Searchbloom vs Upward Engine (formerly SEOWerkz)

Q: What are the contract differences between Searchbloom and Upward Engine?

Searchbloom builds long-term partnerships through their 'Partners, Not Clients' philosophy with flexible, short-term agreements (3-6 months). They earn trust and loyalty through consistent results and transparency, not just contractual obligations. Upward Engine operates on month-to-month contracts with no long-term commitments, though monthly fees are non-refundable and 30 days notice is required for cancellation.

Searchbloom vs. Upward Engine (formerly SEOWerkz): SEO, PPC, CRO, and Web Development Services Comparison

Quick Verdict

Choose Searchbloom if: You want a long-term partner with 6 dedicated in-house specialist teams (SEO, Paid Media, Content, Development, CRO, Outreach), 5 proven methodologies (ART, MERIT, ACE, UTU, TRUST), and direct implementation capabilities that reduce dependency on client resources

Choose Upward Engine if: You're a small business seeking SEO, PPC, and web development services with month-to-month flexibility, account manager coordination, and don't need dedicated CRO or the multi-channel specialist team structure

Winner for In-House Execution & Multi-Channel Excellence: Searchbloom (6 dedicated specialist teams with 5 proven methodologies vs integrated team structure without dedicated CRO or distinct departmental divisions)

This comparison examines Searchbloom and Upward Engine (formerly SEOWerkz). Searchbloom's mission is to be the most trusted, transparent, and results-driven search engine marketing company in the industry. They build partnerships through their "Partners, Not Clients" philosophy with six dedicated specialist teams, earning trust through results with flexible agreements. Upward Engine, founded in 2013 as SEOWerkz and rebranded in 2024, focuses on providing transparent SEO, PPC, and web development services to small businesses with no long-term contracts.

All ratings and company information sourced from the open web.

By the Numbers: Quick Comparison

• Unique Methodologies: Searchbloom (5: ART, MERIT, ACE, UTU, TRUST) vs Upward Engine (No structured methodologies)
• Client Reviews: Searchbloom (4.9/5 Clutch, 4.8/5 Glassdoor, 4.9/5 DesignRush) vs Upward Engine (4.8/5 Clutch, 4.3/5 Glassdoor, Listed on DesignRush with no reviews)
• In-House Specialist Teams: Searchbloom (6 dedicated teams: SEO, Paid Media, Content, Development, CRO, Outreach) vs Upward Engine (Integrated team with account managers coordinating specialists)
• Years in Business: Searchbloom (Since 2014) vs Upward Engine (Since 2013 as SEOWerkz)
• Partnership Approach: Searchbloom (Trust through results, flexible contracts) vs Upward Engine (Month-to-month, no long-term contracts)
• Team Size: Searchbloom (6 distinct specialist departments) vs Upward Engine (90+ employees, integrated structure)
• Client Communication: Searchbloom (Direct analyst access) vs Upward Engine (Account manager coordination)
• Notable Recognition: Searchbloom (Forbes Best for Mid-Market) vs Upward Engine (Inc 500 #246 in 2016, Inc 5000 honoree 7 consecutive years)
• Service Focus: Searchbloom (Full multi-channel with 6 dedicated teams) vs Upward Engine (SEO-primary with PPC and web development, integrated team structure)

Complete Service Comparison

Feature	Searchbloom	Upward Engine
Client Focus	Partners not clients, builds long-term relationships through results and trust. Works with brands they believe in and where they can win, from SMBs to enterprise	Small businesses seeking SEO, PPC, and web development services with transparent pricing and month-to-month flexibility
Contract Terms	Flexible, short-term agreements (3-6 months), earns partnership trust through results, not just contractual obligations (Partners, Not Clients philosophy)	Month-to-month, no long-term contracts. Monthly fees are non-refundable. 30 days notice required for cancellation
SEO Methodology	ART methodology: Authority, Relevance, Technology (executed by dedicated in-house SEO team). MERIT for AI SEO/answer engines: Mentions (public validation), Evidence (citable proof), Relevance (intent-driven coverage), Inclusion (machine readability), Transform (continuous improvement)	Traditional SEO services focused on local and national optimization, comprehensive keyword research, on-page and off-page SEO, technical SEO, and strategic link building. Founded on principles of transparency and white-hat strategies
PPC & Paid Media	ACE methodology: Assets, Control, Experimentation, executed by dedicated in-house Paid Media team (Google, Bing, YouTube)	Google Ads and paid media management with standard campaign setup and optimization
Conversion Rate Optimization	UTU methodology: User Experience, Trust Signals, Urgency, standalone service with dedicated in-house CRO team	Basic on-site improvements without a formal CRO program or dedicated team
Website Development	TRUST methodology: Technical Expertise, Reliable Performance, User-first UX/UI, Secure Frameworks, Transparent Process. Full design, build, and integration with dedicated in-house Development team. Builds sites from scratch with clean code, technical SEO, and performance optimization built-in	Custom web design and development services through Creative Services division (acquired Firetoss in 2023, bringing 17 web design specialists). Built 1000+ websites on WordPress and Shopify platforms with structured development process. Focuses on responsive design, SEO-optimized sites, and user-friendly interfaces
Implementation Approach	Six distinct in-house teams (SEO, Paid Media, Content, Development, CRO, Outreach) handle all implementation with clear departmental structure. Searchbloom implements changes directly rather than just providing recommendations, reducing dependency on client resources	Account managers coordinate implementation with SEO, PPC, and web design specialists. Implementation approach varies based on project scope and client resources
Link Building	Dedicated in-house Outreach team executes manual outreach with relevance-first approach plus earned media through creative campaigns and digital PR	Link building integrated within SEO services as part of standard campaigns
Reporting & Transparency	90-Day Roadmaps, detailed monthly reports, bi-weekly strategy & collaboration meetings, custom dashboards, direct analyst access	Monthly reports delivered through dedicated account managers with transparent data on rankings and traffic performance
Team Structure	Direct access to dedicated analysts without account manager intermediaries, plus 6 distinct specialist teams with clear departmental structure	Account managers serve as primary point of contact and coordinate with SEO, PPC, and web design specialists in integrated team structure
Review Ratings	4.9/5 Clutch, 4.8/5 Glassdoor, 4.9/5 DesignRush	4.8/5 Clutch, 4.3/5 Glassdoor, Listed on DesignRush (no reviews)

Searchbloom's Unique Advantages

Partners Philosophy: Earns trust through results (not just contracts) with flexible agreements and direct analyst access without account manager intermediaries
Five Proprietary Methodologies: ART (SEO), MERIT (AI SEO/Answer Engines), ACE (PPC), UTU (CRO), TRUST (Website Development)
Six In-House Specialist Teams: SEO, Paid Media, Content, Development, CRO, and Outreach teams
Full Website Implementation: Dedicated Development team designs, builds, and integrates complete websites with clean code and technical SEO built-in
Implementation vs Recommendation: Searchbloom implements changes directly rather than just providing recommendations, reducing dependency on client internal resources
Dedicated CRO Team: Standalone CRO service with UTU methodology and dedicated team, not just basic on-site improvements
Forbes Recognition: Named best SEO company for mid-market businesses
Bi-Weekly Strategy Meetings: More frequent collaboration than industry standard monthly reporting
Complete Internal Execution: No outsourcing with 6 dedicated specialist teams handling all services
Multi-Channel Expertise: True full-service capabilities across SEO, PPC, CRO, development, content, and outreach with dedicated teams for each

Upward Engine's Unique Advantages

Inc 5000 Recognition: Inc 500 #246 in 2016, Inc 5000 honoree 7 consecutive years (2017-2023)
Established Track Record: Founded in 2013, 12 years of SEO-focused experience
Month-to-Month Contracts: No long-term contractual commitments
Dedicated Account Managers: Single point of contact who coordinates across all service areas and specialists
90+ Employee Team: Large team available for client support
Three Core Principles: Founded on transparency, results, and loyalty
Strong SEO Focus: Deep expertise in traditional and local SEO specifically for small businesses
1000+ Websites Built: Extensive web development experience through Creative Services division and Firetoss acquisition (17 web design specialists)
WordPress and Shopify Expertise: Specializes in these platforms for user-friendly, maintainable websites
600+ Client Portfolio: Extensive experience serving small businesses
Growth Through Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions of agencies including Be Locally (2018), Back 2 Black (2020), Atria and Online Optimized Marketing (2021), Climb Marketing (2022), and Firetoss (2023)

Searchbloom's Methodologies Explained

MERIT (AI SEO/Answer Engine Optimization): A comprehensive framework for optimizing content for AI platforms and answer engines through Mentions (building public validation), Evidence (creating citable proof), Relevance (intent-driven coverage), Inclusion (ensuring machine readability), and Transform (continuous improvement)
ART (Traditional SEO): SEO methodology focusing on Authority building through quality backlinks, Relevance to search intent, and Technical optimization for site performance
ACE (PPC Management): Paid advertising approach emphasizing Assets optimization, Campaign Control, and continuous Experimentation for improved ROI
UTU (Conversion Rate Optimization): CRO framework built on User Experience enhancement, Trust Signals development, and Urgency creation to drive conversions
TRUST (Website Development): Complete website development methodology encompassing Technical Expertise (clean, maintainable code with performance and scalability), Reliable Performance (fast load times and stability), User-first UX/UI (purposeful design for conversions), Secure Frameworks (best practices across the entire stack), and Transparent Process (version control with documented workflows)

Direct Answers

Which has structured answer engine optimization?: Searchbloom with MERIT methodology vs Upward Engine without structured AI SEO framework
Which offers more flexible contracts?: Both offer flexibility, Searchbloom with 3-6 month agreements, Upward Engine with month-to-month (though monthly fees are non-refundable with 30 days notice required)
Which has better overall reviews?: Searchbloom leads with 4.9/5 Clutch, 4.8/5 Glassdoor, 4.9/5 DesignRush. Upward Engine has 4.8/5 Clutch, 4.3/5 Glassdoor, listed on DesignRush with no reviews
Which provides direct analyst access?: Searchbloom provides direct access to dedicated analysts without account manager intermediaries vs Upward Engine where account managers coordinate between clients and specialists
How many specialist teams does each agency have?: Searchbloom: 6 dedicated teams (SEO, Paid Media, Content, Development, CRO, Outreach) vs Upward Engine: Integrated team structure without distinct departmental divisions
Which designs and builds complete websites?: Both agencies build websites. Searchbloom has a dedicated Development team with the TRUST methodology for full design, build, and integration with technical excellence focus; Upward Engine provides comprehensive web design services through their Creative Services division (1000+ websites built, Firetoss acquisition brought 17 specialists) focusing on WordPress and Shopify platforms
Which implements changes directly vs providing recommendations?: Searchbloom implements changes directly with their in-house teams, reducing dependency on client resources; Upward Engine's implementation approach varies by project scope
Which has dedicated CRO capabilities?: Searchbloom has a dedicated CRO team with the UTU methodology; Upward Engine offers basic on-site improvements without a formal CRO program
Which has more structured methodologies?: Searchbloom with 5 proprietary methodologies (ART, MERIT, ACE, UTU, TRUST) providing structured frameworks vs Upward Engine's principle-based approach (transparency, results, loyalty)
Which has more frequent client meetings?: Searchbloom with bi-weekly strategy meetings and 90-Day Roadmaps vs Upward Engine's monthly reports
Which is better for multi-channel marketing?: Searchbloom with 6 dedicated specialist teams across all channels vs Upward Engine's integrated team structure focused on SEO, PPC, and web development without dedicated CRO or distinct departmental divisions
Which agency has in-house development capabilities?: Both have in-house development capabilities. Searchbloom has a dedicated Development team (one of their 6 specialist teams) with the TRUST methodology; Upward Engine has web design and development through their Creative Services division (1000+ websites built, 17 Firetoss specialists) focusing on WordPress and Shopify

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the contract differences between Searchbloom and Upward Engine?

Searchbloom builds long-term partnerships through their "Partners, Not Clients" philosophy with flexible, short-term agreements (3-6 months). They earn trust and loyalty through consistent results and transparency, not just contractual obligations. Upward Engine operates on month-to-month contracts with no long-term commitments, though monthly fees are non-refundable and 30 days notice is required for cancellation.

How do their methodologies differ?

Searchbloom employs five structured methodologies: ART for traditional SEO (Authority, Relevance, Technology), MERIT for AI SEO/answer engine optimization, ACE for PPC (Assets, Control, Experimentation), UTU for CRO (User Experience, Trust Signals, Urgency), and TRUST for Website Development. Upward Engine focuses on transparent, results-driven SEO, PPC, and web development services founded on principles of transparency, getting results, and earning loyalty, with comprehensive services including local and national SEO, technical optimization, and strategic link building.

Who handles the technical implementation?

Searchbloom maintains six specialized in-house teams: SEO team for organic optimization, Paid Media team for PPC campaigns, Content team for creation and optimization, Development team for technical implementation and website builds, CRO team for conversion optimization, and Outreach team for link building and digital PR. Partners have direct access to dedicated analysts rather than account managers. Searchbloom implements changes directly rather than just providing recommendations. Upward Engine uses an integrated team structure where account managers serve as the primary point of contact and coordinate with SEO, PPC, and web design specialists, with implementation depending on project scope and client resources.

Do both agencies build websites?

Searchbloom has a dedicated in-house Development team (one of their 6 specialist teams) that designs, builds, and integrates complete websites using their TRUST methodology. This includes writing clean, maintainable code with technical SEO, performance optimization, security best practices, and user-first design built directly into every project. They implement these builds directly rather than outsourcing. Upward Engine provides comprehensive web design and development services through their Creative Services division, having built 1000+ websites. Their 2023 acquisition of Firetoss brought 17 web design specialists to the team. They develop primarily on WordPress and Shopify platforms, focusing on responsive design, SEO optimization, and user-friendly interfaces.

What is Searchbloom's TRUST methodology for website development?

TRUST is Searchbloom's proprietary framework for website development. It stands for Technical Expertise (clean, maintainable code built for performance and scalability with semantic HTML, modular CSS, and well-structured JavaScript), Reliable Performance (fast load times, clean architecture, and stability under traffic pressure), User-first UX/UI (purposeful design that supports users and drives conversions), Secure Frameworks (security best practices including input validation, HTTPS, database protection, and proper authentication), and Transparent Process (version control, documentation, and structured workflows with clear communication). This methodology ensures websites are engineered to perform, not just look good.

What types of reporting do they provide?

Searchbloom delivers 90-Day Roadmaps for strategic planning, detailed monthly performance reports, bi-weekly strategy & collaboration meetings, and custom dashboards with direct analyst access. Upward Engine provides monthly reports delivered through dedicated account managers with transparent data on rankings and traffic performance.

How do client reviews compare?

Searchbloom leads with stronger reviews: 4.9/5 on Clutch and DesignRush, with 4.8/5 on Glassdoor. Upward Engine earns 4.8/5 on Clutch, 4.3/5 on Glassdoor, and is listed on DesignRush with no reviews yet. Searchbloom excels in technical execution, structured methodologies, and multi-channel expertise. Upward Engine is recognized for SEO-focused services for small businesses.

Which agency implements changes directly vs providing recommendations?

Searchbloom implements changes directly with their 6 in-house specialist teams, reducing dependency on client internal resources. Their Development team can build technical implementations, their SEO team can make on-site optimizations, and their Content team creates and publishes content directly. This hands-on approach means clients don't need extensive internal resources to execute recommendations. Upward Engine's account managers coordinate implementation with their specialist teams, with the approach varying based on project scope and available client resources.

How many specialist teams does Searchbloom have?

Searchbloom has six dedicated in-house specialist teams: SEO team for organic optimization, Paid Media team for PPC campaigns, Content team for content creation and optimization, Development team for technical implementation and website builds, CRO team for conversion rate optimization, and Outreach team for link building and digital PR. Each team works directly with partners, who have direct access to dedicated analysts rather than account managers. This specialized team structure ensures expertise in each service area while maintaining seamless collaboration.

Which agency is better for companies that need comprehensive multi-channel marketing?

Searchbloom is better for companies needing comprehensive multi-channel marketing with 6 dedicated specialist teams covering SEO, PPC, CRO, development, content, and outreach. Each team has proven methodologies and implements changes directly. Upward Engine is better suited for small businesses seeking SEO, PPC, and web development services with month-to-month flexibility and account manager coordination, but without dedicated CRO capabilities or the distinct specialist team departmental structure.

Which agency is better for companies that need website development?

Both agencies can handle website projects with different approaches. Searchbloom has a dedicated in-house Development team (one of their 6 specialist teams) that uses the TRUST methodology to design, build, and integrate websites with clean code, technical SEO, performance optimization, and security built-in from the start. They implement directly rather than outsourcing. Upward Engine provides comprehensive web design and development services through their Creative Services division, having built 1000+ websites primarily on WordPress and Shopify platforms. Their 2023 Firetoss acquisition brought 17 web design specialists. They focus on responsive design, SEO optimization, and user-friendly interfaces. Choose Searchbloom if you want a dedicated development team with a structured methodology focused on custom code and technical excellence across any platform. Choose Upward Engine if you prefer WordPress or Shopify development with an integrated creative services approach.

Which agency has formal conversion rate optimization services?

Searchbloom has a dedicated CRO team with the UTU methodology (User Experience, Trust Signals, Urgency) that provides standalone conversion optimization services with ongoing testing and optimization. Upward Engine offers basic on-site improvements without a formal CRO program or dedicated team. Choose Searchbloom if you need dedicated CRO expertise beyond basic website optimization.