Top 12 SEO companies in Des Moines
12 SEO companies in Des Moines that are operating today, each checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Who leads them, the work they can show, what they cost where they publish it, and the reason each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- firms, ranked
- 12
- sources cited
- 36
- median years in business
- 11
- with a named leader
- 8/12
The list at a glance
Scroll sideways →| # | Firm | Based in | Since | Team | Led by | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Blue CompassProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 2007 | 11–50 | Drew Harden | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 02 | OptimistProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2016 | 11–50 | Tyler Hakes | SEO roadmap $7,500 one time; advisory from $3,000/mo; full service from $4,000/mo, per its site. |
| 03 | SpinutechProfile | Clive, IA | 2000 | 51–200 | Tina Posey | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 04 | JAR Consulting GroupProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 2019 | 11–50 | Kevin Wosmansky | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 05 | FrogmoProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 2007 | 1–10 | n/a | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 06 | ThriveOneFive MediaProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2019 | n/a | Ryan Doser | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 07 | WebspecProfile | Urbandale, IA | n/a | 11–50 | Jeremiah Terhark | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 08 | The Web SiloProfile | Johnston, IA | n/a | 1–10 | n/a | New websites from $1,500, redesigns from $650, local SEO from $299/mo and Google Ads management from $150/mo, per its homepage. |
| 09 | Cam Myers & PartnersProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2015 | 1–10 | Cameron Myers | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 10 | Cyclone SEOProfile | Ames, IA | 2018 | n/a | Shawn Bergeson | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
| 11 | Core Web ServicesProfile | Des Moines, IA | n/a | n/a | n/a | Packages start at $3,499 setup and $49 a month, per its Des Moines SEO page. |
| 12 | Tiller Media GroupProfile | Ankeny, IA | 2007 | 1–10 | n/a | Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote. |
Where a firm has not published a price, the figure is a typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- 01
Led by Drew Harden, CEO and Founder
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 2007
- 11–50 people
Blue Compass is a search-led digital agency at 1601 48th Street in West Des Moines, founded in 2007 by Drew Harden and Cary Coppola and now employing more than 30 people. Its SEO practice covers keyword research, on-page and technical optimisation, structured data, content strategy and generative-engine optimisation, alongside web design and paid search. Named clients include Farm Bureau Financial Services, NAPA Auto Parts, Sammons Financial Group and Wolfe Eye Clinic.
Why it’s hereWon Best Small National SEO Agency, Best Use of Search B2B (HK Solutions Group) and Best Local SEO Campaign (Wolfe Eye Clinic) at the US Search Awards, per its own site.
Best forCentral Iowa companies in finance, health care, transportation and ag, such as Sammons Financial Group and Ruan, that want a website rebuild paired with ongoing SEO and paid search.
bluecompass.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · generative-engine optimisation · technical SEO audits · content strategy · paid search
- Named clients
- Farm Bureau Financial Services, NAPA Auto Parts, Ruan, Sammons Financial Group, Spalding, UnityPoint Health, Wolfe Eye Clinic, HK Solutions Group
- Selected work
- Des Moines International Airport. Website design, UX and CMS build. case study ↗
- Sammons Financial Group. SEO program. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1601 48th St, Suite 200 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · (515) 868-0010
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources bluecompass.com, expertise.com, themanifest.comLinkedIn ↗
- 02
Led by Tyler Hakes, Founder
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2016
- 11–50 people
Optimist is an SEO and answer-engine optimisation agency founded in 2016 by Tyler Hakes and headquartered in Des Moines. It works almost exclusively with B2B SaaS and technology companies from Series A through IPO, offering full-service organic programmes, advisory retainers and consulting built around its CORE framework. Published clients include Semrush, Superhuman, HelloSign, Stampli and Submittable.
Why it’s hereA Des Moines firm whose entire practice is organic search for software companies, with a client list that includes Semrush itself.
Best forB2B SaaS companies that want an outsourced SEO, content and answer-engine optimization program tied to signups and pipeline.
UpdateOperates as Codename Triumph, LLC (d/b/a Optimist) with a Des Moines mailing address listed in its privacy policy; founded by Tyler Hakes in 2016.
yesoptimist.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- B2B SaaS SEO · answer-engine optimisation · generative-engine optimisation · content marketing
- Named clients
- Semrush, Superhuman, HelloSign, DreamHost, Stampli, Submittable, Kubera, Sendbird, Contentstack, Appfire
- Selected work
- Kubera. SEO and content program credited with 43X signups and a 2,961% rise in organic traffic. case study ↗
- Glide. SEO and content program credited with 14X leads and a 1,270% rise in organic traffic. case study ↗
- Stampli. Organic program credited with 5X inbound pipeline and a 2,000% rise in traffic value. case study ↗
- Published pricing
- SEO roadmap $7,500 one time; advisory from $3,000/mo; full service from $4,000/mo, per its site.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources yesoptimist.com, designrush.comLinkedIn ↗
- 03
Led by Tina Posey, CEO
- Clive, IA
- Since 2000
- 51–200 people
Spinutech's Des Moines-area office in Clive opened in 2006 and is one of three locations for the digital-only agency founded in Cedar Falls in 2000. The office delivers SEO, AI-search visibility, paid media, web development and analytics for clients such as Hy-Vee, Delta Dental, The Iowa Clinic and Panavision. The firm employs more than 170 people across Clive, Cedar Falls and Tampa.
Why it’s hereGoogle Premier Partner with a 20-year Des Moines-area presence and search as a named core practice.
Best forMid-size manufacturers, banks and B2B companies that want SEO, paid media and enterprise CMS websites from a 170-person firm with offices in Cedar Falls, Clive and Tampa.
UpdateMerged with Tampa-based Bayshore Solutions in 2021; co-founder Marc Reifenrath became board chair when Tina Posey was named CEO in 2025.
spinutech.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · AI search visibility · paid media · web development · analytics
- Named clients
- Whole Foods Market, Yanmar, Panavision, Hy-Vee, Delta Dental, The Iowa Clinic, Welltower, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Selected work
- Yanmar. Customer-journey focused digital program the firm credits with market share gains. case study ↗
- Kearny Bank. Sitefinity website redesign that improved SEO and personalization and raised traffic. case study ↗
- Panavision. New website for the film equipment company. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1860 NW 118th St, Suite 210 · Clive, IA · 50325 · 515-631-5974
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources spinutech.com, designrush.com, prnewswire.comLinkedIn ↗
- 04
Led by Kevin Wosmansky, Founder and CEO
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 2019
- 11–50 people
JAR Consulting Group is a marketing and AI consultancy at 401 Railroad Place in West Des Moines led by founder and CEO Kevin Wosmansky, with roughly 16 staff listed on its team page. It sells SEO and generative-engine optimisation under an 'AI Search Authority Engine' method, plus AI visibility audits, content strategy and web design, and its former Iowa Digital domain now redirects to jar365.com. Clutch lists the firm as founded in 2019 with search making up a fifth of its work.
Why it’s hereListed on Clutch's Des Moines SEO rankings with a verified 5.0 review from an Urbandale roofing client, and one of the few local shops built around AI-search optimisation.
Best forProfessional services firms, contractors and home builders, managed service providers and business coaches that want to show up when buyers ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Google AI Overviews for a recommendation.
jar365.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · generative-engine optimisation · AI visibility audits · content strategy · web design
- Named clients
- Right Roofing & Siding
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 401 Railroad Place · West Des Moines, IA · 50265 · 515-320-8856
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources jar365.com, clutch.co
- 05
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 2007
- 1–10 people
Frogmo is a three-person SEO and web development company at 2800 University Avenue, Suite 207, in West Des Moines. It offers keyword research, on-page SEO, website design and coding, hosting, content creation and social media management, and its site cites more than 12 years of search work. Clutch records the firm as founded in 2007 with SEO and pay-per-click each a fifth of its work.
Why it’s hereAppears on both the Expertise.com and UpCity Des Moines SEO lists, and describes itself first as an SEO company rather than a general agency.
Best forSmall local businesses and professional practices, such as veterinary clinics, that want a website built and maintained with SEO and copywriting from a small West Des Moines team.
frogmo.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · keyword research · web development · pay-per-click
- Named clients
- StoryBook Homes
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 2800 University Ave, Suite 207 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · 1-800-331-8644
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources frogmo.com, clutch.co, expertise.comLinkedIn ↗
- 06
Led by Ryan Doser, Owner & Founder
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2019
ThriveOneFive Media is a small Des Moines digital marketing agency founded in 2019 by Ryan Doser, who previously managed accounts at a large corporation and an agency. It builds websites and runs SEO, pay-per-click, social media and content programmes for local businesses, and appears in UpCity's Des Moines SEO rankings.
Why it’s hereA founder-run Des Moines shop listed on UpCity's Des Moines SEO agency rankings, with SEO and SEM named as its lead services.
Best forSmall and mid-size local businesses in the Des Moines area that want a WordPress website, local SEO and Google Ads managed by a small owner-run shop started in 2019.
thriveonefive.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · search engine marketing · website development · social media
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- (515) 207-5054
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources thriveonefive.com, upcity.com
- 07
Led by Jeremiah Terhark, CEO and Founder
- Urbandale, IA
- 11–50 people
Webspec is a web design and digital marketing agency on Meredith Drive in Urbandale that has operated for more than two decades, with a staff of about 46 including SEO strategists, content writers, designers and developers. It builds WordPress, Drupal and e-commerce sites and runs SEO, Google Ads and content campaigns, and says it has served more than 700 clients including Samsung and the State of Iowa.
Why it’s hereListed on Clutch's and The Manifest's Des Moines SEO rankings and one of the larger locally owned web and search teams in the metro.
Best forIowa businesses and public agencies that need a custom website or web application built and maintained, with SEO and digital marketing from the same Urbandale team.
webspec.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · web design and development · Google Ads · content marketing
- Named clients
- Samsung, State of Iowa
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 5907 Meredith Dr. · Urbandale, IA · 50322 · (515) 334-9544
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources webspec.com, clutch.co, themanifest.com, businesses.uniquelyurbandale.comLinkedIn ↗
- 08
- Johnston, IA
- 1–10 people
The Web Silo is a Johnston-based online marketing company serving the Des Moines metro. It sells local SEO, on-page optimisation, technical fixes and content strategy on month-to-month plans starting at $299 a month, alongside WordPress design and maintenance, Google Ads and Meta Ads for small businesses. DesignRush lists it among Iowa SEO companies.
Why it’s hereA Johnston shop whose lead offer is local search for small businesses, listed on DesignRush's Iowa and Des Moines SEO rankings.
Best forSmall local businesses around Des Moines that want a low-cost WordPress site plus local SEO, Google Ads or Google Business Profile management at published prices.
thewebsilo.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- local SEO · on-page and technical SEO · Google Business Profile · Google Ads and Meta Ads
- Published pricing
- New websites from $1,500, redesigns from $650, local SEO from $299/mo and Google Ads management from $150/mo, per its homepage.
- Office
- 6701 Corporate Drive #4383 · Johnston, IA
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources thewebsilo.com, designrush.comLinkedIn ↗
- 09
Led by Cameron Myers, CEO & Managing Director
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2015
- 1–10 people
Cam Myers & Partners is a small digital marketing firm at 666 Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines, founded in 2015 by Cameron Myers. It handles SEO, omni-channel digital advertising, web design, content and analytics consulting, and names Priceline.com, iHeartRadio and Chicago Real Estate School as clients.
Why it’s hereThe only Des Moines firm on Clutch's Des Moines SEO ranking with both a verified local office and a $10,000-plus minimum project size.
Best forEcommerce, SaaS and travel businesses that want paid search and social campaigns, analytics setup and web development from a Des Moines firm led by CEO Cameron Myers.
cammyers.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- SEO · paid search and social · web design · analytics consulting
- Named clients
- Priceline.com, iHeartRadio, Suncoast Audio, Chicago Real Estate School
- Selected work
- SnowComparison (with Priceline.com). Facebook and Google Search campaigns in Australia and New Zealand using 360-degree video ads and dynamic hotel retargeting to turn readers into hotel bookings. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources cammyers.com, clutch.co, themanifest.com
- 10
Led by Shawn Bergeson, Founder
- Ames, IA
- Since 2018
Cyclone SEO is a search agency at 2625 Kellogg Avenue in Ames, founded in 2018 by Shawn Bergeson, initially as In-Touch Marketing. It provides local SEO, content marketing, technical optimisation and WordPress site management, with practice pages for law firms, dental and medical practices, and service pages for most Iowa cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Sioux City and Waterloo.
Why it’s hereA founder-led Ames shop whose name and entire service list are SEO.
Best forLocal professional practices in central Iowa, such as law firms, medical, dental, chiropractic and veterinary offices, that want a one-person SEO shop to improve their local search rankings.
cycloneseo.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- local SEO · content marketing · technical SEO · WordPress web design
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 2625 Kellogg Avenue · Ames, IA · 50010 · 515.337.9942
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources cycloneseo.comLinkedIn ↗
- 11
- Des Moines, IA
Core Web Services is a small firm at 420 E Payton Avenue in Des Moines run by Patrick Mackenzie. It sells packaged local SEO with hosting (from a $3,499 setup and $49 a month), keyword research, blog and link-building campaigns, and Google Business Profile and review management for professional practices. UpCity lists it among Des Moines SEO agencies.
Why it’s hereA UpCity-listed Des Moines shop focused on local SEO and Google Business Profile work for small professional firms.
Best forDes Moines small businesses that want a low-cost website with local SEO and ongoing maintenance on a monthly plan.
corewebservices.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- local SEO packages · reputation management · Google Business Profile · website packages
- Named clients
- John R. Carson, DDS, Arizona Business Equipment, Kalil & Associates Accounting Solution
- Published pricing
- Packages start at $3,499 setup and $49 a month, per its Des Moines SEO page.
- Office
- 420 E Payton Ave · Des Moines, IA · 50315 · (515) 344-4242
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources corewebservices.com, upcity.com
- 12
- Ankeny, IA
- Since 2007
- 1–10 people
Tiller Media Group (Tiller Productions) is a small web design, video production and internet marketing firm at 6864 NE 14th Street in Ankeny. Its search work covers initial keyword research, monthly ranking programmes and local SEO with directory management, and its portfolio names the American Heart Association, Lawman Guitars and Blessman Ministries. Clutch records the firm as founded in 2007 with SEO and PPC each a quarter of its work.
Why it’s hereAn Ankeny shop on The Manifest's Des Moines local SEO ranking with a named nonprofit and small-business client list.
Best forSmall local businesses and ministries in the Ankeny and Des Moines area, such as Lawman Guitars and Blessman Ministries, that want a website, local SEO and social media ads handled by one small shop.
- Known for
- local SEO · pay-per-click · web design · video production
- Named clients
- American Heart Association, Lawman Guitars, Blessman Ministries, Blades Massage Therapy
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $1,000–$3,000/mo, typical for Des Moines SEO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- (515) 205-1783
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources tillerwebdesign.com, clutch.co, themanifest.comLinkedIn ↗
53,000 professional and business services jobs in the Des Moines–West Des Moines metro, September 2026 (preliminary).
Every firm here was checked twice.
- 01Find
Firms come from industry directories, business press, award lists and the client rosters of firms already known to do the work.
- 02Verify
A firm's own site has to be live and describe the work. A second, independent source has to agree that it exists and does it.
- 03Record
Leaders, addresses, founding years, awards and case studies are copied from a page we loaded, and each carries its link. A field stays blank until a source states it.
- 04Rank
The order is editorial: longevity, named clients, scale and a clear specialism, in roughly that weight. Firms cannot buy a position.
- 05Re-check
Every entry was re-checked on September 28, 2026, homepage captured, ownership confirmed. Firms that closed, stopped doing this work or changed hands are removed or noted in the change log below.
The featured card is paid placement for Fracs, which shares this list’s publisher. It sits outside the ranking. Read the full editorial standards, or write to lists@primortul.com with a correction or a firm we missed.
What changed at the September 2026 check
Every firm on this list was re-checked on September 28, 2026. None had closed, merged, moved or changed hands, so the list stands as published.
Questions before you hire an SEO company in Des Moines
- How many SEO companies in Des Moines are on this list, and where are they?
- 12. All 12 are based in the Des Moines metro — West Des Moines, Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Johnston and others. Each was checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- How do I choose between SEO companies in Des Moines?
- Write down what done looks like. Read why each firm is on the list and keep the two or three whose reason matches your job. Ask each for one piece of work like yours, and the name of the person who would do it. 8 of the 12 here are under 50 people, so the people you meet are usually the people who do the work.
- Did any of these firms pay to be listed?
- No. Nobody pays to be ranked. The order weighs how long a firm has done the work, clients it can name, its size, and how clear its specialism is. The one paid card is marked Featured. It sits outside the ranking. It is Fracs, which shares this list's publisher.
- How long have these SEO companies been around?
- The oldest firm on this list states 2000 as its founding year. A year is shown only when the firm states one.
- What should I bring to a first call with an SEO company?
- What you sell, what is not working, what done looks like, a budget range, and when you want to start. The form on this page asks for those. Asking is free. You do not have to hire anyone.
- How is this list kept current?
- Re-checked September 28, 2026. Dead sites come off. Mergers and renames are updated. Firms that belong are added. Send a correction to lists@primortul.com. If you are the firm, use the For partners form.
What is being written about SEO companies and about Des Moines.
Headlines, the source, the date, and a link. The article stays on the site that published it. If a feed is down, it is left off.
In Des Moines
Business Record, Des Moines Register, and Iowa Economic Development, via their public feeds. Headline and link only.
- Iowa, FTC sue restaurant tech firm Toast over cancellation feesThe Des Moines Register · today
- Big Easy Sod Releases Educational Article Covering Commercial Sod Installation for Business and Multifamily PropertiesThe Des Moines Register · today
- PromoTech Marketing Launches AI Training Course and Certification for Small BusinessesThe Des Moines Register · today
- Guest column: Growing our region by investing in talentBusiness Record · today
- Employers urged to rethink hiring practicesBusiness Record · today
- Nine Iowa charter schools receive $8.5 million in grantsBusiness Record · today
How to choose, what it costs, and where these firms are based.
Describe the job. One SEO company writes back.
Tell us what you sell, what is not working, and what done looks like. We read it and ask one provider — from this list, or from the publisher’s bench — to contact you within a business day. Asking is free. You do not have to hire them. Nobody else gets what you wrote.