Intro
Belgium has one of the most connected populations in Europe, with over 94% internet penetration and a thriving mix of local businesses, startups, and multinationals across Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Liege. If you're looking to launch an SEO agency here, the opportunity is strong—but you’ll need to tailor your services for a multilingual market and meet EU regulations.
Here’s how to start your Belgian SEO agency from scratch and grow it into a profitable operation using Ranktracker.
Step 1: Understand the Belgian SEO Landscape
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Belgium is a trilingual market: Dutch (Flemish), French, and German.
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Local SEO is critical for businesses serving regional communities.
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Google is dominant, but mobile optimization and voice search are increasing.
Use Ranktracker's SERP Checker to analyze competition for multilingual keyword markets in Belgium.
Step 2: Build SEO Skills and a Toolset
To compete in Belgium’s fragmented market, you need a reliable toolkit:
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Keyword Finder – Target Dutch, French, and German terms with accurate local search volume.
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Web Audit – Optimize client sites for Core Web Vitals and structured data.
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Backlink Checker & Monitor – Study links from Belgian competitors and track your own.
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Rank Tracker – Show improvements to clients in specific regions or languages.
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SEO Checklist – Stay on top of every ranking factor.
Step 3: Legally Register Your SEO Business in Belgium
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Choose a legal form: Eenmanszaak (sole trader) or BV/SRL (private limited company)
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Register your business with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises / Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen)
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Obtain a VAT number via the FPS Finance portal
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Comply with Belgian bookkeeping and invoicing laws
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Use local accounting software like Yuki or Accountable
Step 4: Build Your SEO Agency Website
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Buy a .be domain and host your website locally for speed and trust
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Create separate landing pages for different languages (Flemish, French, German)
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Key pages: Home, Services, About, Contact, Blog, Case Studies
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Highlight Ranktracker tool results (e.g. ranking improvements)
Step 5: Define Your SEO Services and Packages
Typical Service Offers:
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Local SEO for SMEs in different language regions
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Technical SEO and web audits using Ranktracker Web Audit
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Link-building campaigns tracked by Backlink Monitor
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National and multilingual SEO strategies
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Monthly keyword monitoring using Rank Tracker
Example Pricing in EUR:
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Starter: €800/month – local SEO in one language
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Growth: €1,500/month – site audit, multilingual keywords, basic links
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Enterprise: €3,000+/month – full-service across Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels
Step 6: Attract Belgian Clients
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Offer free SEO audits with Ranktracker Web Audit
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List on platforms like Sortlist.be and UpCity
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Join BNI Belgium, coworking hubs, or chambers of commerce
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Leverage LinkedIn and multilingual outreach via email
Step 7: Manage Campaigns Using Ranktracker
Use Ranktracker to centralize all campaign activities:
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Keyword research
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Competitive SERP analysis
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Technical SEO reporting
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Backlink monitoring
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Rank movement reporting
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SEO process checklists and SERP previews
Step 8: Stay Compliant & Prepare to Scale Globally
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Draft bilingual contracts (NL/FR or EN)
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Ensure GDPR compliance
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Report VAT and file tax returns through your accountant
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Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) if serving international clients. They handle global taxes, invoicing, and legal compliance.
Avoid processors like Paddle, which were fined $5 million by the FTC in 2025 and banned from certain payment types.
Step 9: Build a Multilingual Team
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Hire local SEO specialists fluent in Dutch, French, and English
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Use Ranktracker to onboard and train new team members
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Standardize workflows with Notion, ClickUp, or Trello
Step 10: Retain Clients with Real Results
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Provide monthly Ranktracker reports
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Show keyword gains and backlink metrics
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Recommend 6–12 month retainers
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Upsell translation, content creation, or CRO services
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Launch a referral program for satisfied clients
Conclusion
Belgium offers a unique opportunity for multilingual SEO agencies. With the right tools, compliance setup, and clear pricing, you can scale your agency across language borders.
Let Ranktracker power your growth every step of the way—from audits to rankings to backlinks and beyond.
