At Vanguard 86, we pride ourselves on trying to be the best SEO company in New Zealand.
Best SEO companies in New Zealand (TL;DR):
- The best SEO companies in New Zealand are Vanguard 86, Pure SEO, Firefly Digital, Chalk & Cheese, INCITE Digital, Clickthrough SEO, The Web Guys NZ, Team Empathy, Fabric Digital, Zib Digital, and Numero Agency.
- Good providers typically deliver SEO audits, technical fixes, on-page optimisation, content strategy, keyword research, local SEO, link acquisition, analytics and reporting, CRO support, and CMS expertise.
- Choose a partner that is transparent about in-house versus outsourced work, provides tailored deliverables and realistic goals, and shows an understanding of your market.
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Agency |
Best for |
Key services |
Service URL |
|
Vanguard 86 |
Tailored, hands-on SEO |
SEO audit, on-page, technical, content creation, UX |
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|
Pure SEO |
Multi-city, Google Partner |
Audits, competitor analysis, white-hat SEO, CRO, PPC |
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Firefly Digital |
Full-service marketing and SEO |
Technical SEO, local SEO, UX, web design |
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Chalk & Cheese |
Content-led local SEO for SMEs |
Keyword research, content writing, on-page, local SEO |
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INCITE Digital |
Content-led growth and enablement |
SEO audits, content planning, local SEO, ongoing management |
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|
Clickthrough SEO |
Category exclusivity in Auckland |
On-page optimisation, local map optimisation, product SEO, training |
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The Web Guys NZ |
SEO-driven web design and local reach |
Website design, citations, local SEO, content strategy |
https://thewebguys.co.nz/services/digital-marketing/search-engine-optimisation/ |
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Team Empathy |
Purpose-driven, tiered SEO |
Google Business Profile, on-site SEO, backlinks, content |
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Fabric Digital |
Revenue-focused SEO |
Local SEO, product SEO, backlinks, reputation, copywriting |
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Zib Digital |
Scale with specialist team |
Site architecture, keyword research, content optimisation, SEO |
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Numero Agency |
Results-linked model and UX focus |
Schema, load speed, backlinks, content, UX |
What to consider when choosing an SEO company in NZ
Choosing an SEO company is not an easy decision. It is a partnership that shapes how your brand is found and trusted. Results depend on fit, process, and how work turns into outcomes you can see. Start by setting clear goals and the level of support you need. Then look for a partner who can meet that your expectations. The points below outline what separates a safe choice from a risky one.
Check if work is in-house or outsourced
Ask directly who will do the work and where they are based. Some agencies outsource while charging local rates. Get the delivery team names, time zones, and contact lines. Choose a partner that is clear on who does what.
Ask for tailored deliverables and a clear plan
Expect a written plan after an SEO audit that maps tasks to outcomes. Every site needs different work to move the needle. Ask for prioritised sprints, owners, and timelines. Confirm how changes get staged, approved, and pushed live.
Beware of first-position guarantees
Decline offers that promise first place in a fixed time. Rankings are volatile and no agency controls algorithms. Ask for realistic targets tied to commercial traffic and lead generation. Favour white-hat strategies with steady compounding gains.
Look for transparency and clear reporting
Insist on plain-language updates and honest reporting. You need to see what is working and what is not. Ask for monthly reports on keyword rankings, organic sessions, conversions, and actions taken. Confirm who presents results and how they decide next steps.
Test business understanding and fit
Choose a team that asks detailed questions about your market and goals. Content creation and on-page optimisation need subject knowledge. Ask for a discovery workshop and sample briefs before you sign. Check culture fit and how they handle pushback.
What good SEO services include
Not all SEO work is created equal. Some agencies package busywork as progress and inflate deliverables to look active without moving the needle. That is why you need a clear view of what meaningful SEO looks like in practice and how it is measured. Use the points below to separate real impact from activity for activity’s sake.
Audit and strategy first
Your provider should begin with an SEO audit and propose a tailored strategy. Smart prioritisation reduces time to results. Expect technical checks, content gaps, competitor analysis, and a roadmap. Ask how they measure progress against the plan.
On-page and technical SEO done well
Expect fixes to site structure, metadata, internal links, and page speed. Technical SEO helps crawlers and users. Ask for changes to titles, headings, image size, Core Web Vitals, and schema markup. Confirm how they test, track, and roll back changes.
Content and UX that serve users
You should see content creation tied to search intent and UX improvements. Helpful content improves engagement and rankings. Expect briefs, drafts, and updates to navigation, CTAs, and page layout. Ask for keyword research and internal link maps for new pages.
Local SEO and citations for visibility
If you serve local markets, you need Google Business Profile optimisation and citations. Map pack rankings drive calls and visits. Expect GBP updates, reviews guidance, NAP audits, and local links. Ask for location page templates and structured data.
Reporting that tracks leads and revenue
Your reports should link activity to outcomes. Traffic alone is not the only goal. Expect conversion tracking, pipeline or sales attribution, and decisions informed by data. Ask how reporting ties to GA4, call tracking, and your CRM.
The best SEO Companies in New Zealand:
Here is our curated shortlist of New Zealand SEO companies. We built it by reading recent client reviews, scanning public case studies, and checking each agency’s service pages and industry directory profiles. We looked for clear proof of results, transparent scopes, and consistent delivery across different business sizes. We also considered breadth of capability and coverage across New Zealand.
Always verify pricing, scope, and team details with each agency before you sign.
Vanguard 86 — Best for tailored strategy and hands-on SEO
Vanguard 86 is best for a tailored strategy and hands-on SEO from a Certified HubSpot partner. The team starts with an SEO audit and blends content creation, page speed optimisation, UX improvements, on-page optimisation, and technical SEO.
Services include:
- SEO audit and roadmap
- Technical fixes and Core Web Vitals uplift
- Information architecture and internal linking
- Keyword research and intent mapping
- On-page optimisation and structured data
- Content briefs and long-form creation
- UX improvements and CRO hygiene
- Analytics and monthly reporting
- Backlink quality analysis and acquisition
Works with: B2B and B2C brands, ecommerce and lead-gen, SMEs to mid-market.
Key clients: Trendz Outdoor Fireplaces, Primepac, Alpine Buildings, Dentec.
Pure SEO — Best for national coverage
Pure SEO is best for national coverage with a Google Partner digital marketing agency present in multiple cities. They run audits, competitor analysis, and white-hat strategies across Auckland, Wellington, and Australia.
Services include:
- SEO audits and technical remediation
- Keyword research and content planning
- On-page optimisation at scale
- Local SEO and GBP optimisation
- Authority building and digital PR
- Conversion tracking and reporting
Firefly Digital — Best for full-service support
Firefly Digital is best for full-service support that includes SEO, Google Ads management, social, UX, and web design. They focus on white-hat strategies and operate from Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne.
Services include:
- Technical SEO and site health fixes
- Local SEO and citation management
- Keyword research and content optimisation
- UX and conversion improvements
- Google Ads management alongside SEO
- Analytics dashboards and reporting
Works with: Startups to large brands, ecommerce and service businesses, national and trans-Tasman.
Key clients: Link Business, Angel Delivery, Elite Trainers
Chalk & Cheese — Best for content-led local SEO
Chalk & Cheese is best for content-led local SEO for small and mid-sized businesses. They use Semrush, Google Analytics, and Search Console, and offer UX design and WordPress development.
Services include:
- Keyword research and content calendars
- On-page optimisation and internal links
- Local SEO and Google Business Profile
- WordPress SEO and UX enhancements
- Basic technical fixes and page speed
- Analytics setup and reporting
Works with: SMEs, trades, local services, hospitality and retail.
Key clients: Success Avenue, Alltech, JLE
INCITE Digital — Best for content marketing driven SEO
INCITE Digital is best for content marketing driven SEO and building in-house SEO systems. They serve startups to enterprises across AI, SaaS, food and beverage, fashion, and blockchain with flexible monthly packages.
Services include:
- Editorial SEO strategy and topic mapping
- Content production sprints
- On-page optimisation
- Technical audits and fixes
- Internal enablement and training
- Measurement and performance reviews
Works with: SaaS and tech, consumer brands, B2B and B2C growth teams.
Clickthrough SEO — Best for category exclusivity in Auckland
Clickthrough SEO is best for category exclusivity in Auckland with a capped client base. They limit SEO to 20 Auckland businesses and one client per industry, with custom packages across on-page and local map optimisation.
Services include:
- SEO audits and on-page optimisation
- Local map optimisation and citations
- Product and category SEO for ecommerce
- Content guidance and training
- Authority building
- Analytics and reporting
Works with: Auckland SMEs, local services, ecommerce categories with exclusivity.
The Web Guys NZ — Best for SEO-driven website design
The Web Guys NZ is best for SEO-driven website design and nationwide local SEO. A small team of SEO specialists, account managers, and developers serves clients across major New Zealand cities.
Services include:
- SEO-first website design and rebuilds
- Local SEO and citation building
- Keyword research and content plans
- Technical fixes and site structure
- Ongoing optimisation and reporting
Works with: Trades and construction, ecommerce, professional services, tourism and healthcare.
Key clients: Clean Collective, Orams Marine, Pokeno.
Team Empathy — Best for purpose-driven SEO
Team Empathy is best for purpose-driven SEO with simple tiered delivery. They donate monthly to tree planting and carbon reduction and focus on Google Business Profile optimisation, on-site work, backlinks, and content.
Services include:
- Google Business Profile optimisation
- On-site technical and on-page work
- Content creation and updates
- Ethical link acquisition
- Monthly reporting
Works with: Local services and SMEs, B2C and B2B.
Key clients: Growth Maintenance, Flow Joinery's, Eftpos Now.
Fabric Digital — Best for revenue-focused execution
Fabric Digital is best for revenue-focused SEO with a blend of technical on-page and selective off-page work. They assess structure, backlink portfolio, keyword density, and metadata, then implement a custom plan.
Services include:
- Technical SEO and site structure
- Local and product SEO
- Content optimisation and copywriting
- Reputation management and link earning
- Performance measurement
Works with: Ecommerce and local services, B2B and B2C growth teams.
Key clients: iKitchen, Max Security, Nice Buys.
Zib Digital — Best for scale and coverage
Zib Digital is best for scale and SEO focus supported by a large specialist team. With more than 15 years in market, they optimise website architecture and build content that fits user intent.
Services include:
- Website architecture and crawl optimisation
- Keyword research and content production
- On-page optimisation
- Ongoing technical maintenance
- Reporting and performance reviews
Works with: Startups to larger enterprises, ecommerce and services.
Key clients: O-Studio, Harcourts Christchurch, Dynamic Tradies.
Numero Agency — Best for results-linked pricing
Numero Agency is best for results-linked pricing models and UX-focused optimisation. They cover keyword messaging, code structure, schema, load speed, backlinks, and content writing.
Services include:
- Technical SEO and code improvements
- Schema and structured data
- Site speed optimisation
- Keyword and content development
- UX tweaks that support conversion
Works with: SMEs and mid-market brands, ecommerce and lead-gen.
Key clients: Belair Mitsi, A2W, Kaituna Cascades.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SEO take to show results?
Most businesses see early movement in eight to twelve weeks. Stronger gains often arrive after three to six months, depending on domain strength, competition, and deployment speed.
What is the difference between on-page and technical SEO?
On-page SEO is the content and signals on each page such as headings, keywords, and internal links. Technical SEO covers speed, crawlability, and structured data.
Do I need local SEO if I sell nationwide?
Yes, if you have locations or serve local searches. Local SEO helps you appear in the map pack and builds trust alongside national visibility.
Can an agency manage content creation as well?
Yes. Many providers include content creation or content planning. Ask for briefs, approval steps, and tone of voice capture. Review examples and results.
How do I measure SEO ROI?
Track qualified leads and revenue from organic search using GA4 goals, call tracking, and CRM attribution. Review results monthly and adjust the plan.
What budget should I expect in New Zealand?
Budgets vary by scope and competition. Most SMEs invest monthly on a retainer that covers audits, on-page, technical work, content, and reporting. Avoid long lock-ins without clear deliverables.
How do I measure SEO ROI?
Track qualified leads and revenue from organic search using GA4 goals, call tracking, and CRM attribution. Review results monthly and adjust the plan.
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