Alex 
Running a successful SEO agency with an impressive portfolio and ever-growing client list is anything but easy, given the tremendous competition faced by SEO agencies. One of the most crucial aspects of acquiring more clients is to find a unique selling proposition (USP) that makes your SEO company stand out from the rest, and pitch that USP to your target clients.
While there are some ways you can grow your SEO business, you need to focus on the ones that are most effective for your agency. For instance, if you specialize in creating bespoke SEO strategies for the healthcare and pharma industry, your marketing efforts should be focused on capturing the attention of that audience.
Use the following tips for tailoring the right strategy to scale your SEO business.
If you’re a newbie, focus on local clients first
If your SEO business is fairly new, it’s best to use your resources to acquire local clients. Serving local customers is a great way to start small, learn and grow, and build a reputation that will later help you get global customers.
Marketing your SEO services to local businesses has several advantages. You’ll incur lower costs in advertising; you’ll have a respectable client portfolio by the end of your first year; and you’ll have built a credible brand that people recognize and trust.
Don’t hesitate to cold call local companies—one of them might just be looking to change their SEO agency. Also reach out to brick-and-mortar stores, explaining to them how SEO can help increase their revenues in times of online shopping. Even if you can gain a couple of clients a month through this old-school process, it will be well worth the effort.
Go to your customers—don’t wait for them to find you
What does any new business need the most to sustain itself? A constant inflow of customers. What differentiates you from other new businesses, however, is that you are equipped with the tools and know-how to market yourself to potential clients. You have the power of SEO to enable your target customers to find you when they look for SEO services online.
However, simply relying on Google to bring you leads is not going to suffice, especially at this stage. You need to adopt an aggressive marketing strategy and go all out reaching potential clients everywhere they’re likely to look for the services you offer. (Think freelancing websites such as Upwork, Facebook business groups, local business directories, meetups and networking groups.)
You’ll find plenty of leads/projects on such platforms, but you’ll also face stiff competition from hundreds of others vying for the same work. Don’t be too picky and you’re sure to find clients that may stick with you for a long time to come.
Create a masterful pitch
When reaching out to a potential client with a proposal or replying to an inquiry, remember that it is your only chance to convince them why they should hire you. You need to show them concisely and succinctly why you’re the right choice for the job and how their business stands to benefit from your services. A professional proposal SEO proposal that tells clients that your agency can help them achieve their goals is a win-win.
When trying to secure new SEO clients, one of the most significant factors is putting together a good proposal like this one from SEOJet which breaks it all down for you.
Also, be willing to answer your clients’ questions to help them understand your process. Of course, most of your clients will ask similar questions, given the fact that most people have limited knowledge of the technicalities of digital marketing. Use a blog on your website to share answers to common questions, showcase case studies and share your expertise with potential clients who want to know more about your company before hiring you.
Hire the right people
Any digital agency that wants to be the go-to SEO service for businesses knows the importance of hiring the right talent. Your core SEO team is your greatest strength when it comes to wowing your customers with measurable results.
Having employees with expertise is crucial to your growth. Find digital experts with the right skill set, and build a motivated SEO team that will help you acquire more clients directly with the remarkable work they do for every company they serve. Ensure that every professional you have on board is aligned to your long-term vision, and, above all, keep them happy and inspired.