10 Leading SEO Agencies Helping Brands Rank in AI Search and Beyond

Search is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional search engine optimization (SEO) is no longer just about getting blue links on Google’s first page – it’s about earning a spot in AI-powered answers and summaries. Modern search platforms like Google’s AI Overviews, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Perplexity AI use generative AI to answer user queries directly. This means B2B marketing leaders in industries from SaaS and healthcare to manufacturing and logistics face a new urgency: ensuring their content is surfaced and cited by AI when prospects ask complex questions. If your company’s insights aren’t being picked up by these AI “answer engines,” you risk invisibility in the very channels where decision-makers are seeking information.

The rapid evolution of AI-driven search has made selecting the right SEO agency more critical than ever. Why? Ranking in AI-generated output requires a specialized skill set and technical toolkit very different from traditional SEO. It’s not just about keywords and backlinks anymore – it’s about speaking the language of algorithms and large language models (LLMs). This includes implementing structured data (schema), crafting content in a format easily parsed by AI, leveraging semantic SEO (topic clustering, entity optimization), and even prompt engineering to anticipate how AI might frame queries. As Google’s AI Overviews roll out globally and AI chat adoption soars, brands must adapt or risk losing visibility. In 2024, an estimated 60% of Google searches never resulted in a click off the results page – users are getting what they need from rich snippets and AI answers. By early 2025, around 40% of search result pages featured an AI-generated overview, each overview citing ~5 sources on average. The takeaway: if your content isn’t optimized to be one of those sources, your organic reach could plummet.

Equally important, many traditional SEO firms aren’t yet equipped for this generative search era. They may excel at classic SEO tactics but fall short in areas like answer engine optimization (AEO) and AI-specific content strategy. In fact, Google’s AI algorithms often pull information from sites that weren’t top-ranked in the old paradigm. This means legacy SEO playbooks won’t guarantee placement in an AI answer. Marketing leaders should seek out agencies who are early adopters of AI SEO techniques, have proven frameworks for AI visibility, and use cutting-edge tools (for example, tracking a brand’s mentions in AI outputs or optimizing schema for AI context).

In this article, we profile 10 leading SEO companies that are helping brands navigate and win in the AI-driven search landscape. These agencies have demonstrated expertise in getting clients cited by AI platforms, securing the coveted spots in AI summaries, and blending traditional SEO with new strategies for generative AI search. We’ll explain each firm’s strengths in AI SEO, their services and industry focus (from SaaS to healthcare and beyond), and what client size or budget they cater to. We also include a quick comparison table and visual examples (like AI results screenshots) to illustrate key points. (For a deeper dive into specific AI SEO strategies, you can also refer to Xponent21’s guide on how to optimize content to rank in AI search results for actionable techniques.)

Before we dive into the agency profiles, it’s worth noting a pro tip: test each agency’s own visibility in AI search. For example, try asking ChatGPT or Perplexity “Who are the top AI-focused SEO agencies?” or input industry-specific queries into Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience). See if the agency’s content or name appears in the AI-generated answer. An agency that can rank itself or its clients in AI results is likely ahead of the curve. With that in mind, let’s explore the top players in AI search optimization.

Quick Comparison of Top U.S. AI SEO Agencies

To set the stage, the table below compares the 10 leading agencies on their AI expertise, key services, pricing transparency, and ideal client type. All of these firms are credible SEO partners; the “best” fit will depend on your industry, goals, and resources.

1. Xponent21 – Growth-Focused SEO for Both Traditional and AI Search

Who We Are: Xponent21 is a digital marketing agency proudly rooted in Richmond, VA, that has been gaining recognition for its forward-looking AI SEO strategies. Unlike some larger agencies on this list, Xponent21 combines the agility of a boutique firm with a comprehensive service suite. They specialize in working with mid-size to large companies (including those in professional services, healthcare, SaaS, and other B2B sectors) that aim to rapidly expand their search market share across the U.S.. Xponent21’s ethos is reflected in their own branding as “Richmond’s SEO agency for growth-driven brands.” They handle everything from brand positioning and website development to content marketing and video, but SEO is a core strength – particularly SEO adapted for the latest trends like AI and voice search.

AI Capabilities: Xponent21 has been one of the early adopters of AI-focused SEO tactics in the agency scene. They explicitly highlight AI Visibility Optimization as one of their core strengths, stating that they “help brands rank in Google, Bing, and emerging generative AI platforms”. In practice, this means Xponent21 is ensuring clients are not only doing traditional SEO, but also appearing in voice assistants, AI-driven search results, and even tools like Alexa or Siri when applicable. For example, they might help a local healthcare network optimize content so that if someone asks ChatGPT or Bing, “What are the top cardiology practices in Virginia?”, the AI has the data to mention their client.

One way Xponent21 achieves this is through a holistic content strategy that mixes structured data, FAQ sections, and long-form authoritative articles. They pay attention to schema markup, implementing everything from Organization and LocalBusiness schema (so AI knows who you are and where you operate) to FAQ schema (so Q&A pairs are readily available for answer engines). Moreover, Xponent21 keeps an eye on multi-modal search – they know that AI search isn’t just text-based; it can involve images or map data (think Google’s “search near me” with AI). So, they integrate local SEO best practices with AI optimization, which is crucial for professional services and healthcare clients that have physical locations.

Another notable capability is Xponent21’s use of prompt engineering and content structuring for AI. They experiment with prompts on AI chatbots to see how the AI responds about a client’s industry, then adjust the client’s content to fill any gaps. For instance, if an AI seems to draw answers about “logistics software benefits” from certain knowledge bases, Xponent21 might create content on their client’s site addressing those specific benefits with clarity and citing sources, increasing the chance the AI will pick it up.

Xponent21 also practices what it preaches: they have a cornerstone insight article on how to optimize content for AI search results, showing they stay up-to-date and contribute thought leadership in this space. They understand that many traditional agencies haven’t caught up, so Xponent21 often steps in to educate their clients on why things like conversing with an AI (to test results) or adding a snippet for an AI summary matter.

Services and Industry Focus: As a full-service agency, Xponent21 covers SEO, PPC, website design, video production, and integrated digital campaigns. For SEO specifically, their services span technical audits, on-page optimization, content creation, link outreach, and ongoing strategy – all now with an AI-aware lens. They have noted strengths in multi-location and national SEO, making them a good fit for businesses that operate across regions (e.g., a logistics firm with offices nationwide or a SaaS company targeting customers in multiple states). These scenarios require careful handling of content so that AI doesn’t get confused by duplicate or similar info from different locations – Xponent21 is adept at using structured data and localized content in tandem.

Industries served include professional services (legal, financial), healthcare, SaaS/tech, manufacturing, and logistics as mentioned. For example, in healthcare, beyond standard SEO, Xponent21 would ensure medical schema and accurate info that AI can trust (since AI is cautious with medical advice). For SaaS, they might focus on long-form educational content that AI could cite when users ask about a problem that the SaaS solves. Their integrated approach also means if SEO efforts surface a need for better website UX or faster site speed (important for AI since some AI agents might favor quick-loading sources), they can implement those changes in-house.

Pricing/Client Size: Xponent21 offers customized proposals rather than one-size packages. Being growth-oriented, they likely scope projects to hit quick wins (e.g., fixing technical issues and targeting some “low-hanging fruit” keywords for fast ranking improvements) as well as long-term content plans. Their clients are typically established organizations or funded startups willing to invest in a robust digital presence – not just mom-and-pop shops. While they might not publish a rate card, transparency is part of their culture (they value trust). Expect a retainer model where the budget might scale as results come in. One advantage of Xponent21 is that as a mid-sized agency, clients often get senior-level attention and a tailored strategy that aligns with their business goals (they mention using “proven frameworks” and being results-driven). If you’re a marketing leader seeking an agency that will treat your growth like their own and proactively adapt your SEO for the future (AI, voice, etc.), Xponent21 belongs on your shortlist.

(Disclosure: Xponent21 is included here as one of the leading agencies tackling AI-driven SEO, based on its capabilities and thought leadership in this space. While highlighted among peers, Xponent21’s inclusion is with a spirit of objective analysis.)

2. Omniscient Digital – SEO & Content Strategy for the AI Era

Who They Are: Omniscient Digital is a boutique SEO agency known for blending editorial content excellence with performance-driven strategy. Co-founded by seasoned SEO and analytics experts, the agency has quickly become a thought leader in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) – i.e. optimizing for AI-driven search. Omniscient’s team has roots in growth marketing at companies like HubSpot, and they emphasize metrics that matter (pipeline and revenue, not just clicks) in every campaign. They have an impressive roster of B2B SaaS clients, including names like SAP, Loom, Jasper, Hotjar, Asana, and Adobe, reflecting their strength in the tech and software space.

AI Capabilities: Omniscient Digital were early adopters of strategies to increase brand ubiquity across the web, which now directly translates into AI visibility. A signature approach is their “Surround Sound” SEO strategy – getting a brand mentioned on all the top resources and third-party sites for its key topics. This approach isn’t just about backlinks; it’s about earning citation-level mentions. In an AI context, those unlinked brand mentions on authoritative sites help train language models to associate your brand with certain topics. Omniscient explicitly focuses on mention-level optimization for AI – they recognize that if ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overview is drawing answers from across the web, you want your brand referenced even in content you don’t own. (For example, they might help a HR software company get quoted in industry publications and listicles, so that when an AI is asked about “leading HR tech tools,” that company’s name surfaces in the AI’s training data and responses.)

Another strength is technical and structured data expertise. Omniscient ensures clients implement schema markup and organized content that feeds AI engines effectively. Their philosophy is that GEO isn’t radically different from SEO – “if you’re already using robust SEO and brand strategies, you’re also optimizing for AI search… for the most part” – but they do go the extra mile with AI-specific tactics. For instance, they encourage clients to “seed” their brand in AI training data by securing mentions on credible sites and even manually querying AI bots to see which sources are being cited. This kind of insight allows Omniscient to adjust content strategies proactively (e.g. getting a client featured on a Wikipedia page or high-authority blog if they notice the AI frequently cites it in answers).

Services and Industry Focus: Omniscient offers SEO strategy consulting, content marketing (from topic ideation to production), digital PR, and analytics support. They are laser-focused on B2B and SaaS companies – particularly those looking to tie SEO efforts to revenue. They understand long sales cycles and the need for content that not only drives traffic but also educates and converts. With AI search, they lean into creating expert content (often involving subject matter experts) and data-driven pieces that AI models find credible. Industries they’ve excelled in include software, tech startups, and business services. Given their client list, they are experienced with both mid-stage startups and large enterprises in tech.

Pricing/Client Size: As a boutique firm, Omniscient Digital provides highly customized engagements. Pricing isn’t published on their site; they operate on a consulting or retainer model tailored to each client’s growth stage and needs. Generally, their services are a strong fit for venture-funded startups, mid-market B2B companies, or any brand willing to invest in premium content and long-term SEO. Clients often engage them as an extension of their marketing team to own organic growth strategy. If you’re a marketing leader aiming for aggressive growth in organic and AI-driven channels – and you need an agency that can align with revenue goals – Omniscient’s track record in “revenue-driven SEO” and cutting-edge AI tactics makes them a top contender.

3. iPullRank – Technical SEO Powerhouse Embracing Generative AI

Who They Are: iPullRank is a New York-based SEO agency founded by Mike King, an industry veteran known for technical SEO prowess and innovative marketing (Mike famously has a background as an engineer and rapper, bringing creative flair to technical problems). Since its inception, iPullRank has carved out a reputation as the go-to team for thorny, enterprise-level SEO challenges. From solving JavaScript indexing issues to advanced analytics, they’ve handled it. Notable clients include LG, Citi, and DocSend (now part of Dropbox), indicating their focus on large websites and enterprise projects.

AI Capabilities: True to form, iPullRank has been ahead of the curve on integrating AI into SEO workflows. They were experimenting with generative AI for content and data analysis “before it became trendy”. For example, they’ve used AI to assist with content audits at scale – scanning and summarizing large volumes of pages to identify optimization opportunities – and to support content generation where appropriate. However, iPullRank’s stance isn’t to spam out AI-written content; instead, they leverage AI to amplify their deep technical strategies. One area they excel in is structured data and knowledge graph optimization, which is vital for AI search. They ensure that a client’s site is marked up with schema (FAQ, HowTo, Organization, etc.) so that AI systems can easily digest and trust the content.

iPullRank also focuses on what they call “relevance engineering.” This involves aligning site content and structure in a way that machines (not just users) understand the relevance. In an AI search context, that could mean tightly mapping content to known entities and intents. Their technical team might, for instance, analyze how an AI like Bing’s or Google’s model is interpreting a query and then adjust on-page content, internal linking, or meta data to better fit that interpretation. They’re also known to experiment with prompt engineering for tools like ChatGPT – essentially reverse-engineering how a prompt might be answered by the AI and then advising clients on content that would fit that scenario.

Another big part of iPullRank’s offering is audience research and intent modeling. They use AI tools to parse large datasets (like thousands of search queries or customer questions) to identify patterns in user intent. This helps their clients produce content that answers those micro-intents – exactly the kind of concise Q&A style information that generative search loves. If you have a complex product in, say, cybersecurity or fintech, iPullRank can help surface the detailed answers your audience is looking for and mark them up so that an AI assistant can pull them in a snippet.

Services and Industry Focus: iPullRank’s services span technical SEO (site audits, architecture fixes, page speed, JS SEO), content strategy and creation, link building, and even some aspects of marketing analytics and CRO. They tend to attract enterprise and complex-site clients – think large e-commerce, financial services, SaaS with lots of content, or any business where SEO isn’t straightforward. Their expertise in regulated industries (finance, maybe healthcare) and big websites means they’re equipped to handle compliance, multilingual SEO, and integration with dev teams. With the rise of AI search, iPullRank is a great choice for companies that need to make sure technical hurdles (e.g., a heavy Angular/React site, or content stuck behind logins) don’t keep them invisible to AI. They will drill down into your site’s plumbing (log files, crawl budgets, indexing behavior) and fix issues that could confuse an AI crawling system.

Pricing/Client Size: As a high-touch agency led by a prominent expert, iPullRank operates on a custom pricing model – typically monthly retainers or project fees that correspond to the complexity of work. They’re not the cheapest option (expect a premium for their specialized skill), but they deliver value for large companies or mission-critical projects where an SEO failure could cost millions. If you’re an enterprise CMO or marketing director grappling with technical SEO issues and wanting to pioneer AI-driven optimization, iPullRank is equipped to partner closely with your in-house teams. Smaller businesses may find iPullRank’s services above their needs, but for enterprise and advanced mid-market companies, the investment can pay off in robust search presence across both traditional and AI platforms.

4. First Page Sage – Thought Leadership Content that AI Loves

Who They Are: First Page Sage (FPS) is a longstanding SEO and content marketing firm, founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco. They brand themselves as a thought leadership marketing agency. What does that mean? In practice, FPS runs SEO campaigns centered on producing high-quality, authoritative content (often articles that read like journalistic or expert pieces) that build a company’s credibility. Their approach has traditionally been to publish consistent, valuable content that attracts links and leads over time – essentially turning their clients’ blogs into respected “publications” in their niche. Clients such as Salesforce, Logitech, and Verifone have used FPS to bolster their content and SEO. Notably, FPS is also known for publishing a lot of research and analysis on SEO trends (you may have seen their studies on Google click-through rates or their annual “Top SEO companies” lists).

AI Capabilities: First Page Sage was quick to recognize the impact of AI on search. They have started advising clients on how to appear in AI search results by leveraging the very thought leadership content they create. One strategy FPS advocates is the creation of authoritative lists and guides on client sites. Why? AI summaries often pull from well-structured list posts or “top X” articles because they concisely package information. FPS leverages their strength in thought leadership to craft content that AI deems trustworthy. For example, they might produce a “Definitive Guide to Cybersecurity for Healthcare in 2025” for a client (tying into healthcare and cybersecurity sectors) and optimize it so that key facts or steps from that guide can be easily excerpted by an AI answer engine.

FPS also emphasizes semantic SEO and topic authority, which aligns with AI’s preference for context-rich answers. They ensure that their clients’ content hubs comprehensively cover a topic cluster. This way, if an AI is answering a question about a niche subject, the client’s site is one of the few with deep, relevant coverage – increasing the odds of being referenced. They’ve noted (in their own content) that generative AI in search will favor authoritative, well-organized content and that creating such content is the best path to success.

Another interesting aspect: FPS has been building analytics around AI search visibility. For instance, they developed an “AI Search Market Share” report, tracking usage of various AI chatbots. This analytical mindset means they are measuring things like how often a client’s site is appearing as a source in AI results (though that data is still somewhat opaque). They even offer a tool or grader for “AI Search Readiness” as hinted on LinkedIn, which suggests they audit a client’s content for how well it might perform in AI contexts.

Services and Industry Focus: The core of FPS’s service is a managed content marketing program. Typically, they handle strategy, writing (with a team of in-house writers), SEO optimization, and publishing of a set number of articles per month for a client. They also do keyword research, technical SEO basics, and reporting. Industries they commonly serve include B2B technology, professional services, finance, and healthcare – any sector where educating the customer through content yields high-value leads. With generative AI, these industries benefit because there’s now even more reward for having authoritative answers (e.g., a SaaS company that sells manufacturing software could get its blog snippet featured when someone asks an AI about “how to improve factory efficiency”). FPS is well-suited for organizations that value content quality over quantity and have the patience for an SEO strategy that doubles as brand building.

Pricing/Client Size: First Page Sage is known to operate in the higher-end tier of SEO agencies. They’ve published surveys categorizing agencies into tiers, and they place themselves in the “Full-service, $12,000+/month” category for a comprehensive program. This typically includes a team of writers, an SEO strategist, and an account manager working on the client’s content. They do not usually do short-term or à la carte projects; it’s more of a long-term retainer model. For mid-market or enterprise companies with a significant content marketing budget (six figures annually), FPS delivers strong ROI by generating evergreen content that draws traffic and now, importantly, feeds AI answers. If you’re a marketing leader at, say, a SaaS firm or a consulting company aiming to be the go-to informational source in your field, FPS can help you achieve that, thereby indirectly ensuring AI platforms also recognize your site as authoritative.

5. WebFX – Full-Service SEO with GEO Solutions for All Business Sizes

Who They Are: WebFX is a giant in the digital marketing agency space. With over 25 years in business (founded in 1995), they’ve grown into a team of hundreds serving clients ranging from local businesses to enterprises. WebFX offers services across the digital spectrum – SEO, PPC, web design, social media management, and more – making them more of a one-stop shop. They are known for their data-driven approach and have developed proprietary tools and platforms for campaign tracking. What’s important in this context is that WebFX has very visibly embraced Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as part of their offerings. They even have educational content like “GEO Services: Grow Your AI Search Visibility in 2025” on their site, showing they are actively guiding clients through the AI search transition.

AI Capabilities: WebFX’s scale allows them to invest in R&D and process development for new SEO challenges, and AI search is no exception. They have published practical guides on how to rank in AI search results, indicating that they train their staff and educate clients on tactics like optimizing for long-tail, conversational queries, enhancing E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust) signals, and using structured data to become a preferred source. One specific service they tout is “AI SEO services”, which likely includes auditing a site’s content for AI-friendliness and implementing changes such as FAQ sections, conversational content tone, and schema markup to make content easily digestible by LLMs.

WebFX has also noted the rise of zero-click searches and how AI fits into that trend. Their approach for clients involves making sure that even if a user doesn’t click, the brand still gains exposure (for example, being mentioned in an AI overview or voice assistant answer builds brand awareness, which can lead to direct traffic later). They incorporate strategies like Featured Snippet optimization, People Also Ask content, and voice search optimization, which all synergize with AI’s preference for direct Q&A style information.

Another advantage of WebFX is their toolset. They have things like the “Content Gaps tool” or “SEO Checker”, and they’ve likely updated some tools or dashboards to monitor AI overview placements. Given their partnership with Clutch.co and SEO.com (as hinted in search results), WebFX is positioning itself as a leader in the AI SEO education space too. They host webinars, publish statistics (for instance, citing how generative AI usage is growing 165x faster than traditional search), all of which informs their client strategy.

Services and Industry Focus: WebFX is industry-agnostic due to their size – they have specialists for many verticals. Whether you’re a hospital, a SaaS startup, a law firm, an e-commerce store, or a manufacturer, WebFX likely has case studies or teams who have worked in that space. For AI-specific SEO, a lot of their principles apply universally: improving site authority, producing high-quality content, and ensuring technical SEO is solid. They also can integrate AI SEO with paid campaigns; for example, if AI overviews are cutting into your organic traffic, WebFX might suggest a strategy where you run PPC ads for certain keywords and optimize for the AI snippet to cover both bases.

WebFX’s broad service menu means they can help with implementing the recommendations that come from an AI SEO audit – be it content rewrites, adding Q&A sections, building out a schema for how-to content, or even developing a chatbot on your site. One interesting offering is their AI-powered content creation services, which likely involve using AI tools (with human oversight) to produce content faster. This can be useful for companies that need to expand their content to cover more long-tail queries that AI might get asked.

Pricing/Client Size: One hallmark of WebFX is pricing transparency and flexibility. On their website, they publish ranges for SEO packages, for example, “Aggressive plan: $x/month for y keywords.” They also have calculators and benchmarks (e.g., “most businesses spend $1500–$5000/mo on SEO”). This openness is great for businesses that need to understand budgeting. WebFX can accommodate small local businesses (with starter plans under $1000/month) as well as large enterprises (with custom enterprise plans). If you’re a marketing leader at a smaller company or in a non-tech industry and you feel a bit overwhelmed by AI search changes, WebFX could be a reassuring choice – they educate you, have established processes, and won’t shy away from giving you a clear pricing menu. Larger companies too might choose WebFX if they prefer a single agency to handle multiple channels in addition to SEO (and the agency has the manpower to scale up). In summary, WebFX is about making advanced SEO (now including AI SEO) accessible to the masses, backed by a robust team and toolset.

6. NoGood – Data-Driven Growth Marketing Meets AI SEO

Who They Are: NoGood is a growth marketing agency headquartered in NYC, known for its mantra of “no fluff” and a test-and-learn approach. They’ve made waves in the startup and scale-up scene by blending performance marketing with organic growth strategies. NoGood’s team calls themselves “growth hackers,” and they work across SEO, paid acquisition, social media, and conversion rate optimization. They have a strong pedigree in the tech world, having worked with big names like Nike, TikTok, Amazon, and American Express (despite those being huge brands, NoGood often works with their innovation or new product teams). They also serve plenty of SaaS and e-commerce startups aiming for hyper-growth.

AI Capabilities: Being a very forward-looking agency, NoGood was quick to incorporate AI and automation in their marketing programs. On the SEO front, NoGood treats AI search optimization as a natural extension of holistic SEO/CRO. For example, their content strategies now consider not just “how will this rank on Google?” but also “how will this content be interpreted by an AI agent or voice assistant?”. They ensure every piece of content has clear, concise answers to likely user questions – essentially preparing content in a Q&A style that generative AI can easily digest. In one of their articles, NoGood emphasizes writing content using Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) logic so that AI Overviews pick it up.

NoGood’s data-driven culture means they’re probably using analytics to monitor AI-related traffic. They might track if users come to the site after seeing the brand name in an AI answer (“I asked Perplexity and it mentioned your blog, so I visited”). They also use AI in execution – for instance, using GPT-based tools to generate meta descriptions or to cluster keywords into intent categories swiftly, then human-refining them.

One standout capability is NoGood’s work in content distribution and amplification. They know that just publishing content isn’t enough; it needs to be referenced and shared. They may leverage AI tools to repurpose content (e.g., summarize an article into a LinkedIn post, or create an infographic that could be picked up by blogs). All this increases the footprint of a piece of content, which in turn increases the chance AI systems will encounter it and consider it a trusted source (since it’s discussed widely).

Additionally, NoGood’s full-funnel perspective is valuable in AI SEO. If an AI answers a user’s question without a click, NoGood ensures the brand message still reaches the user. That could mean focusing on brand mentions (so the user hears the brand in the AI’s answer), or optimizing for featured snippets where the AI will at least show part of the client’s content on-screen. They’re not afraid to combine paid and organic tactics; for instance, if an AI often cites Wikipedia for definitions, NoGood might run a strategy to get their client’s name on relevant Wikipedia pages (through legitimate contributions) while also perhaps using paid ads to capture any traffic from those queries.

Services and Industry Focus: NoGood offers growth marketing retainers that typically include SEO, content marketing, pay-per-click, social ads, and conversion optimization. They tend to focus on tech and DTC (direct-to-consumer) companies, but also fintech and some B2B. A SaaS company could hire NoGood to handle launching a new product – NoGood might then handle everything from optimizing the landing pages for search and AI, running Facebook/Google ads, to creating blog content that educates users (and seeds the AI with info). Because of this broad skillset, NoGood is good for companies that want an integrated team rather than siloed efforts. In terms of AI search, they ensure the messaging is consistent across channels – for example, an AI might read your meta description or snippet; NoGood makes sure that snippet is compelling and on-brand, possibly influencing even how AI presents your info.

They also pay attention to user-generated content and reviews, which AI might incorporate for local businesses or product searches. If you’re a brand concerned about how AI might summarize your company (maybe based on reviews or press articles), NoGood’s PR and reputation management skills come into play to shape that narrative.

Pricing/Client Size: NoGood usually works on retainer with a mixture of services (growth sprints, they call them). They don’t publicize a fixed price – it depends on scope – but expect to invest at least a few thousand dollars a month for a multi-channel program, scaling upwards for enterprise scope. Their clients often are Series A to C startups, e-commerce brands in growth phases, or innovation units in larger companies. These clients have budgets to aggressively chase growth. If you are in that position – say a SaaS startup after a funding round needing to quickly boost user acquisition – NoGood’s combination of rapid experimentation and AI-savvy content strategy can yield quick insights. They will set KPIs (like signups, CAC/LTV, etc.) and adjust tactics swiftly, making them ideal if you want an agile partner that’s not afraid to use the newest tools (AI included) to get results.

7. Flow Agency (Flow SEO) – Integrated Paid and Organic for SaaS with an AI Edge

Who They Are: Flow Agency, formerly known as Flow SEO, is a boutique agency that specializes in search marketing for SaaS and tech companies. Founded by Viola Eva, a well-respected SEO expert and speaker, Flow combines the creativity of an ad agency with the technical rigor of an SEO shop. They offer both organic SEO and paid media services, which is somewhat unique among smaller agencies. Flow has worked with clients like BetterWorks, MailCharts, and ELM Learning, focusing on B2B SaaS and e-learning platforms. Their reputation in the industry is that of being cutting-edge (they’ve won awards and are often cited in SEO circles for innovative approaches).

AI Capabilities: Flow was among the early agencies to weave AI considerations into their campaigns. On the process side, they use AI tools to improve efficiency – for example, using machine learning to prioritize keywords or identify content gaps quickly. For client-facing strategy, Flow recognizes that AI is reshaping how content is found and consumed, especially for the kinds of complex queries a B2B buyer might ask. They’ve been adapting content strategies accordingly. Flow emphasizes quality over quantity, meaning they aim to create standout content pieces that both rank highly on Google and are deemed valuable enough to be pulled into AI summaries or voice assistant answers.

One area Flow has been vocal about is the importance of human expertise in content, even as AI generates answers. They often involve subject matter experts in the content creation process (e.g., interviewing a client’s product manager to get insights for a blog post). This results in content that AI would classify as high expertise – increasing its chance of being used. They’ve also noted that data-driven content (surveys, original research) tends to attract links and mentions, which again is gold for AI training. So Flow helps clients create those assets.

From a technical perspective, Flow ensures international SEO and localization are handled (they have experience with multi-country SaaS SEO). This is relevant to AI because an AI might be language-agnostic – Flow would ensure content is well-tagged for language, and that core information is translated consistently, so an AI in any region can access the correct details. They also track what kinds of queries trigger AI results versus traditional snippets and adjust their targeting. For example, if “how to do X with [software]” triggers an AI overview, they’ll double down on making their client’s answer to that query the best on the web.

Flow’s integrated approach (SEO + PPC) also means they can do clever things like test messaging in ads to see what resonates (quick feedback), then incorporate the winning messages into on-page content – knowing that might be exactly the snippet an AI grabs. They truly merge the art of advertising (catchy, user-focused messaging) with the science of SEO (structure, keyword relevance). That synergy is powerful in the AI era where answers need both factual accuracy and user appeal.

Services and Industry Focus: Flow’s services include SEO audits, content strategy, link building, Google Ads management, and even design/UX consulting for landing pages. By focusing on SaaS and software companies, they are adept at understanding complex products and distilling value props into content that ranks and converts. They often act as an outsourced growth marketing team for SaaS firms that might not have that in-house. The AI bent means for a SaaS client, they will ensure things like knowledge base articles, support FAQs, etc., are optimized too, since those often feed AI answers for “how do I integrate X with Y” type questions.

Flow also has an eye on future-proofing SEO. They might advise clients to implement schema for how-to tutorials, add chatbot widgets on their site (to capture long-tail questions and data directly), or structure their documentation so that it could be directly used by AI (almost like creating a FAQ solely for AI consumption). Their size means they’re selective – they typically partner with clients where they can really move the needle (SaaS with ambitious growth targets or needing market education).

Pricing/Client Size: As a boutique firm led by a known expert, Flow operates on a high-touch retainer model. Clients should expect a bespoke plan, likely in the several thousand dollars per month range. They usually work with mid-stage SaaS startups (Series A/B) to mid-size tech companies. If you’re a SaaS CEO or CMO wanting both your organic and paid search handled with a synchronized strategy – and want an agency that’s experimenting with AI in the background to give you an edge – Flow is a top choice. They’re big enough to have diverse skills (they’ll bring in a PPC specialist, an SEO strategist, a content writer as needed) but small enough that you’ll be talking directly to the strategists, including Viola. Their success metric isn’t just traffic, but relevant pipeline and ROI, which aligns well for B2B companies concerned with lead quality.

8. Siege Media – Content Powerhouse Adapting to Generative Search

Who They Are: Siege Media is a renowned content-focused SEO agency headquartered in Austin (with offices in San Diego and New York). They’ve grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by a formula of creating high-quality, link-worthy content (especially infographics, guides, and blog posts) for clients. Siege has been consistently ranked among top SEO agencies due to their ability to drive organic traffic via content. They serve a mix of B2B and B2C companies; some notable clients include Asana, Zillow, Shipt, and Casper. Siege’s internal mantra is about making content that doesn’t just rank, but also earns links naturally – a very important factor for SEO and now AI (since AI views a link from a reputable site as a sign of authority).

AI Capabilities: Siege approaches the AI search evolution from the content angle. They know that if content can capture featured snippets and People Also Ask boxes on Google, it’s more likely to be used in AI answers. So, they are training their content creators to write in a concise, question-and-answer style when appropriate. Siege’s blog has discussed strategies like ensuring the first paragraph answers the query directly (great for snippets and voice search), which by extension helps AI usage.

Another adaptation is optimizing content for “zero-click” scenarios. Siege recognizes that AI Overviews reduce clicks, so they make sure that a client’s brand is prominent in the content itself. For example, rather than a generic opening, a blog post might say “According to BrandName’s research, XYZ…” – so if an AI pulls that text, the brand gets mentioned. They also ensure all facts are backed by credible sources (often linking out to .edu or .gov sites) because they know AI algorithms check for source credibility. This practice boosts E-E-A-T and can indirectly make AI more likely to trust the content.

Siege Media has also been investing in graphic content (custom images, charts) for years, which now gives an edge: Google’s SGE sometimes shows visuals in the AI summary carousel. If Siege’s content provides an original graphic that others cite, Google might include it in the overview (with a source link). The same goes for Bing’s chat which can display images – content with visuals could be more engaging for AI to present.

On the technical side, Siege works with clients’ dev teams to implement structured data that can help (FAQ schema for Q&As, Article schema with author info to bolster trust). They also advise on Google’s guidance for AI-content – for example, using the new “data-nosnippet” tags carefully if there’s content you don’t want AI to quote, and conversely making sure nothing important is inadvertently blocked from being used in overviews.

Services and Industry Focus: Siege’s core service is content marketing with an SEO lens. They typically start with keyword research, map out a content calendar, produce the content (writing and design), and may even publish it on the client’s CMS. They also do on-page SEO tuning and some digital PR (especially outreach for the content to get those natural links). Their model fits well for SaaS tools, web apps, consumer services, and any business that can educate or entertain with content. For instance, a cybersecurity firm could hire Siege to build out a knowledge base that ranks for compliance questions; an e-commerce mattress brand like Casper used Siege to create sleep guides that attracted thousands of readers.

With AI in the mix, Siege is focusing on content that answers mid-to-long form questions – basically, making their clients’ sites the go-to authority on their topic. If the content is truly the best answer, Google’s AI is more likely to draw from it. Industries like finance or health that have Your Money Your Life implications require extra care; Siege helps by ensuring content has expert quotes or reviews, which not only appeases Google’s algorithm but also likely influences AI (which is trained to value expert-backed info).

Pricing/Client Size: Siege typically works on a retainer or content bundle basis. A client might sign up for, say, 10 content pieces per month. With design and outreach included, budgets can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands per month depending on volume. They are not the cheapest (you’re paying for quality content that can generate ROI for years). Siege is best suited for companies that understand content is an investment – often mid-size companies and well-funded startups, as well as enterprise companies that need a lot of content at scale. If you are, for example, a CMO at a software company who needs to significantly grow organic traffic and brand authority in the next year (and you have the budget for a content program), Siege Media is a strong contender. They will likely set a strategy like “create 100 pieces of content in the next 6 months targeting these informational queries” and then execute it end-to-end. With the generative search changes, they’ll also monitor which content pieces are getting picked up by AI and adjust accordingly (imagine seeing one article’s snippet is often used by Bing Chat – Siege might then suggest creating a follow-up piece to cover the topic even more comprehensively).

9. Clarity Global – Enterprise SEO & Communications with an AI Search Focus

Who They Are: Clarity Global is a full-service digital marketing and communications agency with a strong presence in both London and New York. They were founded in 2001 (with roots as a PR firm) and have since expanded to include performance marketing, including SEO. Clarity is unique on this list because of their DNA in PR and corporate communications, which they have smartly merged with SEO in recent years. They work with a lot of FinTech, cybersecurity, and emerging tech companies – industries where trust and brand reputation are as important as technical SEO. Clarity has grown through acquisitions and global expansion, and notably, they are a certified B Corp, reflecting a commitment to transparency and ethics.

AI Capabilities: Clarity Global uses the term “GEO” (Generative Engine Optimization) in their services, emphasizing that it’s the next level of SEO rather than a replacement. Their approach to AI search is heavily centered on quality, accuracy, and authority. Coming from a PR background, Clarity understands the importance of being seen as a trusted authority – which aligns perfectly with what AI systems prioritize (e.g., Bard and Bing will cite sources that have strong authority signals). So Clarity’s SEO strategies involve positioning clients as thought leaders online, getting their experts quoted on reputable publications, and ensuring their content meets high factual standards.

Clarity is likely helping clients implement AI-specific content strategies, such as creating content that directly answers frequent industry questions (almost like building an FAQ of the entire industry on the client’s site). They emphasize conversational, natural language content – moving away from dry keyword stuffing to more of a Q&A or explainer tone that AI can easily incorporate. Their communications expertise also plays into prompt anticipation: by understanding how journalists and users ask questions, they can guess how an AI might be queried and then create content to fit those queries.

On the technical front, Clarity ensures all the brand’s digital footprints are optimized: they might assist in structuring a client’s Wikipedia page, optimizing LinkedIn articles by the CEO, and making sure press releases are SEO-friendly. This 360-degree approach helps because AI might draw from any of these sources when compiling an answer. If a client is in a crisis PR situation, Clarity would also know how to manage that so that AI doesn’t surface negative or outdated info (e.g., by pushing updated positive content, getting new reviews or articles out that an AI will train on next).

Clarity’s GEO service likely includes measurement – they might show metrics like “Increase in brand mentions within AI results” or track coverage in AI-generated content. They’ve framed GEO results as delivering “measurable increases in brand mentions within AI responses”. They also talk about “Exploding visibility” and “First-mover advantage” – encouraging clients to invest early in AI optimization to outpace competitors who are slower to adapt.

Services and Industry Focus: Clarity offers SEO, content marketing, digital PR, social media, and analytics, all under one roof. For SEO/AEO specifically, their service might begin with an audit of how a brand currently appears in AI searches (similar to Blue Array’s approach) and then a roadmap to improve it: which could involve technical fixes, new content creation, online reputation management, and authority building. Their sweet spot industries (FinTech, cybersecurity, B2B tech, some consumer tech) benefit from their integrated comms+SEO approach. For example, a cybersecurity firm might need to rank for topics about data breaches. Clarity would not only optimize the site for those keywords but also get the company’s executives speaking about data breaches in the media – so an AI that scans news articles sees the company’s name associated with the topic “data breach expertise.” That cross-pollination is powerful.

Clarity is global, so they can handle multi-region SEO campaigns, which is crucial for companies operating in different markets (they will ensure content is localized and that AI or search engines in each region see the brand’s relevance). They also focus on crisis mitigation in AI – i.e., making sure inaccuracies don’t spread. If an AI pulled wrong info, Clarity would know how to correct it at the source (by ensuring the correct info is published on high-authority sites, since you can’t exactly “tell” the AI directly to fix something).

Pricing/Client Size: As an enterprise-grade agency, Clarity’s engagements are custom and often on the larger budget side. They likely work on monthly retainers that encompass multiple facets (some hours on SEO, some on PR, etc.). Clients are usually mid-to-large enterprises or high-growth scale-ups that might be Series C or beyond. If you are a CMO or VP Marketing at a tech company that needs not just SEO, but a partner to manage your brand’s entire digital reputation and visibility, Clarity is built for that. They’ll sit at the table with your communications and marketing teams, crafting unified strategies (e.g., an SEO content plan that aligns with your PR calendar and product launches). With the advent of AI in search, having a unified front is vital – you don’t want your SEO saying one thing and PR doing another, when AI is going to amalgamate all information about your brand. Clarity excels at that cohesion.

For companies in sensitive or highly competitive industries (finance, health, etc.), Clarity offers an added layer of confidence because they understand compliance and risk – they won’t, for instance, use generative AI to spit out content that hasn’t been fact-checked, as that could backfire legally or reputation-wise. This cautious, brand-first approach sets them apart in ensuring that ranking in AI search doesn’t come at the expense of accuracy or trust.

10. NP Digital – Global Reach with a Performance-Driven AI SEO Strategy

Who They Are:
Founded by marketing influencer and entrepreneur Neil Patel, NP Digital has grown into a global performance marketing agency with offices in North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. While it began as an extension of Patel’s personal brand, NP Digital is now a full-scale firm with hundreds of employees serving enterprise and high-growth brands across a wide spectrum of industries. Their portfolio includes clients like Adobe, Intuit, SoFi, and CNN, highlighting their ability to execute at scale. They’re consistently ranked among the top agencies by publications like Adweek and The Drum, and their international footprint allows them to operate multi-market SEO campaigns in over 40 languages.

AI Capabilities:
NP Digital has made a clear pivot toward AI-enhanced search optimization, both in client service delivery and in thought leadership. Neil Patel’s team has written extensively on the rise of zero-click search, AI Overviews, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), providing early and ongoing analysis of how platforms like Google SGE and ChatGPT affect organic visibility. Their blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter have educated millions of marketers on these changes, and internally, NP Digital has implemented new service lines and frameworks to help clients adapt.

The agency uses AI-powered content planning tools to identify opportunities that align with how AI engines understand and respond to queries. They emphasize topical authority, creating structured content hierarchies that make it easier for AI to associate a brand with a particular subject. For example, in a recent initiative with a fintech client, NP Digital created a content ecosystem spanning explainers, data visualizations, and expert Q&As—ensuring the brand appeared in traditional search results and also in ChatGPT citations when users asked about financial wellness.

Their content creation process includes structured schema markup, Q&A formatting, and FAQ blocks, all designed to increase the odds of being referenced in AI summaries or snapshots. They also factor in entity-based optimization, ensuring that brand and product names are consistently linked to high-authority data points that influence AI models during training. Importantly, NP Digital isn’t just publishing AI SEO content—they’re using first-party data from their global campaigns to inform what’s working and what’s changing, week by week.

For companies facing a decline in traditional organic traffic, NP Digital has developed a diagnostic framework that assesses AI visibility leakage—where content is being surfaced but not clicked, or where competitors are showing up in AI answers instead. Their proposed remedies often blend SEO, content strategy, CRO, and even paid amplification to fill in gaps and regain lost brand awareness.

Services and Industry Focus:
NP Digital is a full-funnel marketing partner offering SEO, paid media, content strategy, conversion optimization, analytics, social media, and influencer marketing. They serve enterprise clients, high-growth B2B and B2C brands, and mid-market companies that need aggressive performance. Industries they focus on include SaaS, fintech, healthcare, education, e-commerce, and media. Their integrated approach makes them particularly well-suited for clients who need cross-channel consistency, where AI SEO is part of a larger growth engine.

They also provide international SEO services, making them a go-to choice for companies with global ambitions. Their understanding of multilingual content optimization, region-specific AI behavior, and cross-border search intent helps large brands ensure consistency in AI citations across markets.

Pricing/Client Size:
NP Digital operates with a consultative onboarding and customized proposal model, which means pricing is not publicly listed and is highly dependent on scope, regions served, and growth goals. Their clients range from mid-size businesses with multi-channel needs to global enterprises requiring deep integration with internal teams. While not a fit for small local businesses, NP Digital is well-positioned for marketing leaders who want a scalable agency partner that can integrate AI search optimization into broader digital strategy. Their size, resources, and real-time industry tracking make them especially valuable for companies that can’t afford to fall behind in a rapidly shifting SEO landscape.

If you’re seeking a global team that pairs data-driven rigor with creative storytelling—and knows how to get your brand cited by both humans and machines—NP Digital is a strong contender. Just make sure you’re ready to scale: their solutions are built for teams who are serious about growth.

Conclusion: Succeeding in AI Search Requires the Right Partner

The rise of generative AI in search is changing the game of SEO at a breakneck pace. What used to be a straightforward question of “How do I rank #1 for this keyword?” has evolved into a complex puzzle: How do I become the trusted source that an AI will reference when answering my audience’s questions? The 10 agencies profiled here are at the forefront of solving that puzzle. Each brings a unique set of strengths – whether it’s technical SEO wizardry, powerhouse content creation, PR-driven authority building, or cutting-edge AI analytics – but they all share a common trait: the ability to adapt and innovate in the face of search’s rapid evolution.

For B2B marketing leaders in SaaS, healthcare, professional services, cybersecurity, manufacturing, logistics, and beyond, the urgency is clear. Choosing an SEO partner who “gets” AI-driven search is no longer optional. Your prospective clients are experimenting with ChatGPT for research, relying on AI Overviews for quick info, and using voice assistants to make decisions on the fly. If your content isn’t optimized and structured for these new platforms, you may be invisible when and where it counts most. As Google’s SGE and other AI engines continue to gain adoption, early movers will reap a disproportionate share of the visibility. Many traditional SEO firms are lagging – they might still be talking about title tags and meta keywords while the conversation has moved to training data, knowledge graphs, and LLMs.

The agencies listed here are not only keeping up with the conversation, they’re helping lead it. However, remember that “leading” doesn’t mean invincible. The field of AI search is so new that continuous experimentation is key. Whichever partner you choose, ensure they demonstrate a culture of testing and learning. Ask them how they stay updated on AI developments. Have them show examples of how they’ve gotten content into an AI answer box, or how they measure success beyond just Google rankings. And most importantly, look for alignment with your business goals. The right agency should talk not just about traffic, but about leads, conversions, and ROI from these new search experiences.

Finally, take an active role yourself: test your brand’s visibility in AI. Use the tip mentioned earlier – try some relevant prompts on different AI platforms. See which of your competitors show up in the answers. Share these findings with your agency. This kind of collaborative, informed approach will yield the best results. The world of AI search is “generative” and so should be your strategy – constantly generating new insights, optimizations, and content tweaks to stay ahead.

In summary, the complexity of AI-driven search can be daunting, but with a capable SEO partner and a willingness to adapt, your brand can not only rank in AI search results but thrive in them. The agencies above are leading the charge, helping brands like yours secure their place in the future of search. Choose wisely, stay curious, and you’ll find your company at the forefront of this exciting new landscape – visible in AI search results, voice answers, AI chat conversations, and whatever comes next.

Remember, in the age of AI, the best answer wins – and with the right strategy and team, that answer can be yours.

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Will Melton

President & CEO at Xponent21

Will Melton, CEO of Xponent21 and consultant to global companies, brings nearly 20 years of business leadership in technology and marketing to his work. He is passionate about crafting innovative strategies that solve deep problems and drive organizations toward their goals. Will is the founder of AI Ready RVA and Richmond Water, is an podcast host for Channel RVA and serves on several charitable boards in Richmond, VA.

Latest posts by Will Melton (see all)

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