google’s guidelines—must be avoided at all costs.
These methods can lead to severe penalties, including the possibility of your site being completely removed from search results.
Checklist of Dangerous Black-Hat SEO Tactics
When reviewing proposals, check carefully whether any of the following techniques are included:
| Black-Hat Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Buying backlinks | Paying for links solely to manipulate search rankings. |
| Keyword stuffing | Forcing an excessive number of keywords into the content, making it unnatural for users. |
| Hidden text or links | Inserting text or links invisible to users—for example, using the same color as the background. |
| Automated or stolen content | Using auto-generated low-quality content or copying content from other websites. |
They Avoid Explaining Their Strategies, Saying “That’s Our Proprietary Know-How”
When you ask, “Could you explain exactly what you will be doing?” and they respond with:
“That’s part of our confidential know-how, so we can’t share the details,”
this is a major red flag.
A trustworthy SEO partner has a responsibility to explain what strategies they plan to use and what actions they will take in a way that the client can understand and feel confident about.
When a company keeps its methods a black box, it could mean they are doing very little—or worse, engaging in black-hat SEO without your knowledge.
Related Article: “How Many Articles Do You Need for Effective SEO? A Professional Guide to Goal Setting and Strategic Content Growth.”
They Push Unreasonably Long Contracts or Extremely High Upfront Fees
- “Our minimum contract term is two years.”
- “We require an upfront fee of ¥1,000,000.”
While SEO does take time to produce results, demanding a contract of two years or more is far from standard practice.
Such long-term commitments may simply be a tactic to lock clients in and continue billing even if no results are delivered.
You should also be cautious of companies that charge excessively high initial fees that don’t match the scope of their proposed work.
Always review the cost breakdown carefully, and if anything seems unreasonable, it’s best to walk away.
Top 21 Recommended SEO Companies by Purpose
Based on the best-practice selection principles discussed so far, here are 21 SEO companies we confidently recommend, categorized by business needs such as “B2B-focused” and “strong for SMEs.”
Use this list to compare each option according to your company’s situation.
SEO Company Comparison Table
| Company | Strengths | Best for | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 【B2B-Focused】 | |||
| Techro Inc. | Content creation, hands-on support | SMEs – Large enterprises | ¥300,000+ |
| Nyle Inc. | Strategy design, comprehensive SEO support | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| PLAN-B Inc. | Content SEO, proprietary tools | SMEs – Large enterprises | ¥300,000+ |
| 【Strong for SMEs】 | |||
| Sakurasaku Marketing Inc. | Consulting, article production | SMEs – Mid-size companies | ¥300,000+ |
| Geocode Inc. | Local SEO, website development | Small – Mid-size companies | ¥100,000+ |
| EXIDEA Inc. | Content and video SEO | SMEs – Mid-size companies | ¥300,000+ |
| Neutral Works Inc. | Web strategy, full support | Small – Mid-size companies | ¥300,000+ |
| LANY Inc. | Strategy consulting | SMEs – Mid-size companies | ¥300,000+ |
| 【Content SEO Experts】 | |||
| Wilgate Inc. | Content production, extensive track record | SMEs – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| Faber Company | Proprietary tools, user research | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| Lucy Inc. | User psychology analysis, CRO | SMEs – Mid-size companies | ¥500,000+ |
| THE MOLTS Inc. | Performance-driven, expert team | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥1,000,000+ |
| CIN GROUP Inc. | Media operation expertise | SMEs – Mid-size companies | ¥300,000+ |
| 【Technical SEO Specialists】 | |||
| AIOIX Inc. | Technical analysis, large-site improvement | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| Ayudante Inc. | Data analytics, Google Analytics expertise | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| JADE Inc. | Deep search engine knowledge, high-difficulty challenges | Large enterprises | ¥1,000,000+ |
| Principle Co., Ltd. | Data analysis, CRO | Mid-size – Large enterprises | ¥500,000+ |
| 【Major Companies】 | |||
| CyberAgent Inc. | Advertising integration, full-service marketing | Large enterprises | ¥1,000,000+ |
| IREP Co., Ltd. | Search engine marketing | Large enterprises | ¥1,000,000+ |
| GMO TECH Inc. | MEO, technical SEO | SMEs – Large enterprises | ¥300,000+ |
| Full Speed Inc. | Diverse digital marketing services | SMEs – Large enterprises | ¥300,000+ |
【B2B-Focused】Top 3 SEO Companies with Proven Results
B2B businesses typically involve longer consideration periods and more complex decision-making processes.
Here are three companies that deeply understand the unique nature of B2B marketing and have the expertise to generate high-quality leads and create meaningful sales opportunities.
Techro Inc.
Techro Inc. is highly regarded for its hands-on support specialized in B2B marketing.
Their strengths include data-driven strategy development and a top-tier content production system capable of producing 1,200 articles per month.
They offer comprehensive support—from launching owned media to ongoing operations—and have an impressive track record of delivering concrete results.
For example, in supporting LG Breakthrough Inc., Techro helped increase page views by approximately 20× within six months, while boosting monthly inquiries from 30 to 80.
Clients frequently comment that “Techro’s data-backed strategies make them a partner we can trust.”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Techro Inc. |
| Key Strengths | – Specializes in B2B marketing – Data-driven strategic planning – Large-scale content production (1,200 articles/month) – Close, hands-on support |
| Typical Fees | From ¥400,000/month |
| Website | https://techro.co.jp/ |
Nyle Inc.
Nyle Inc. is one of the most well-recognized companies in the digital marketing industry, with an extensive track record in SEO consulting and content marketing.
Its large-scale owned media platform, “Nyle’s SEO Consulting Room,” is widely regarded as a go-to educational resource for many web managers.
In the B2B field, Nyle’s strength lies in its ability to provide end-to-end support—from strategic planning and execution to performance measurement.
They take the time to deeply understand each client’s business and propose digital strategies that contribute to overall business growth, rather than limiting their support to SEO alone.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Nyle Inc. |
| Key Strengths | – High industry recognition and proven track record – Comprehensive service from strategy to execution – Expertise in operating large-scale owned media |
| Typical Fees | From ¥500,000/month |
| Website | https://nyle.co.jp/ |
PLAN-B Inc.
PLAN-B Inc. is a digital marketing company offering SEO, advertising, and website development services.
A major strength of the company is its data-driven analysis and consulting, powered by its proprietary SEO tool, “SEARCH WRITE.”
They also have a strong reputation in content marketing support, with many success stories helping B2B clients improve lead generation and branding.
Their approach, which combines objective insights from their tool with the expertise of seasoned consultants, is particularly compelling.
Company Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | PLAN-B Inc. |
| Key Strengths | – Utilizes in-house SEO tool “SEARCH WRITE” – Data-driven content marketing – Extensive consulting experience |
| Typical Fees | From ¥300,000/month |
| Website | https://www.plan-b.co.jp/ |
【Strong Support for SMEs】5 SEO Companies Known for Hands-On, Partner-Style Services
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) want to maximize results despite limited budgets and manpower. Here are SEO companies that offer partner-style, hands-on support—with close communication and flexible responses—to help drive business growth.
Sakurasaku Marketing Inc.
Since its founding in 2005, Sakurasaku Marketing has specialized exclusively in SEO. With nearly 20 years of expertise and data-driven know-how, the company is known for its high-quality consulting.
They place strong emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients. Their partner-style approach focuses on solving challenges through careful communication. Based on the philosophy that “SEO is not a one-time effort,” they help increase the long-term asset value of your website.
Company Overview
Name: Sakurasaku Marketing Inc.
Features:
・Nearly 20 years of SEO-only experience
・Support from highly experienced consultants
・High-quality content creation services
Price Range: From ¥300,000/month
Website: https://www.sakurasaku-marketing.co.jp/
Geocode Inc.
Geocode provides both website development and SEO services under one roof. Their strength lies in their ability to handle everything from SEO-conscious site architecture to ongoing operations.
They have strong results in “local SEO,” such as ranking for keywords like “industry + region.” This makes them a reliable partner for local businesses—clinics, law offices, real estate agencies, and more—looking to increase foot traffic.
Company Overview
Name: Geocode Inc.
Features:
・One-stop support from website creation to SEO
・Strong in local SEO (regional keywords)
・Extensive track record with SMEs
Price Range: From ¥100,000/month
Website: https://www.geo-code.co.jp/
EXIDEA, Inc.
EXIDEA specializes in content marketing and video SEO. By deeply analyzing user search intent, they create high-quality written and video content that enhances engagement with potential customers.
They are well-regarded for proposing cost-effective strategies that maximize results even with limited SME budgets. Their strength is planning strategic content that transforms your website into a “24/7 salesperson.”
Company Overview
Name: EXIDEA, Inc.
Features:
・Strong in content marketing and video SEO
・Deep user insight analysis
・Highly cost-effective strategy proposals
Price Range: From ¥300,000/month
Website: https://exidea.co.jp/
Neutral Works Inc.
Neutral Works supports businesses with end-to-end digital marketing solutions—from website creation to SEO and advertising. Based in Shonan, Kanagawa, they support SMEs nationwide through online collaboration.
Their strength is designing websites that directly contribute to business outcomes and implementing continuous improvements. They excel at combining visually refined design with logical, data-based SEO.
Company Overview
Name: Neutral Works Inc.
Features:
・Comprehensive support for digital strategies
・High-quality design paired with SEO expertise
・Partner-style support for SMEs
Price Range: From ¥300,000/month
Website: https://n-works.link/
LANY Inc.
LANY provides both SEO consulting and website M&A support—an uncommon combination in the industry. Their small team of elite consultants offers high-level, strategic guidance.
Their vision is to “create a world where great services are delivered as great information.” They propose SEO strategies that deeply reflect the client’s business, with a strong focus on maximizing media value for long-term growth.
Company Overview
Name: LANY Inc.
Features:
・High-quality consulting by a small, highly skilled team
・Business-growth–oriented strategic proposals
・Expertise in website M&A
Price Range: From ¥300,000/month
Website: https://lany.co.jp/
【Strong in Content SEO】5 Companies Skilled in Owned Media Growth
Content SEO builds trust by providing valuable information to users and nurturing future customers. Here are companies with expertise in content planning, creation, and strategic media management.
Willgate, Inc.
Willgate is a pioneer in content marketing with an impressive track record of supporting over 7,000 companies. Their online editorial team service “EDITORU” uses a large network of industry experts and writers to deliver high-quality content.
They provide end-to-end support—from strategy design to content creation and performance measurement—based on years of accumulated experience.
Company Overview
Name: Willgate, Inc.
Features:
・Over 7,000 companies supported
・High-quality content production via “EDITORU”
・One-stop support from strategy to execution
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://www.willgate.co.jp/
Faber Company Inc.
Faber Company is known for its proprietary SEO tool “MIERUCA,” which includes heatmap functionality. They analyze massive amounts of search and user behavior data collected through the tool to identify exactly what content users truly want.
Their approach blends “craftsmanship”—the skills of seasoned consultants—with “technology” to deliver impactful content marketing.
Company Overview
Name: Faber Company Inc.
Features:
・Utilization of proprietary tool “MIERUCA”
・Data-driven user insight analysis
・Proposals combining expertise and technology
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://www.fabercompany.co.jp/
Lucy Inc.
Lucy is famous for operating “Bazubu,” one of Japan’s most successful owned media sites with millions of monthly pageviews. Their deep understanding of user psychology and conversion-focused content creation is widely recognized.
Their strength lies in crafting “emotionally compelling content” that not only attracts traffic but drives users to take action.
Company Overview
Name: Lucy Inc.
Features:
・Expertise from managing the renowned media “Bazubu”
・Thorough user psychology analysis
・Content creation focused on conversions
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://lucy.ne.jp/
THE MOLTS
THE MOLTS is a collective of professionals committed to driving client business outcomes. They provide a wide range of support—from SEO and content marketing to business development and organizational design.
Their strength is the ability to design marketing strategies from a business strategy perspective and execute them end-to-end. They work closely with clients to pursue “winning” strategies.
Company Overview
Name: THE MOLTS
Features:
・Team of experts across multiple fields
・Strong commitment to business results
・End-to-end strategy and execution support
Price Range: From ¥1,000,000/month
Website: https://the-molts.com/
CIN GROUP Inc.
CIN GROUP operates multiple in-house media in fields such as IT, recruitment, and beauty. They leverage the knowledge gained from running these media to provide practical, content-driven marketing support.
Their deep expertise in specific fields (especially recruitment and beauty) and proven experience growing media give their proposals strong credibility.
Company Overview
Name: CIN GROUP Inc.
Features:
・Know-how from operating multiple in-house media
・Deep expertise in specific fields (recruitment, beauty)
・Evidence-based, practical proposals
Price Range: From ¥300,000/month
Website: https://www.cin-group.com/
【Strong in Technical SEO】4 Companies Skilled in Large-Scale Website Optimization
Large-scale websites such as e-commerce and portal sites require advanced technical SEO to resolve complex issues. These companies specialize in solving such technical challenges.
IOIX Inc.
IOIX has been researching and developing technical SEO since the early days of the industry. Their strength lies in their deep expertise and proprietary SEO management tool “t-Dashboard,” which enables high-level analysis and improvement planning.
They are highly regarded for solving complex large-site issues such as crawl optimization and index management.
Company Overview
Name: IOIX Inc.
Features:
・Pioneer in technical SEO
・Advanced analysis using proprietary tools
・Extensive experience with large-scale site optimization
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://www.ioix.com/
Ayudante Inc.
Ayudante is known for its team of specialists in data analytics, including experts in Google Analytics. Their strength is logical, data-based site analysis followed by technical SEO proposals.
They excel at interpreting large-scale site analytics data to identify technical bottlenecks and recommend effective improvements.
Company Overview
Name: Ayudante Inc.
Features:
・Team of data analytics specialists
・Pioneers in Google Analytics consulting
・Logical technical SEO recommendations
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://ayudante.jp/
JADE, Inc.
JADE is led by a highly regarded engineer who previously worked on Google’s Search Quality team. Their deep understanding of how search engines evaluate websites enables them to provide exceptionally high-level technical SEO consulting.
They have a strong track record of solving technically difficult challenges that other companies struggle with.
Company Overview
Name: JADE, Inc.
Features:
・Founded by a former Google Search Quality engineer
・Deep understanding of search engine mechanisms
・Reliable solutions for high-difficulty technical issues
Price Range: From ¥1,000,000/month
Website: https://ja.dev/
Principle Co., Ltd.
Principle offers web consulting based on data analytics. Beyond SEO, they specialize in CRO (conversion rate optimization) and advertising, improving overall site performance using data-driven insights.
Their team of analytics experts evaluates how technical issues affect user experience and conversions, then proposes actionable improvements.
Company Overview
Name: Principle Co., Ltd.
Features:
・Data-driven consulting
・Integration of technical SEO and CRO
・Team of analytics specialists
Price Range: From ¥500,000/month
Website: https://www.principle-c.com/
【Major Firms】4 Full-Service SEO Partners for Large-Scale Digital Marketing
For enterprises with larger budgets or for companies wanting integrated marketing support—SEO, advertising, social media, and more—major firms with comprehensive capabilities are ideal.
CyberAgent, Inc.
CyberAgent is one of Japan’s largest internet advertising agencies. Their abundant resources and cutting-edge technology place them at the top of the industry. They excel at SEO strategies linked with advertising operations, creating strong synergies fueled by extensive data.
They are also active in AI research, enabling them to propose the latest and most effective marketing strategies.
Company Overview
Name: CyberAgent, Inc.
Key Features:
- One of the largest internet advertising agencies in Japan
- SEO strategies integrated with advertising operations
- Use of cutting-edge technologies including AI
- Price Range: From ¥1,000,000 per month
Website: https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/
IREP Co., Ltd.
IREP Co., Ltd. is a core digital marketing agency within the Hakuhodo DY Group. The company has a long history and strong track record in search engine marketing (SEM).
With reputable strengths in data analysis and ad operations, IREP has supported the digital marketing efforts of major enterprises for many years. In SEO, the company pursues results through data-driven strategic planning and precise execution.
Company Overview
Company Name: IREP Co., Ltd.
Key Features:
- Backed by the comprehensive resources of the Hakuhodo DY Group
- A pioneer in search engine marketing
- Strong reputation in data analysis and ad operations
Typical Pricing: From ¥1,000,000 per month
Website: https://www.irep.co.jp/
GMO TECH, Inc.
GMO TECH, Inc. is part of the GMO Internet Group and offers a wide range of marketing solutions backed by strong technological capabilities. Their services span SEO, MEO (Map Engine Optimization) for store traffic, app marketing, and more.
One of their notable strengths is the ability to provide integrated online–offline customer acquisition strategies by combining SEO and MEO—particularly effective for businesses with physical stores.
Company Overview
Company Name: GMO TECH, Inc.
Key Features:
- Technical expertise from the GMO Internet Group
- Integrated store traffic support combining SEO and MEO
- Extensive services including app marketing
Typical Pricing: From ¥300,000 per month
Website: https://gmotech.jp/
Full Speed Inc.
Full Speed Inc. provides a wide range of web marketing services—including SEO, advertising, social media, and affiliate marketing—under a one-stop structure. Their ability to flexibly combine the best strategies based on client challenges makes them highly competitive.
With long-standing expertise in SEO consulting and growing capabilities in social media marketing, they support business growth through diverse and impactful initiatives.
Company Overview
Company Name: Full Speed Inc.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive web marketing services
- Strong proposal capabilities combining SEO and social media strategies
- Long experience in consulting
Typical Pricing: From ¥300,000 per month
Website: https://www.fullspeed.co.jp/
SEO Cost Structure and Pricing Models
When outsourcing SEO, cost is one of the biggest concerns.
Below is an overview of typical SEO cost components and how pricing is determined.
Cost Breakdown for SEO Services
SEO costs typically consist of the following three elements.
When reviewing estimates, ensure each cost item is clearly defined.
| Cost Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Fee | One-time fee at the start of a contract. Covers site analysis, competitor research, keyword planning, and initial strategy development. |
| Monthly Fee | Recurring fee for ongoing consulting, implementation management, reporting, and meetings—essentially a “retainer.” |
| Content Creation Fee | Costs for producing SEO content such as blog articles or case studies. Depends on volume, word count, and expertise required. Sometimes included in monthly fees, sometimes billed separately. |
Pricing Models: Fixed Monthly Fee, Success-Based
1. Fixed Monthly Fee Model
The most common model.
A set amount is paid each month for ongoing consulting and execution support.
Pros
- Easy to budget due to predictable monthly cost
- Enables long-term improvement
- Stable, ongoing support
Cons
- Costs incurred even before results appear
- Work scope depends on contract details
2. Success-Based Model
Fees are charged only when predetermined targets—such as ranking in the top 10—are achieved.
Pros
- Low initial risk
- Fees only apply when results are delivered
Cautions
- Definitions of “success” can be unclear
- Costs fluctuate with ranking volatility
- Higher risk of black-hat SEO
- Focus tends toward short-term ranking increases rather than long-term site value
Some unscrupulous vendors use manipulative tactics to temporarily boost rankings just to claim high fees, so careful evaluation is essential.
Cost Estimates by Service Type
The cost can vary significantly depending on the scope of work you outsource.
Below are the typical price ranges for three common cases.
1. When outsourcing SEO consulting only: ¥100,000–¥500,000 per month
This applies when you outsource only the consulting tasks, such as site analysis, strategy development, and recommendations for improvement.
Execution tasks—like content creation or website updates—are handled in-house.
The cost depends on factors such as the size of your company, the condition of your website, and the consultant’s expertise level.
2. When outsourcing content production as well: ¥300,000–¥1,000,000+ per month
This includes both consulting and content production, which is a core component of SEO.
The price varies significantly based on the number of articles, word count, and the level of technical or industry expertise required.
For example, if you outsource the creation of four articles per month, a typical price point is around ¥500,000.
3. When outsourcing comprehensive SEO including on-page and off-page measures: ¥500,000+ per month
This is a full-service approach, covering consulting, content production, technical SEO, and off-page optimization.
It is suitable for large websites or industries with intense competition where achieving top rankings is critical.
Depending on the website size and complexity of the issues, costs may increase considerably.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing SEO
Pros
- Expert knowledge: Keeps up with ever-changing Google algorithms
- Resource savings: Frees internal staff for core work
- Objective insights: Third-party analysis uncovers blind spots
Cons
- Ongoing cost
- Takes time (6–12 months) to see results
- Risk of over-dependence: Full delegation prevents internal knowledge from accumulating
Success depends on working collaboratively, not delegating everything.
Process From Inquiry to Implementation
1. SEO consulting only: ¥100,000–¥500,000 per month
This applies when you outsource only consulting tasks, such as site analysis, strategy development, and recommendations for improvement.
Execution tasks—such as content creation or website updates—are handled internally.
The cost depends on factors including your company size, the condition of your website, and the consultant’s level of expertise.
2. Consulting plus content production: ¥300,000–¥1,000,000+ per month
This includes both consulting and content production, which is a core component of SEO.
Pricing varies widely depending on the number of articles, word count, and required subject matter expertise.
For example, if you outsource the production of four articles per month, a typical budget is around ¥500,000.
3. Full-scale SEO support including on-page and off-page optimization: ¥500,000+ per month
This comprehensive option covers consulting, content production, technical SEO, and off-page optimization.
It is ideal for large websites or highly competitive industries where top rankings are essential.
Depending on the size of your site and the complexity of the issues involved, costs may increase substantially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long until SEO results appear?
A. Usually 6–12 months.
Timing varies based on site history, content volume, and keyword competitiveness.
Q. Can local small businesses use SEO services?
A. Yes.
Most companies support nationwide clients through online meetings.
For local businesses (stores, clinics), choose a vendor strong in local SEO.
Q. Can we just leave everything to the SEO company?
A. No — full delegation often leads to failure.
Your own product and customer knowledge is essential for effective SEO.
Q. Should we choose a freelancer or a corporation?
A.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | Lower cost, flexible, closer communication | Dependent on individual skill |
| Agency | Stable service, comprehensive proposals, more experience | Higher cost |
If you want to keep your budget low or outsource only specific tasks, hiring a skilled freelancer can be a great option. On the other hand, if you need comprehensive support and long-term stability, working with a corporate agency is generally more suitable.
Conclusion: Find the Best SEO Partner to Accelerate Your Company’s Growth
In this article, we covered everything from how to choose an SEO company without making mistakes, to recommended agencies based on your goals, and typical pricing ranges.
With so many SEO companies in the market, finding the one that truly fits your needs is no easy task. However, the most important step is first clarifying what you want to achieve through SEO. Based on that goal, you should proactively choose a partner that aligns with the evaluation criteria introduced in this article.
A great SEO partner doesn’t just improve your search rankings—they take the time to deeply understand your business and celebrate its growth alongside you. We hope the insights in this article help you find the best possible partner for your company.
At Tekuro Inc., we also offer detailed materials on our SEO Consulting Services.
If you are responsible for B2B SEO and are facing challenges, we encourage you to take a look.
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