Updated: February 2026 | 18 minute read
About This Guide
Full transparency: This guide is compiled by Koozai, and we’ve included ourselves in the listings below. We’ve applied the same inclusion criteria to ourselves as every other agency featured here. Being listed doesn’t mean “best” – it means “worth investigating” based on demonstrable experience, public work, and industry presence.
What Makes This Guide Useful
- Transparency first: We’re clear about who we are and why agencies are included
- No implied endorsements: Listing doesn’t mean “best”, it means “worth researching for your specific needs”
- Organised alphabetically by specialty: Find agencies by what they actually do, not arbitrary rankings
- Updated regularly: We refresh this annually based on market changes and new information
- Clear criteria: You’ll see exactly why each agency made the list
How We Selected These Agencies
We included agencies that met multiple criteria:
- Demonstrable client results: Public case studies, testimonials, or visible work
- Industry recognition: Awards, speaking engagements, thought leadership contributions
- Service depth: Clear expertise in their claimed specialisms
- Transparent communication: Clear about their processes and approach
- Active industry presence: Participation in professional communities, conferences, or publications
What we didn’t do: We didn’t evaluate these agencies against each other or rank them in order of “best.” That determination depends entirely on your specific business needs, budget, timeline, and goals. We’ve added them in alphabetical order.
Browse by Specialty
Full-Service Digital Marketing Agencies
These agencies offer integrated services across multiple channels, useful if you want one partner handling SEO, paid media, content, pr and digital strategy together.
Aira
Founded: 2015
Services: SEO, paid media, digital PR, content marketing, inbound marketing
Location: Milton Keynes
Why they’re included: Aira takes a cohesive cross-channel approach with coordinated teams. Founded by industry veterans Paddy Moogan and Matt Beswick, they’ve built a reputation for integrated campaigns that combine technical SEO with creative content and digital PR.
Notable clients: Veriff (identity verification), Just Tyres, Post Beyond, Work Buzz
Clarity
Scale: Part of large international agency group
Services: Full-spectrum marketing communications
Locations: London, Cornwall, Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sydney
Why they’re included: Clarity offers global reach with local expertise across multiple markets. Their international presence and integrated communications approach make them worth considering for brands with multi-market needs.
Notable clients: Fit Trak, This Girl Can (Sport England campaign), Falmouth University, ReeVoo
Digital 24
Founded: Founded by award-winning digital marketer Niamh Taylor
Services: Paid search, paid social, display advertising, organic social, content marketing, conversion optimisation
Location: Belfast and Omagh, Northern Ireland
Why they’re included: Digital 24 focuses on maximising value from client budgets through strategic channel integration. Their approach combines paid and organic strategies with a strong emphasis on conversion optimisation and ROI.
Notable clients: Colinwell, Belfast Skin Clinic, Irish Greyhound Board, Titanic Suites
Embryo
Founded: 2015
Services: Search-first marketing across SEO, paid media, and content
Location: UK-based independent agency
Why they’re included: Embryo positions itself as a search-first agency with a focus on innovation and growth. As an independent agency, they’ve built their reputation on delivering measurable results without the constraints of holding company ownership.
Notable clients: Parking Eye, I Saw it First (fashion retailer), Burgess (yacht brokerage)
Koozai (This Guide’s Author)
Founded: 2006
Services: SEO, PPC, content marketing, digital PR, web development
Location: UK-based independent agency with a fully remote team
Why we’re here: We’ve been delivering data-led campaigns since 2006 for clients ranging from SMEs to enterprise brands. Our work includes projects with Travelbag (hospitality, leisure, travel & tourism), Srixon (sports retalier), Stannah Lifts (mobility solutions), Boring Money (financial services), and Bandai (retail).
Full disclosure: This guide is compiled by Koozai. We’ve held ourselves to the same inclusion criteria as everyone else listed. Our approach combines creativity, technical expertise, and data analysis to deliver measurable results across organic and paid channels.
Notable work:
- Srixon Sports SEO case study
- Stannah Lifts paid media case study
- Boring Money content marketing case study
Get in touch with Koozai | View all case studies
Red Hot Penny
Background: Acquired by PHA Group in 2022
Services: PR, SEO, paid search, content, social media
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Red Hot Penny combines traditional PR expertise with digital marketing capabilities. Their acquisition by PHA Group (a major PR agency) has expanded their resources while maintaining their focus on delivering measurable results for both consumer and corporate clients.
Notable clients: Needle & Thread (fashion), World of Wallpaper, La Perla (luxury retail)
Digital PR Specialists
If your priority is earning media coverage, building brand awareness, and generating quality backlinks through creative campaigns, these agencies focus specifically on digital PR.
Click Intelligence
Services: Search marketing with integrated digital PR
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Click Intelligence combines search marketing with digital PR to help brands continually improve their online presence. Their integrated approach ensures campaigns work across both paid and earned media.
Notable clients: Heart & Paw (veterinary), Bakers Dolphin (coach travel), Smart Hosting
Impression
Services: Digital growth with strong PR and creative capabilities
Locations: Manchester, Nottingham, London
Why they’re included: Impression positions itself as a strategic partner for ambitious brands, combining digital PR with broader growth marketing expertise. Their multi-office UK presence provides regional knowledge with national reach.
Notable clients: Paul Camper (campervan rental), Cuckooland (homeware), Teemill (sustainable fashion), Mollie (payments)
JBH
Services: Digital PR with global reach
Locations: London and Manchester
Markets served: UK, US, Australia, Europe
Why they’re included: JBH works with brands across multiple international markets to increase brand visibility in search results through digital PR. Their international experience makes them worth considering for brands with multi-market needs.
Notable clients: Preply (language learning), Affise (partnership marketing), Delamare (interiors), Money.co.uk
Kaizen
Services: Digital PR for global brands
Locations: London and Manchester
Why they’re included: Kaizen works with international brands to deliver digital experiences that engage audiences and drive business growth. Their focus on compelling storytelling combined with search visibility makes them worth considering for brands seeking media coverage.
Notable clients: Savoo, DirectlyApply, Peldon Rose, CCleaner
Reboot
Services: Creative and technical online marketing with strong digital PR capabilities
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Reboot balances creative thinking with technical knowledge to deliver digital PR campaigns that generate coverage and links. Their in-house strategies have proven effective across diverse industries.
Notable clients: Money.co.uk, 2K (gaming), Lottie (animation software)
Rise at Seven
Leadership: Founded and led by Carrie Rose
Services: Digital PR combining search demand, media relevance, and creative campaigns
Locations: UK, US, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands
Why they’re included: Rise at Seven has built a strong reputation for creative digital PR campaigns that generate both media coverage and valuable backlinks. They’re particularly known for data-driven studies, reactive newsjacking, and trending topic campaigns.
Campaign types: Social search campaigns, reactive newsjacking, data studies, product PR, trending stories, new product launches, creative stunts
Notable clients: Boohoo, Made.com, Next Vacay, Pretty Little Thing
SEO Specialists
These agencies focus primarily or exclusively on organic search, offering deep expertise in technical SEO, content strategy, and link building.
Blue Array
Services: SEO exclusively (no other services)
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Blue Array’s exclusive focus on SEO demonstrates their commitment to specialisation. They’ve chosen to concentrate all their energy on doing SEO exceptionally well rather than offering multiple services.
Notable clients: Click Mechanic, Encore, Floom, Hey Car
Click Slice
Services: SEO exclusively
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Click Slice focuses solely on SEO, using data-driven processes to deliver results. Their specialisation allows them to concentrate all expertise and resources on organic search.
Notable clients: Dejex, Recipe, Ceres
Exposure Ninja
Services: SEO with mission-driven approach
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Exposure Ninja combines SEO services with a social mission, using profits to fund projects that provide education and empowerment. This makes them worth considering for brands that value working with mission-driven partners.
Notable clients: Black Orchid Gifts, Aesthetics Clinic, Master the Curriculum, Regain Hearing
Hallam Internet
Services: Strategic digital marketing with strong SEO focus
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Hallam Internet combines precision with persuasion in their SEO strategies. Their strategic approach focuses on achieving measurable results for ambitious brands.
Notable clients: Orgvue, Ready Steady Store, Manage at Home, Internet Reptile
Pearl Lemon
Founded: 2016 by Deepak Shukla
Services: SEO across SaaS, healthcare, finance, eCommerce, professional services
Location: London-based with distributed global team (130+ specialists across four continents)
Why they’re included: Pearl Lemon has grown from a solo consultant operation in 2016 to a substantial global team. Their focus on results and accountability, rather than buzzwords, has helped them build a client base across diverse industries.
Background: Started by founder working from London cafés, now serving clients across multiple continents with sector-specific expertise.
The Good Marketer
Focus: Small business digital marketing and SEO
Location: London
Why they’re included: Unlike agencies that focus on enterprise clients, The Good Marketer specifically targets small businesses. They position themselves as an extension of the client team, focusing on understanding the business and audience rather than just delivering services.
Notable clients: String Ting, Canopy Plants, Kavee Cages, Relco London
Content Marketing Specialists
These agencies specialise in content strategy, creation, and distribution; from video production to editorial content and thought leadership.
Digital Litmus
Services: B2B content marketing
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Digital Litmus specialises in B2B content marketing, focusing on building audiences and converting prospects through authentic, insightful, and engaging content. Their B2B specialisation makes them particularly relevant for service-based businesses.
Notable clients: YuLife (employee benefits), Spektrix (arts ticketing), Arch Over, Isams (school software)
Digitaloft
Services: Specialist content marketing agency
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Digitaloft focuses specifically on helping clients create the best content for their business needs, whether for organic rankings or link acquisition. Their content specialisation provides deep expertise in content strategy and execution.
Notable clients: Inkifi (photo printing), Veygo (insurance), Kitchen Knives
Gravity Global
Background: Originally Further (Norwich), acquired by Gravity Global
Services: Content marketing and creative services
Location: Norwich and international offices
Why they’re included: Gravity Global combines local Norwich heritage with international reach. Their acquisition has expanded capabilities while maintaining focus on creative content solutions.
Notable clients: Snap, WaterLogic, Norwich University of the Arts
Pull The Pin
Services: Digital strategy, creative content, video production
Location: Birmingham
Why they’re included: Pull The Pin brings together digital strategy and creative content production with measurable success metrics. Their video production capabilities combined with strategic targeting make them worth considering for brands needing visual content.
Notable clients: Idex, Pay Escape, Ingeous, Leon
Paid Media Specialists
Agencies with deep expertise in PPC, paid social, shopping, display, and other paid channels.
Damteq
Services: Design and growth marketing
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Damteq provides end-to-end services combining design with growth marketing. Their commercially aware approach helps companies grow effectively, logically, and reliably.
Notable clients: Aqua, Degree Skin Clinic, Viking Extrusions
Found
Services: PPC specialists with data science team
Location: London
Why they’re included: Found combines PPC expertise with data science capabilities, providing smart data-driven campaigns. Their team of channel experts and data scientists work together to improve online performance significantly.
Notable clients: Napier, Marley, Today Tix
Pole Star Digital
Services: Data-driven paid media solutions
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Pole Star delivers high-performing, intelligent, data-driven digital marketing solutions. Their analytical approach to paid media ensures campaigns are continuously optimised based on performance data.
Notable clients: Cotton & Cologne, Tens (pain relief), Børsen, Hay Group
Specialist & Niche Agencies
Agencies that specialise in specific sectors, technologies, or niche services.
Polka Dot Data
Services: Google Analytics and Tag Manager specialists
Leadership: Founded by Anna
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: Polka Dot Data specialises exclusively in analytics, focusing on Google Analytics and Tag Manager implementation. Their plain-English approach makes complex data accessible and actionable for driving sales results.
Notable clients: Traeger (grills), Cooks Academy, The Folio Society, Dobell
PushON
Services: eCommerce-focused full-service agency
Leadership: Founded by Si
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: PushON specialises in eCommerce, providing complete web development and marketing services. Their focus on powerful open-source platforms helps eCommerce brands drive sales effectively.
Notable clients: Silver Cross (nursery products), Medline, Herdy, Brandon Hire Station
RE:Signal
Services: Organic growth for eCommerce brands
Location: UK-based
Why they’re included: RE:Signal focuses specifically on driving organic growth for ambitious eCommerce brands through technical SEO, on-site content, and link reputation. Their eCommerce specialisation provides sector-specific expertise.
Notable clients: Reformation (sustainable fashion), Oka (furniture), Loop Earplugs
How to Choose the Right Digital Marketing Agency for Your Business
Finding an agency that genuinely fits your business needs requires more than browsing websites. Here’s a practical framework for making this important decision:
1. Start by Clarifying Your Objectives
Before reaching out to any agency, be clear about what you’re trying to achieve:
- Specific challenges: Are you struggling with organic visibility, paid media ROI, content production, or brand awareness?
- Business goals: Are you focused on lead generation, sales growth, market expansion, or brand building?
- Channel needs: Do you need specialists in one area or integrated support across multiple channels?
- Timeline: What’s your timeframe for seeing results? (Realistic expectations matter)
2. Match Agency Expertise to Your Needs
- For technical SEO issues: Look for agencies with strong technical capabilities and resources
- For brand awareness: Consider digital PR specialists whose case studies show they can generate media coverage
- For eCommerce: Agencies with eCommerce specialisation understand platform-specific challenges
- For integrated campaigns: Full-service agencies can coordinate across multiple channels
- For B2B: Look for agencies with demonstrable B2B experience and longer sales cycle understanding
3. Evaluate Industry Experience
While good marketing principles apply across sectors, agencies with experience in your industry bring valuable advantages:
- Understanding of customer behaviour and decision-making processes
- Knowledge of regulatory constraints (particularly important in finance, healthcare, legal)
- Familiarity with seasonal patterns and market dynamics
- Established relationships with industry-specific media or influencers
However: Don’t make industry experience a strict requirement. Sometimes fresh perspectives from outside your sector can bring innovative approaches.
4. Research Research Research
Do your due diligence:
- Case studies: Look for specific, measurable results, not just vague success stories
- Client testimonials: Check third-party review platforms, not just testimonials on their site
- Their own marketing: Do they practice what they preach? Is their website optimised? Is their content high-quality?
- Thought leadership: Do they contribute to industry knowledge through blogs, speaking, or tools?
- Client references: Ask to speak with current or past clients in similar industries
5. Consider Budget and Value
- Set realistic expectations: Quality digital marketing requires investment, beware of agencies offering unrealistically low prices
- Understand pricing models: Monthly retainers, project-based, hourly rates, performance-based; each has pros and cons
- Ask what’s included: Some agencies include tools and software in retainers, others charge separately
- Consider long-term costs: SEO and content marketing often require 6-12 months to show significant results
- Value alignment: The cheapest option rarely delivers the best results, but the most expensive isn’t always the best fit either
6. Assess Communication and Culture Fit
You’ll be working closely with this agency, so compatibility matters:
- Communication style: Do they explain things clearly or hide behind jargon?
- Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond during the sales process? (This often indicates future responsiveness)
- Transparency: Are they upfront about what they can and can’t do?
- Team structure: Will you work with senior people or junior account managers?
- Reporting: What metrics do they track and how often do they report?
7. Ask the Right Questions
When speaking with potential agencies, ask:
- “Can you walk me through your process for [specific need]?”
- “How do you measure success for clients like us?”
- “Who specifically would be working on our account day-to-day?”
- “What’s included in your standard retainer versus what costs extra?”
- “Can you share examples of similar work you’ve done and the results achieved?”
- “What tools and platforms do you use, and are there additional costs?”
- “How do you stay current with algorithm changes and industry developments?”
- “What do you need from us to be successful?”
8. Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of agencies that:
- Guarantee specific rankings: No legitimate agency can guarantee #1 positions in Google
- Promise overnight results: Sustainable SEO and content marketing take time
- Are vague about methodology: Good agencies can explain their approach clearly
- Lack transparency on pricing: You should understand what you’re paying for
- Have no verifiable case studies: Results should be demonstrable, not just claimed
- Pressure immediate commitments: Good agencies are confident enough to let you make informed decisions
- Won’t provide references: Client confidentiality is one thing, but they should be able to provide some references
9. Consider Agency Size and Resources
- Larger agencies: More resources, broader capabilities, potential for multiple specialists. May have higher minimums and less flexibility or give you a team of juniors.
- Smaller agencies/boutiques: Often more personalised service, direct access to senior people, more agile. May have resource limitations for very large projects.
10. Think About Contract Terms
Some agencies:
- Tie you in to a minimum 12 month retainer with a specific date to serve notice or it rolls for a further year
- Others are more flexible and offer terms that let you exit with 90 days notice at any time
Why Work with a Digital Marketing Agency?
Hiring a digital marketing agency offers several advantages over building an in-house team or attempting to manage marketing yourself:
Access to Specialised Expertise
Agencies employ specialists across multiple disciplines – SEO, PPC, content, social media, analytics, design. Getting this breadth of expertise in-house would require hiring and managing multiple people.
Tools and Technology
Professional agencies invest in premium tools for SEO research, analytics, competitive intelligence, rank tracking, and more. These tools often cost thousands of pounds monthly and require expertise to use effectively.
Efficiency and Speed
Agencies have established processes, templates, and workflows that accelerate campaign deployment. What might take months to figure out internally can often be implemented in weeks.
Fresh Perspectives
External agencies bring insights from working across multiple industries and clients. They can spot opportunities or issues that internal teams might miss due to being too close to the business.
Scalability
As your business grows, agencies can scale their services accordingly. During slower periods, you’re not paying for unused internal capacity.
Staying Current
Digital marketing changes rapidly; algorithm updates, new platforms, evolving best practices. Agencies invest in continuous training and staying current because it’s central to their business.
Measurable ROI
Professional agencies focus on measurable results and are accountable for demonstrating return on investment. Good agencies will regularly report on metrics that matter to your business.
What to Expect When Working with an Agency
The Onboarding Process
Most agencies will begin with:
- Discovery phase: Deep dive into your business, goals, competitors, and current marketing
- Access and setup: Getting access to your analytics, ad accounts, website, and other platforms
- Audit and analysis: Comprehensive review of current performance and opportunities
- Strategy development: Creating a roadmap based on findings and your objectives
- Implementation planning: Defining priorities, timelines, and responsibilities
Ongoing Collaboration
Successful agency relationships require:
- Regular communication: Weekly check-ins, monthly reporting
- Your input and feedback: You know your business best; agencies need your insights
- Timely approvals: Campaigns can’t move forward without your sign-off
- Access to resources: Product information, brand assets, customer insights
- Reasonable expectations: Understanding that results take time, especially for SEO and content
Measuring Success
Good agencies will track and report on metrics aligned to your goals:
- Traffic metrics: Organic sessions, paid clicks, traffic sources
- Engagement metrics: Time on site, pages per session
- Conversion metrics: Leads generated, sales, revenue, cost per acquisition
- Ranking metrics: Keyword positions, visibility scores (for SEO)
- Brand metrics: Share of voice, media coverage, backlinks (for PR)
Making Your Decision
Choosing a digital marketing agency is a significant decision that will impact your business growth. The agencies listed in this guide represent a range of capabilities, specialisms, and approaches, but the “right” choice depends entirely on your specific situation.
Remember:
- There’s no universal “best” agency – only the best fit for your needs, budget, and goals
- This guide is a starting point for research, not a definitive recommendation
- Always do your own due diligence before committing to any agency partnership
- Don’t rush the decision – take time to evaluate options and ask questions
- The best relationships are built on clear communication, mutual respect, and aligned objectives
If you’d like to explore how Koozai might support your digital marketing goals, we’re happy to have a conversation about your specific needs, no obligations, just an open discussion about whether we might be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a “best agencies” ranking?
This is a resource guide, not a ranking. We don’t claim to know which agency is “best”, that depends on your specific needs. Instead, we’ve identified agencies worth researching based on transparent criteria like demonstrable results, industry recognition, and service depth. The agencies are organised by specialty to help you find relevant options, not ranked in order of quality.
Why is Koozai included if you created this guide?
Transparency is important to us. We’ve included Koozai because we meet the same criteria we applied to every other agency: demonstrable client results, industry presence, and transparent service offerings. We’re clear about being the guide’s author and don’t position ourselves as superior to others listed, just as one option worth considering alongside the others.
Do agencies pay to be included?
No. This is an editorial resource, not a paid directory. Agencies are included based on research, industry presence, and meeting our selection criteria.
How often is this guide updated?
We update this guide annually, with spot updates when we learn about significant changes (acquisitions, major pivots, etc.). The current version was last updated in February 2026.
What if I need an agency in a specific location?
While many agencies work with clients nationally or internationally, some businesses prefer local agencies for in-person meetings or regional expertise. Most agencies listed specify their location(s). However, in the digital marketing industry, remote collaboration is common and effective so don’t necessarily limit yourself to local options.
How much should I budget for digital marketing agency services?
Costs vary significantly based on scope, agency size, and your needs. As a rough guide:
– Small businesses might start with £1,500-£3,000/month for focused services
– Mid-size businesses often invest £3,000-£10,000/month for integrated support
– Enterprise clients may invest £10,000-£50,000+/month for comprehensive programs
However, these are generalisations; always discuss specific pricing with agencies directly.
Should I hire a specialist or a full-service agency?
It depends on your needs:
– Specialists offer deep expertise in one area (SEO, PPC, PR) and are ideal if you have a specific challenge or already have other channels covered
– Full-service agencies can coordinate across multiple channels, which is valuable for integrated campaigns and businesses that need comprehensive support
Some businesses work with a full-service agency for strategy and coordination, plus specialists for specific technical needs.
How long should I commit to working with an agency?
Most agencies prefer 6-12 month initial commitments because:
– SEO and content marketing typically take 3-6 months to show significant results
– Paid media needs optimisation time to reach peak performance
– The first few months include learning your business and setting foundations
However, some agencies offer shorter trial periods or project-based work. Discuss commitment expectations upfront.
