Top SEO Agencies in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s digital marketing landscape is dominated by award-winning SEO agencies that combine decades of experience with proven results, with standouts like Five by Five, Gold Coast Thrive, Launch Experts and others.
Five by Five
Five by Five stands as one of the Gold Coast’s premier digital agencies, operating from Burleigh Heads since 2006 when founder Jon Hollenberg started building websites in his boardshorts between surf sessions.
With nearly two decades of experience and over 3,500 completed projects, they’ve evolved from a one-man operation into a comprehensive digital powerhouse with a team of 40+ specialists covering web design, SEO, copywriting, branding, and digital marketing.
What distinguishes Five by Five in the competitive Gold Coast market is their results-driven approach, promising to double website traffic and enquiries within six months while delivering aesthetically pleasing websites.
Their commitment to excellence has earned them an impressive reputation with over 150 five-star Google reviews and recognition as “Australia’s highest-rated web design and digital marketing agency”. The agency serves clients throughout the Gold Coast region-from Yatala to Tweed Heads-and has expanded their reach to provide digital solutions Australia-wide.
Gold Coast Thrive
Thrive Digital has established itself as a prominent player in the Gold Coast’s digital landscape since 2006, when founder Dean Oakley returned from working in London and opened their first studio in Burleigh Heads.
Operating from their creative hub at 71 West Burleigh Road, this full-service digital agency specializes in custom-designed websites, branding solutions, and comprehensive digital marketing strategies that help local businesses flourish in the competitive online environment.
What sets Thrive apart is their “funky in functional” approach to web design, creating hand-crafted websites coded from scratch without relying on pre-made themes or templates.
Their team of highly experienced designers and developers follows a structured project timeline, typically allowing 2-3 weeks for logo and branding design and 6-10 weeks for website design and development. This meticulous process has earned them a perfect 5-star rating from 118 verified client reviews and helped them secure notable clients like Grace Loves Lace, for whom they created their first-ever website in 2011.
Thrive’s commitment to the Gold Coast business community extends beyond their client work, as they actively participate in the region’s thriving creative ecosystem that helps the city flourish.
Launch Experts
Launch Experts has established itself as a leading boutique digital marketing agency on the Gold Coast, focusing on one simple objective: results.
With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, they’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes across SEO, website launches, and comprehensive digital strategies. Their client-focused approach has earned them a perfect 5/5 star rating from 127 reviews, making them the third highest-rated SEO agency on the Gold Coast.
What distinguishes Launch Experts is their collaborative methodology and no-lock-in contract model. They work closely with clients to understand their business thoroughly, treating each company as if it were their own before crafting bespoke SEO strategies.
This personalized approach has generated impressive testimonials, with clients reporting dramatic improvements in lead numbers, halved cost per lead, and statements like “We’d be out of business if it wasn’t for these guys”.
Founded in 2019, Launch Experts serves businesses throughout the Gold Coast region-from Surfer’s Paradise to Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Southport, and beyond-specializing in search engine optimization, digital strategy, and website launch services that deliver measurable results without requiring long-term commitments.
Gold Coast SEO Services
SEO Gold Coast represents a specialized segment of digital marketing agencies focused exclusively on search engine optimization for businesses in Queensland’s coastal region.
These dedicated SEO providers differ from full-service digital agencies by concentrating solely on improving organic search visibility and rankings for local businesses. With the competitive Gold Coast market spanning from Yatala to Tweed Heads, these specialists have developed deep expertise in local search factors that influence rankings in this specific geographic area.
What distinguishes dedicated SEO Gold Coast agencies is their hyper-local approach to optimization. They typically offer comprehensive services including keyword research tailored to Gold Coast search patterns, local SEO focusing on Google My Business optimization, technical SEO audits, and content marketing strategies designed to attract the region’s unique demographic.
Many of these specialized providers emphasize transparency with detailed monthly reporting on backlink analysis and keyword positions, often charging a set monthly fee to make professional SEO accessible to local businesses of all sizes.
This localized expertise has proven particularly valuable for Gold Coast businesses in competitive industries like tourism, hospitality, and real estate that rely heavily on location-based searches.
Digital Nomads HQ
Digital Nomads HQ has established itself as one of the Gold Coast’s premier SEO and digital marketing agencies since its founding in 2018. Based in Mooloolaba, this award-winning agency has earned remarkable recognition, ranking #260 in Clutch’s Global 1000 for 2023-placing them among the top 1% of over 280,000 companies worldwide.
Their impressive portfolio includes over 150 international awards, 130+ 5-star reviews, and successful partnerships with more than 400 Australian businesses.
What distinguishes Digital Nomads HQ is their 100% in-house Australian team of 14 marketing specialists who deliver comprehensive services without outsourcing. Their full-service approach encompasses SEO, web development, paid advertising, graphic design, and social media management.
The agency’s commitment to excellence was further validated when they won the Business Services (Large) Award at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Clients consistently praise their “world-class” expertise, describing them as a “well-oiled machine” with outstanding communication and a team that feels like “an extension of our business”. This client-focused approach has positioned Digital Nomads HQ as a trusted partner for businesses seeking tangible digital marketing results across the Gold Coast and beyond.
Gold Coast SEO Agencies – Comparison on some key points
| Agency | Rating | Review Count | Specialties | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five by Five | 5/5 | 246+ | SEO, Web Design, Digital Marketing | Highest number of verified reviews, 15+ years experience, founded by Jon Hollenberg |
| Thrive Gold Coast | 5/5 | 122+ | SEO, Social Media, Google Ads | “Funky in functional” approach, custom-coded websites, established 2006 |
| Launch Experts | 5/5 | 127+ | SEO, Website Launch, Digital Strategy | 20+ years experience, month-to-month contracts, boutique agency approach |
| Digital Nomads HQ | 5/5 | 130+ | SEO, Web Development, Paid Advertising | Ranked #260 in Clutch’s Global 1000, 100% in-house Australian team |
| StudioHawk | Not specified | Not specified | SEO, Local SEO, Content Optimization | Data-driven strategies, transparent reporting, tailored SEO plans |
| SIXGUN | Not specified | Not specified | Local/National/eCommerce SEO | Data-driven approach, complete SEO support, impressive case studies (142% increase in organic revenue) |
Each agency brings unique strengths to the table, with Five by Five leading in verified reviews while Digital Nomads HQ boasts impressive global recognition. All top-rated agencies maintain perfect 5-star ratings, emphasizing the high quality of SEO services available on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast SEO Agencies – Client Testimonial Highlights
| Agency | Client Testimonial Highlights | Sentiment | Notable Client Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five by Five | “Chapman Yachting’s glowing testimonial highlights the team’s dedication during their complete website transformation.” | Extremely Positive | Clients praise their transparency with monthly analytics reports and measurable outcomes that boost bottom lines |
| Thrive Gold Coast | “Biologique Recherche has trusted Thrive with their digital presence for five solid years.” | Very Positive | “Dean and his team are lovely to work with, very professional, knowledgeable, helpful and supportive” |
| Launch Experts | “We made the switch to Launch Experts 2 months ago and couldn’t be happier with the results. We have seen dramatic improvements to our lead numbers and our cost per lead has halved!” | Highly Positive | Clients appreciate their honesty: “After my initial consult Rhiannon did some research on my industry & recommended that SEO was not a good fit.” |
| Digital Nomads HQ | “Digital Nomads truly stand out as a world-class agency. Their knowledge, creativity, adaptability, and innovative solutions have made them my go-to agency for 5 years now.” | Enthusiastic | “If I could give them 10 stars, I would!” and “They have become like an extension of our business” |
| Searchical SEO | “I STRONGLY recommend Searchical SEO to EVERYONE interested in running a successful online business!” | Very Positive | Clients highlight their “attention to detail, willingness to go the extra mile and work within our budget” |
Client testimonials across Gold Coast’s top SEO agencies consistently emphasize measurable results, transparent communication, and long-term partnerships. Five by Five and Digital Nomads HQ particularly stand out for maintaining client relationships spanning 5+ years, while Launch Experts earns praise for their ethical approach to client recommendations.
Gold Coast SEO Agencies – Case Study Comparison
| Agency | Notable Case Studies | Results Achieved | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five by Five | Chapman Yachting website transformation | Complete digital transformation with significant ranking improvements | Diverse industries including yachting and accounting |
| Launch Experts | Queensland business lead generation | Doubled leads while reducing cost-per-lead by 50% within 8 weeks | Medical centers, car dealerships, and various local businesses |
| Digital Nomads HQ | 50+ documented case studies with measurable outcomes | Global recognition with 150+ international awards | Local and national brands across multiple sectors |
| SEO Expert Gold Coast | Big Party Oz local rankings | 1347.65% increase in website visitors (from 149 to 2157) within 4 months | Retail, specifically costume shops |
| Excite Media | Pegasus Modular content strategy | 27% increase in organic sessions, 75% increase in conversions, 30% increase in time spent on website | Construction and home improvement |
| Prestige Pool Renovations | Long-term SEO campaign | 207% increase in website traffic, 225% growth in organic traffic, 157% jump in leads | Pool renovation and maintenance |
Gold Coast SEO agencies demonstrate their expertise through impressive case studies spanning diverse industries. While Five by Five showcases transformative website projects, Launch Experts highlights rapid results in lead generation, and SEO Expert Gold Coast documents dramatic traffic increases for retail clients.
Digital Nomads HQ stands out with the largest portfolio of documented success stories backed by international recognition, while specialized campaigns for construction and pool renovation businesses demonstrate the versatility of local SEO expertise across the Gold Coast region.
Gold Coast SEO agencies – Industry Recognition Comparison
| Agency | Notable Awards | Recognition Level | Industry Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomads HQ | Global 1000 Digital Marketing Agencies (Clutch 2023/24), Global Search Awards Finalist 2024, Top SEO Agency in Australia 2023 (TechBehemoths) | International | Ranked #260 globally out of 262,000 agencies |
| Five by Five | Award-winning SEO specialists with nearly 20 years of proven success | National | Gold Coast’s leading SEO agency with highest number of verified reviews (246) |
| Thrive Digital | Not specifically mentioned in awards, but recognized for excellence since 2006 | Local | Respected web design studio in Burleigh Heads with perfect 5-star rating (118 reviews) |
| Launch Experts | Highest rated SEO agency on Gold Coast (111 verified 5-star reviews) | Local | Trusted digital partner with 20+ years experience |
| Paperstack | Award-winning SEO agency with global award nominations | National | “New kid on the block” with experienced team of former SEO Directors |
The Gold Coast SEO landscape features agencies with varying levels of recognition, with Digital Nomads HQ leading in international accolades as a 2024 Global Search Awards finalist and ranking in the top 1% of agencies worldwide.
Five by Five maintains the strongest local presence with the highest number of verified reviews (246), while newer entrants like Paperstack are quickly gaining recognition despite being relatively recent additions to the market.
Which SEO Agency to hire in Gold Coast – yaa Five by Five is good!
When selecting an SEO agency on the Gold Coast, Five by Five emerges as the leading choice with 246 verified 5-star reviews and nearly two decades of proven success. Their results-driven approach promises to double website traffic and enquiries within six months, making them particularly valuable for businesses seeking measurable outcomes.
For those prioritizing international recognition, Digital Nomads HQ offers impressive credentials as a Global Search Awards Finalist and ranking #260 among 262,000 global agencies. Their 100% in-house Australian team delivers comprehensive digital marketing services without outsourcing.
Launch Experts stands out for businesses preferring flexibility, offering month-to-month campaigns with no lock-in contracts. With over 20 years of experience and a perfect 5-star rating, they’re ideal for companies wanting to test SEO services before making long-term commitments.
- Consider Five by Five for highest local reputation and consistent results
- Choose Digital Nomads HQ for award-winning international expertise
- Select Launch Experts for flexible, no-contract arrangements with proven outcomes
The best choice ultimately depends on your specific business needs, budget constraints, and preferred working style rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.