SEM By Design

SEM By Design is a digital marketing agency founded in 2015, headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. The agency positions itself as an outsourced marketing partner for local service professionals, plumbers, roofers, and other trades in the Topeka, Lawrence, and Manhattan areas. Their core philosophy is "Foundation First. Growth Follows," emphasizing a strong online foundation before pursuing paid advertising.

The agency operates with a team of under 49 employees and maintains a minimum project budget of $1,000 to $10,000 with an average hourly rate of $150. They were founded in 2015 and are led by Steve, who is the primary point of contact mentioned in client reviews. The agency's approach includes a Marketing Playbook process that provides a data-driven, transparent analysis of a client's online presence.

SEM By Design offers five core services: digital strategy, email marketing, web design, SEO, and PPC. Their areas of expertise include SEM, construction SEO, and technical SEO. They serve clients across eCommerce, construction, agriculture, consumer goods, and real estate industries, working with startups, small businesses, and medium businesses.

The agency has received a 5.0 rating on Google from 8 reviews. Clients consistently praise Steve's knowledge, communication, and ability to deliver clear, actionable strategies. One reviewer noted that Steve's understanding of Google Business Profile optimization, Google Ads, PPC, and SEM rivals any major agency. Another client reported that SEM By Design helped them exceed their original business goals.

Portfolio clients include Ink Roads, RetireKS, and Kansas Realty. The agency's process emphasizes education over persuasion, with a focus on building a professional conversion-focused website, a dominant Google Business Profile, and a system for getting 5-star reviews before pursuing paid ads. They treat each client's business as their own, providing director-level strategy without the C-suite salary.