Selecting the right agency to manage your paid search campaigns can feel a bit like choosing a Sherpa for a mountain expedition. You need someone who knows the terrain, has solid credentials, and won't leave you stranded halfway up the peak. As we look towards 2026, the landscape of search engine advertising continues to evolve, and finding an agency that genuinely understands how to carry your marketing load is more important than ever. This guide cuts through the noise to help you identify what truly matters when picking a partner for your Google Ads efforts.

Why there's no single 'best' sea agency (and how we selected these 10)

The Reality of 'Best Agency' Claims: What You Actually Need to Know

The truth is, there simply isn't one universally perfect agency for every business. What works brilliantly for a multinational corporation might be entirely unsuitable for a growing e-commerce brand or a local service provider. Agencies operate with different specialisms, pricing structures, and methodologies. Some excel at Technical SEO and organic visibility, while others focus purely on the paid advertising side of things. The concept of a 'best' agency is always relative to your specific business needs, budget, and goals. An agency that has generated impressive revenue for clients in the retail sector may not understand the nuances of B2B marketing or the complexities of Local SEO for regional businesses. It is essential to recognise that any list claiming to identify the absolute best is making a subjective assessment based on certain criteria, and transparency about those criteria is crucial.

Our Selection Criteria: Transparency, Results, and Expertise in 2026

When we set out to compile this ranking, we focused on agencies demonstrating clear transparency in their operations, a proven track record of delivering measurable results, and genuine expertise in managing Google Ads campaigns. We looked for agencies that prioritise business outcomes over vanity metrics, those that openly communicate about their processes and costs, and those that show adaptability to different industries and business models. Client reviews, published case studies, industry recognition such as agency awards, and evidence of managing substantial ad spend all played a role in our evaluation. We also considered whether agencies offered comprehensive reporting and whether they acknowledged the realistic limitations of what paid advertising can achieve. The selection was designed to highlight agencies that clients could trust to manage their campaigns effectively and ethically, particularly as we move into 2026 and beyond.

The Top 10 SEA Agencies for 2026: Our Ranking and Why It Matters

Number 1: doko – the most solid option for business-focused google ads

At the top of our list sits Doko, a Lyon-based agency that has built a reputation for being straightforward, results-driven, and genuinely focused on improving business outcomes through Google Ads. What sets Doko apart is not just their technical capability, but their commitment to transparency and their structured approach to client partnerships. They understand that businesses invest in paid search to drive tangible results, whether that is increased sales, qualified leads, or improved brand awareness. Doko positions itself as a partner that aligns closely with client strategies, focusing on conversion goals and providing reliable tracking and reporting. Their status as a Google Premier Partner indicates they meet certain standards set by Google, though they themselves are clear that this is just one part of their overall offering. The agency offers dedicated consultants who work closely with clients, ensuring campaigns are not just launched but continuously optimised based on performance data. This focus on business-oriented advertising, combined with their adaptability to various sectors, makes them a solid choice for companies seeking a reliable SEA partner in 2026.

Numbers 2-10: other notable sea agencies worth considering

While Doko takes the lead in our assessment, several other agencies also deserve recognition for their expertise and contributions to the search advertising field. Agencies like Chilli Fruit Web Consulting have made a name for themselves in the evolving space of Generative Engine Optimization, adapting to the way AI-generated search results are changing user behaviour. uSERP, Taka Oto, Single Grain, First Page Sage, and RevenueZen have all demonstrated strong capabilities in areas ranging from Link Building and Content Marketing to Digital PR and Conversion Rate Optimisation. SEO Sherpa, a UK-based SEO agency, has worked with major brands and focuses heavily on business outcomes rather than just keyword rankings, claiming to have generated substantial revenue for their clients and boasting a strong portfolio of client reviews and agency awards. Each of these agencies brings unique strengths, whether it is specialisation in certain sectors, specific technical skills, or proven client results. The key for any business is to look beyond the ranking number and assess which agency's specific expertise and approach aligns most closely with their own objectives and operational style.

What makes doko stand out: google premier partner status and real credentials

Understanding google premier partner: what it means (and what it doesn't)

Being a Google Premier Partner is a credential that signals an agency has met specific performance thresholds and best practice standards set by Google. It typically means the agency has demonstrated expertise in managing Google Ads campaigns, has a certain level of ad spend under management, and has successfully delivered results for clients. However, it is important to understand what this status does not guarantee. It does not mean an agency will automatically deliver specific returns for your business, nor does it mean they are the only competent option available. What it does provide is a level of assurance that the agency is recognised by Google and has access to certain resources, support, and training that can benefit their clients. For Doko, this status is part of a broader picture of credibility, sitting alongside their years of experience, client testimonials, and demonstrable track record. It is one factor among many that contributes to their position as a reliable choice.

Doko's Track Record: Years in Business, Ad Spend Managed, and Client Success

Doko has been operating for a number of years, building up substantial experience in managing Google Ads campaigns across a wide range of industries. The agency has managed significant volumes of ad spend, giving them the practical experience needed to navigate the complexities of different campaign types and market conditions. More importantly, they have a portfolio of client success stories that demonstrate their ability to deliver on their promises. While they do not promise guaranteed return on investment figures, they do provide transparent reporting and clear communication about campaign performance. This track record is built on consistent delivery, adapting to changes in the Google Ads platform, and maintaining strong relationships with their clients. It is this combination of longevity, experience, and proven client results that underpins Doko's reputation and justifies their top ranking in this guide.

Doko's Google Ads Services: From Search to YouTube and Everything Between

Core google ads offerings: search, shopping, performance max, and display

Doko offers a comprehensive suite of Google Ads services designed to meet the diverse needs of their clients. Their core offerings include Google Search campaigns, which remain a fundamental channel for capturing high-intent users actively searching for products or services. They manage Shopping campaigns for e-commerce businesses, ensuring product feeds are optimised and bids are managed to maximise visibility and sales. Performance Max campaigns, which leverage Google's automation to optimise across multiple channels, are another key part of their service offering, allowing clients to reach audiences across Search, Display, YouTube, and more from a single campaign. Display campaigns are also part of Doko's toolkit, used for building brand awareness and remarketing to previous site visitors. They also handle Demand Gen campaigns, focusing on driving interest and consideration further up the marketing funnel. This breadth of service means Doko can tailor their approach to suit different business models, whether a client needs direct response sales or broader brand building.

Beyond the Basics: Social Ads, Data, and Conversion Support

In addition to their core Google Ads services, Doko recognises that effective digital marketing often requires a broader approach. They offer support with Social Ads, helping clients extend their reach across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, ensuring messaging is consistent and campaigns are coordinated across channels. Doko also provides expertise in Data and Conversion support, which is crucial for ensuring that campaigns are not just driving traffic but are actually leading to meaningful business actions. This includes assistance with tracking setup, ensuring accurate measurement of conversions, and advising on landing page optimisation. By offering these complementary services, Doko demonstrates a full-funnel view of digital marketing, understanding that the success of paid search campaigns often depends on factors beyond the ads themselves, such as the quality of the landing page experience and the accuracy of the data being collected.

The doko methodology: how they actually get results for clients

Dedicated Consultants and Strategic Alignment: Their Approach to Partnership

One of the core elements of Doko's methodology is their commitment to providing dedicated consultants for each client. This means businesses are not just another account number but have a specific point of contact who understands their industry, business model, and objectives. These consultants work closely with clients to align Google Ads strategies with broader business goals, ensuring that campaigns are not run in isolation but are integrated into the overall marketing and sales strategy. This strategic alignment is crucial for ensuring that campaigns are designed to deliver the right outcomes, whether that is lead generation, online sales, or store visits. The consultants act as partners, providing strategic advice, proactive recommendations, and ongoing support, rather than simply executing tasks. This approach fosters stronger relationships and leads to better long-term results, as the agency develops a deep understanding of each client's unique challenges and opportunities.

Tracking, reporting, and continuous optimisation: the technical edge

Doko places a strong emphasis on the technical aspects of campaign management that are often overlooked but are critical for success. Reliable tracking is fundamental, and they ensure that conversion tracking is accurately set up so that campaign performance can be measured against real business outcomes. They provide transparent reporting, giving clients clear visibility into how their ad spend is performing, which campaigns are driving results, and where opportunities for improvement lie. Crucially, Doko commits to continuous optimisation. They do not simply set campaigns up and leave them to run; they actively monitor performance, test different approaches, adjust bids and targeting, refine ad copy, and make data-driven decisions to improve results over time. This iterative process of testing, learning, and refining is what separates effective campaign management from simply running ads. It is this technical edge, combined with their strategic approach, that enables Doko to consistently deliver strong performance for their clients.

Doko's 8-step process: from initial chat to final report

Steps 1-4: discovery, strategy, setup, and launch

Doko follows a structured eight-step process designed to ensure campaigns are set up for success from the outset. The process begins with a discovery phase, where the agency takes the time to understand the client's business, target audience, competitive landscape, and specific goals. This initial conversation is crucial for ensuring alignment and setting realistic expectations. Following discovery, Doko develops a tailored strategy, outlining the recommended campaign types, targeting approach, budget allocation, and key performance indicators. Once the strategy is agreed, the agency moves into the setup phase, building campaigns, creating ad copy, setting up tracking, and ensuring all technical elements are in place. This includes configuring conversion tracking, linking Google Analytics, and setting up any necessary integrations. The final step in this initial phase is the launch, where campaigns go live and begin delivering ads. Even at launch, Doko ensures that all monitoring tools are in place and that clients are informed about what to expect in the early days of a campaign.

Steps 5-8: monitoring, optimisation, reporting, and ongoing refinement

Once campaigns are live, Doko's process shifts to ongoing management and improvement. Step five involves close monitoring of campaign performance, watching for any issues or opportunities and ensuring campaigns are spending budget effectively. Step six is optimisation, where the agency makes adjustments based on the data collected, such as refining targeting, testing new ad variations, adjusting bids, or pausing underperforming elements. Step seven is regular reporting, where Doko provides clients with clear, transparent reports that show performance against the agreed KPIs, highlight successes, and identify areas for further improvement. The final step is ongoing refinement, a continuous cycle of learning and adapting. This means that campaigns are never static; they evolve based on performance data, changes in the market, and shifts in business priorities. This structured yet flexible approach ensures that clients receive consistent value and that campaigns continue to improve over time.

Doko's green flags: transparency, business focus, and adaptability

Why transparency matters: open communication about campaigns and costs

Transparency is a core value for Doko and one of the key reasons they are considered a solid choice. They are open and honest about how they operate, what they charge, and what clients can realistically expect from their campaigns. There are no hidden fees, and clients have full visibility into where their ad spend is going and how campaigns are performing. This open communication extends to regular updates, honest assessments of what is working and what is not, and a willingness to discuss challenges as well as successes. In an industry where some agencies can be opaque about their methods or overpromise on results, Doko's commitment to transparency is a significant green flag. It builds trust, ensures clients are informed partners in the process, and ultimately leads to better outcomes because decisions are based on accurate information rather than hype or unrealistic expectations.

Business-oriented approach: landing pages, tracking, and conversion goals

Doko's approach is fundamentally business-oriented, meaning they focus on what truly matters to their clients: driving tangible business results. This is reflected in their emphasis on conversion goals, ensuring that campaigns are designed to drive actions that have real value, such as purchases, leads, or sign-ups. They also place significant importance on landing page quality, understanding that even the best ad campaign will fail if users land on a poorly designed or irrelevant page. Doko advises clients on landing page best practices and can work with them to improve conversion rates. Their focus on accurate tracking ensures that every conversion is measured, providing a clear picture of campaign performance. This business-oriented mindset means that Doko is not just interested in generating clicks or impressions; they are focused on delivering outcomes that contribute to their clients' bottom line. This practical, results-driven approach is what makes them stand out.

What doko won't promise: the honest truth about roas guarantees

Why no legitimate agency can guarantee specific returns

One of the most important aspects of Doko's transparency is what they do not promise. They do not offer guarantees of specific return on ad spend figures, and there is a very good reason for this: no legitimate agency can. While an agency can control the quality of campaign setup, the targeting strategy, the ad creative, and the ongoing optimisation, they cannot control all the factors that influence whether a user ultimately converts. These external factors include the quality of the client's product or service, the pricing strategy, the competitiveness of the market, the user experience on the website, the effectiveness of customer service, and broader economic conditions. An agency that promises guaranteed ROAS is either being dishonest or is setting themselves up to manipulate data or cherry-pick results. Doko's refusal to make such promises is a sign of integrity and a realistic understanding of the limits of paid advertising.

External factors that influence campaign performance beyond ad management

Campaign performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that sit outside the direct control of an agency managing the ads. The quality and relevance of the landing page, the checkout process for e-commerce sites, the speed of the website, the clarity of the product information, the trust signals present, and the overall brand reputation all play significant roles in determining conversion rates. Market conditions, such as seasonality, economic downturns, or shifts in consumer behaviour, can also have a major impact. Competitor activity and pricing strategies can influence how well campaigns perform. Internal business factors, such as stock availability, delivery times, or customer service quality, also affect whether a user who clicks on an ad ultimately becomes a paying customer. Doko acknowledges these realities and works with clients to address as many of these factors as possible, but they are honest about the fact that they cannot control everything. This honesty is refreshing and helps set realistic expectations from the outset.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an SEA Agency in 2026

What Should I Look for When Hiring an SEA Agency?

When hiring an SEA agency, prioritise transparency, proven expertise, and a clear methodology. Look for agencies that are open about their processes and costs, that provide regular and understandable reporting, and that focus on business outcomes rather than just vanity metrics. Check for client reviews, case studies, and evidence of managing substantial ad spend. Ask about their approach to tracking and conversion optimisation. Ensure they offer dedicated support rather than a one-size-fits-all service. Be wary of agencies that promise guaranteed returns or that are vague about how they operate. A good agency will be honest about what they can and cannot control and will work with you as a partner to achieve your business goals.

How do i know if an agency's approach fits my business?

To determine if an agency's approach fits your business, start by having an initial consultation to discuss your specific goals, challenges, and budget. A good agency will take the time to understand your business model, target audience, and competitive landscape before proposing a strategy. Ask them to explain how they would approach your particular situation and what kind of campaigns they would recommend. Discuss their experience working with businesses similar to yours and ask for relevant case studies. Pay attention to whether they ask insightful questions about your business and whether they demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding your needs. If an agency's approach feels generic or if they are pushing a one-size-fits-all solution without taking the time to understand your specific context, it is probably not the right fit. The best partnerships are built on mutual understanding and a shared commitment to achieving your business objectives.