Here’s a concise, current roundup of widely recommended SEO agencies (U.S.-focused) plus specialties and typical starting budgets so you can compare quickly.

Top SEO companies (shortlist)

• WebFX — Full-service SEO + CRO, strong enterprise capabilities; monthly SEO retainers commonly start around $2,500–$3,000. (clutch.co, webfx.com)
• Ignite Visibility — Enterprise & performance SEO, digital PR and paid media; positioned as a higher-end agency (typical retainers often in the mid‑$thousands+). (clutch.co, bestseocompanies.com)
• Victorious — Data-driven SEO (transparent reporting); clear packaged pricing tiers (entry packages typically around $4,999+/mo). (clutch.co, g2.com)
• SmartSites — Performance-focused SEO + web design; common retainers often start ~$2,000+/mo (project/retainer ranges vary). (clutch.co, bestseocompanies.com)
• OuterBox — e‑commerce & technical SEO specialist (good for online stores); enterprise/ecommerce packages typically $6,000+/mo for full services. (clutch.co, outerboxdesign.com)
• Searchbloom — Performance-driven SEO for mid-market and national campaigns; minimum engagements often in the $3k–$5k+/mo range. (forbes.com, searchbloom.com)
• Straight North — Local & lead‑generation SEO, strong reporting; pricing often starts around $1,500/mo with most clients in the $3k–$8k/mo band. (clutch.co, straightnorth.com)
• Thrive Internet Marketing Agency — Full-service SEO with growing focus on AI/LLM/“AI SEO” strategies and GEO-targeted SEO. (thriveagency.com)
• Big Leap — Mid‑market SEO + reputation management and CRO; known for hands-on, measurable programs. (capterra.com)
• Rankings.io — Niche/high-end specialist for law firms (personal-injury focus); premium pricing (often six‑figure annual budgets for aggressive campaigns). (rankings.io, jurisdigital.com)

Sources and context

• These companies appear across reputable aggregators and editorial roundups (Clutch, Forbes, agency lists and company sites). Use those sources to compare reviews, case studies and industry focus. (clutch.co, forbes.com)

How to pick the right agency (quick checklist)

• Match specialty to your business (e.g., e‑commerce → OuterBox; law firms → Rankings.io). (see company pages/case studies). (outerboxdesign.com, rankings.io)
• Look for transparent reporting and KPIs (traffic, conversions, keyword movement) — agencies that publish case studies and sample dashboards are preferable. (victorious.com, searchbloom.com)
• Confirm scope (technical SEO, content creation, link building, CRO) and whether work is in‑house or outsourced. (outerboxdesign.com, bestseocompanies.com)
• Budget guidance (typical ranges): small/local campaigns often $1,000–$3,000/mo; solid mid‑market programs $3,000–$10,000/mo; enterprise/niche leaders frequently $10,000+/mo or project-based six-figure buys. (Ranges vary by competition and deliverables). (straightnorth.com, webfx.com)

Practical next steps (if you want to move forward)

• Shortlist 3 agencies whose specialties match your needs.
• Ask each for a recent case study in your industry, a proposed scope of work, expected timing to see results, KPIs, and a sample report/dashboard.
• Request a written proposal and at least one client reference.

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this list to agencies that specialize in your industry (e.g., e‑commerce, law, healthcare) and produce a 3‑agency shortlist with quick pros/cons and estimated budgets (I’ll cite sources).