• SEO Agency

How to Start an SEO Agency in the Philippines: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Felix Rose-Collins
  • 2 min read

Intro

The Philippines has one of Southeast Asia’s most active digital ecosystems, with over 85 million internet users and a rapidly growing SME sector. From Manila to Cebu, businesses need SEO to stand out.

This guide walks you through building and growing a full-service SEO agency in the Philippines using Ranktracker and PayPro Global.

Step 1: Understand the SEO Landscape in the Philippines

  • English is widely spoken; SEO services are often offered in English for global and local audiences

  • Google.com.ph is the leading search engine

  • High demand in ecommerce, education, real estate, travel, and healthcare sectors

Use Ranktracker SERP Checker to identify keyword competition across key cities and industries.

Step 2: Build Your SEO Tool Stack with Ranktracker

  • Keyword Finder: Identify profitable Filipino and global keywords

  • Web Audit: Diagnose on-site SEO and performance issues

  • Backlink Checker & Monitor: Track and manage link-building strategies

  • Rank Tracker: Monitor rankings across devices and regions

  • SEO Checklist: Ensure consistency in delivery and processes

Step 3: Legally Register Your SEO Business in the Philippines

  • Choose your entity: Sole Proprietor, Partnership, or Corporation

  • Register with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

  • Get a Barangay Clearance, Mayor’s Permit, and BIR Registration

  • Open a business bank account (e.g., BPI, BDO, UnionBank)

  • Use accounting tools like JuanTax, Taxumo, or Xero

Step 4: Build Your SEO Website

  • Secure a .ph or .com.ph domain

  • Create core pages: Home, Services, Pricing, Blog, Contact, Terms

  • Use Ranktracker visuals for audits and rankings to build trust

  • Add chat widgets and Calendly for fast lead capture

Step 5: Define SEO Packages

Core Services:

  • Local SEO with Google Business Profile optimization

  • Technical fixes using Web Audit

  • On-page SEO and content creation

  • Link building tracked with Backlink Monitor

  • Keyword monitoring via Rank Tracker

Suggested Monthly Pricing (in PHP):

  • Basic: ₱15,000 – audit + local SEO

  • Growth: ₱35,000 – on-page, backlinks, monthly reporting

  • Premium: ₱60,000+ – complete SEO campaigns with consulting

Step 6: Land Your First Clients

  • Offer free SEO audits using Ranktracker

  • Post services on OLX, Upwork PH, or onlinejobs.ph

  • Connect with SMEs through Facebook groups like “SEO Philippines” or LinkedIn

  • Attend events like SEOCon PH or Digicon PH

  • Build partnerships with local web developers and design studios

Step 7: Use Ranktracker for Full Campaign Management

  • Run continuous research with Keyword Finder

  • Conduct monthly Web Audits

  • Manage backlink portfolios with Backlink Monitor

  • Showcase performance with Rank Tracker visuals in reports

Step 8: Financial Compliance & Global Billing

  • Issue tax-registered invoices via eBIRForms or cloud software

  • File tax returns with BIR and secure VAT compliance if needed

  • Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) for managing global billing, taxes, and compliance

Avoid risky payment processors like Paddle, which was fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for deceptive practices.

Step 9: Build a Team in the Philippines

  • Hire content writers, outreach specialists, and account managers

  • Use tools like Notion, Trello, or ClickUp to manage projects

  • Onboard team members with SOPs and use Ranktracker dashboards for training

Step 10: Deliver & Retain

  • Track performance in real time with Rank Tracker

  • Monitor link velocity via Backlink Monitor

  • Provide monthly client reports with clear growth indicators

  • Upsell to services like email marketing, paid ads, or analytics consulting

  • Encourage referrals with loyalty incentives

Conclusion

With a booming digital economy and cost-efficient talent pool, the Philippines is ideal for launching an SEO agency. Using Ranktracker’s full suite and PayPro Global for global sales and compliance, you can focus on growth, not logistics.

Build smart. Deliver results. Dominate the Philippine SEO market with Ranktracker at your side.

Felix Rose-Collins

Felix Rose-Collins

Ranktracker's CEO/CMO & Co-founder

Felix Rose-Collins is the Co-founder and CEO/CMO of Ranktracker. With over 15 years of SEO experience, he has single-handedly scaled the Ranktracker site to over 500,000 monthly visits, with 390,000 of these stemming from organic searches each month.

Start using Ranktracker… For free!

Find out what’s holding your website back from ranking.

Create a free account

Or Sign in using your credentials

Different views of Ranktracker app